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Head to head

Costa Rica vs Kenya: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Kenya has the lower entry bar: €1,850 per month versus €2,760 for Costa Rica.
  • Kenya grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; Kenya — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Kenya Class N Permit.
Criteria Costa Rica DNV Kenya Class N Permit
Minimum income / month €2,760 €1,850 (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 Indirect (switch required)
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) Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €46,000 Required in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €92 (better) ≈ €185
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Online, In country
Processing time 2–3 weeks —

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Kenya Class N Permit →

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 Kenya →

Sources