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Head to head

Costa Rica vs Thailand: the digital nomad visas compared

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

The short version

  • Costa Rica grants a longer initial stay (12 months vs 6), and it is renewable.
  • Tax treatment differs: Costa Rica — foreign income exempt; Thailand — standard resident taxation. Tax outcomes depend heavily on personal circumstances.
Side-by-side comparison of the Costa Rica DNV and the Thailand DTV.
Criteria Costa Rica DNV Thailand DTV
Minimum income / month €2,760 No fixed threshold
Income basis Mixed (salary, freelance or savings) Savings accepted
Initial duration 1 year (better) 6 months
Renewable Yes Yes
Maximum total stay 2 years 5 years
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) Standard resident taxation
Health insurance Required (explicit), min. €46,000 Not required
Insurance duration required Full visa period —
Application fee ≈ €92 (better) ≈ €350
Where to apply Online, Embassy / consulate Online, Embassy / consulate
Processing time 2–3 weeks 4 weeks

Green values mark the objectively better number in that row.

Full guide

Costa Rica DNV →

Requirements, application steps, insurance and sources.

Full guide

Thailand DTV →

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 Thailand →

Sources