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Head to head

Costa Rica vs Romania: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Costa Rica has the lower entry bar: €2,760 per month versus €5,310 for Romania.
Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Romania Digital Nomad Visa (DNV).
Criteria Costa Rica DNV Romania Digital Nomad Visa (DNV)
Minimum income / month €2,760 (better) €5,310
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 1 year 1 year
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years 3 years
Path to permanent residence No Indirect (switch required)
Path to citizenship No Via permanent residence
Family inclusion Yes (better) No
Working for local clients Not allowed Not allowed
Tax treatment Foreign income exempt (Ley 10008 incentivos fiscales) Foreign income exempt (Digital nomad tax exemption (Law no. 69/2023))
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €46,000 Required (explicit), min. €30,000
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €92 (better) ≈ €120
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Embassy / consulate, Online
Processing time 2–3 weeks 2–9 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Romania Digital Nomad Visa (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 Romania →

Sources