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Head to head

Costa Rica vs Panama: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Panama has the lower entry bar: €2,580 per month versus €2,760 for Costa Rica.
  • Costa Rica grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 9), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; Panama — territorial taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Panama Remote Worker Visa.
Criteria Costa Rica DNV Panama Remote Worker Visa
Minimum income / month €2,760 €2,580 (better)
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year (better) 9 months
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years 18 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) Territorial taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €46,000 Required (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €92 (better) ≈ €215
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate In country
Processing time 2–3 weeks 6–9 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Panama Remote Worker 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 Panama →

Sources