Skip to content

Head to head

Costa Rica vs Ecuador: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 15, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Ecuador has the lower entry bar: €1,245 per month versus €2,760 for Costa Rica.
  • Ecuador grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Only Ecuador offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; Ecuador — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Ecuador Visa Nómada (Rentista).
Criteria Costa Rica DNV Ecuador Visa Nómada (Rentista)
Minimum income / month €2,760 €1,245 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 1 year 2 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Ley 10008 incentivos fiscales) Special tax regime (Residencia fiscal temporal (temporary tax-residency regime for new residents))
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €46,000 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €92 (better) ≈ €276
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Embassy / consulate, In country, Online
Processing time 2–3 weeks 1–16 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Ecuador Visa Nómada (Rentista) →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Don't forget insurance

Both programs have their own health-insurance rules — we match plans against each one's published requirement, with the evidence shown.

Insurance for Costa Rica → Insurance for Ecuador →

Sources