The pandemic caused by Covid-19 drastically changed the way we work and if there’s one thing we are sure about, it is that our working life will never be the way it was.
The pandemic caused by Covid-19 drastically changed the way we work and if there’s one thing we are sure about, it is that our working life will never be the way it was.
Faced with this new reality, companies have been forced to ask themselves if teleworking is here to stay. This has also caused a restructuring in their organizations in order to find the most appropriate solution for company, as well for its workers.
In Central America, Costa Rica has been the first country to provide a law to people knows as “Digital nomads”, Digital nomads need new technologies to carry out their occupations, while traveling through different countries of the world.
This law called "Law 10008, Law to Attract Remote Workers and Providers of International Services", better known as "Digital Nomads Law", was approved in a second debate by the Legislative Assembly and was signed by President Carlos Alvarado last Wednesday, August 11, 2021 and has as purpose digital nomads move to Costa Rica with a special visa, eliminating the intervention of multiple public entities, obtaining a response in just 15 days.
This benefit may only be requested by foreigners who provide services to clients outside of national soil, it does not apply to Costa Ricans who travel through different regions of the country, providing services for international clients.
Among the rights to be granted are:
- Valid and legal permission to stay in Costa Rica territory for a period of 12 months, with the right to extend it up to 24 months;
- Open bank accounts in national banking system;
- Importation of basic computer tools, laptop, telecommunications or similar equipment, necessary to fulfill their tasks or the provision of their services, and also will be exonerated from paying all taxes.
- If the beneficiary has an extended driver's license in their country, it will be valid in Costa Rica.
- Exception of paying any income tax during the time of their visa.
- They will not cancel any social security contribution.
In order to apply to these benefits, Digital Nomads must prove they receive a stable monthly remuneration equal or greater than US $ 3000.00, also the benefit can be for two people who make the family group, with an income equal or higher monthly average between both people; as well as having a medical insurance that covers their stay in the country.
