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Head to head

Costa Rica vs Iceland: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Costa Rica has the lower entry bar: €2,760 per month versus €6,935 for Iceland.
  • Costa Rica grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; Iceland — unclear — verify individually. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Iceland Remote Work Long-Term Visa.
Criteria Costa Rica DNV Iceland Remote Work Long-Term Visa
Minimum income / month €2,760 (better) €6,935
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 1 year (better) 6 months
Renewable Yes (better) No
Maximum total stay 2 years 6 months
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Ley 10008 incentivos fiscales) Unclear — verify individually
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €46,000 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €92 ≈ €85 (better)
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate In country
Processing time 2–3 weeks 2–4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Iceland Remote Work Long-Term Visa →

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 Iceland →

Sources