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Head to head

Costa Rica vs Portugal: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data Last verified June 10, 2026 Reviewed by Henry van de Vorming

The short version

  • Costa Rica has the lower entry bar: €2,760 per month versus €3,680 for Portugal.
  • Portugal grants a longer initial stay (24 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Only Portugal offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; Portugal — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Portugal D8.
Criteria Costa Rica DNV Portugal D8
Minimum income / month €2,760 (better) €3,680
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Mixed (salary, freelance or savings)
Initial duration 1 year 2 years (better)
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years No fixed limit
Path to permanent residence No Yes (better)
Path to citizenship No Yes
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 (explicit)
Insurance duration required Full visa period Not specified
Application fee ≈ €92 (better) ≈ €110
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 2–3 weeks 8.6 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Portugal D8 →

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 Portugal →

Sources