Costa Rica vs Malta Digital Nomad Visa: Which Is Right for You?

The short version

Costa Rica has the lower entry bar: €2,760 per month versus €3,500 for Malta.
Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; Malta — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.

Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Malta NRP.
Criteria	Costa Rica DNV	Malta NRP
Minimum income / month	€2,760 (better)	€3,500
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	4 years
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)	Special tax regime (Nomad Residence Permits (Income Tax) Rules (S.L. 123.210))
Health insurance	Required (explicit), min. €46,000	Required (explicit), min. €100,000
Insurance duration required	Full visa period	Full visa period
Application fee	≈ €92 (better)	≈ €300
Where to apply	Online, Embassy / consulate	Online, Embassy / consulate
Processing time	2–3 weeks	6 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Malta NRP →

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.