FAQ
Common questions.
What do I need for the Costa Rica freelance visa?
The official page asks for: a municipal trade licence (patente municipal), a health operating permit, an income certificate from a certified public accountant, proof of tax payment or a tax exemption form, a legalised or apostilled birth certificate and a legalised or apostilled criminal record certificate.
How much money do I need for the Costa Rica freelance visa?
No figure is set. An income certificate from a certified public accountant (Contador Público Autorizado) is needed.
How long can I stay on the Costa Rica freelance visa?
The permit for business owners is given for one year. Yes, the one-year period can be extended.
How much does the Costa Rica freelance visa cost?
The rules list stamp duty of CRC 125 plus CRC 2.50 for each page. Other migration fees were not confirmed.
Who can apply for the Costa Rica freelance visa?
Open to citizens of any other country. Foreign nationals who own a properly set-up business in Costa Rica and work for themselves in it. The rules also cover self-employed people in set sectors such as farming, building and services, based on the country's labour needs.
How do I apply?
The DGME (Costa Rica's migration agency) decides through its foreigners office; the file includes the passport page with the Costa Rica entry stamp.
Sources
- Costa Rica: Special category: self-employed worker in a specific occupation (trabajador de ocupación específica por cuenta propia) (sinalevi.go.cr)
- Costa Rica: DGME, Costa Rica's migration agency (migracion.go.cr)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.