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Head to head

Costa Rica vs Norway: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Norway has the lower entry bar: €2,453 per month versus €2,760 for Costa Rica.
  • Only Norway offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; Norway — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Norway Self-employed permit (+ Svalbard route).
Criteria Costa Rica DNV Norway Self-employed permit (+ Svalbard route)
Minimum income / month €2,760 €2,453 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Freelance income
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 Via permanent residence
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 in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €92 (better) ≈ €570
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Embassy / consulate, In country, Online
Processing time 2–3 weeks 8–24 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Norway Self-employed permit (+ Svalbard route) →

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 Norway →

Sources