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Head to head

Costa Rica vs Taiwan: the digital nomad visas compared

Verified data 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 €4,400 for Taiwan.
  • Taiwan grants a longer initial stay (36 months vs 12), and it is renewable.
  • Only Taiwan offers a direct path to permanent residence on this permit.
  • Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; Taiwan — special tax regime. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Taiwan Gold Card.
Criteria Costa Rica DNV Taiwan Gold Card
Minimum income / month €2,760 (better) €4,400
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Salary / employment contract
Initial duration 1 year 3 years (better)
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) Special tax regime (Tax incentives for foreign special professionals (Art. 20, Act for the Recruitment and Employment of Foreign Professionals))
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €46,000 Required in practice
Insurance duration required Full visa period Full visa period
Application fee ≈ €92 (better) ≈ €157
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Online, Embassy / consulate, In country
Processing time 2–3 weeks 4–12 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Taiwan Gold Card →

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 Taiwan →

Sources