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Head to head

Costa Rica vs Italy: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Italy has the lower entry bar: €2,065.83 per month versus €2,760 for Costa Rica.
  • Only Italy offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; Italy — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Italy DNV.
Criteria Costa Rica DNV Italy DNV
Minimum income / month €2,760 €2,065.83 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Yes
Family inclusion Yes Yes
Working for local clients Not allowed Allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Ley 10008 incentivos fiscales) Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €46,000 Required (explicit), min. €30,000
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €92 (better) ≈ €116
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Embassy / consulate
Processing time 2–3 weeks 4–18 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Italy DNV →

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 Italy →

Sources