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Head to head

Costa Rica vs Philippines: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; Philippines — territorial taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Philippines DNV.
Criteria Costa Rica DNV Philippines DNV
Minimum income / month €2,760 No fixed threshold
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Savings accepted
Initial duration 1 year 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No No
Path to citizenship No No
Family inclusion Yes (better) No
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 —
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Embassy / consulate, Online
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

Philippines 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 Philippines →

Sources