🇨🇷 Costa Rica vs 🇯🇵 Japan
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇯🇵 Japan |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Territorial | Non-Permanent Resident |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% (foreign income) | 5-45% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% (foreign) | 0% (foreign, NPR) |
| Corporate Tax | 30% | 23-30% |
| Residency Requirement | Rentista ($2,500/mo income) | Various visas |
| Minimum Stay | None required | NPR status first 5 years |
| Cost of Living | Moderate ($1,800-3,000/mo) | High ($2,500-4,500/mo) |
🇨🇷 Costa Rica
Highlights
- ✅Stable democracy
- ✅No army, peaceful
- ✅Beautiful nature
- ✅Good healthcare
- ✅Large expat community
Considerations
- ⚠️Higher cost than neighbors
- ⚠️Bureaucratic processes
- ⚠️Some areas touristy
Best For
- 👤Retirees
- 👤Nature lovers
- 👤Families
🇯🇵 Japan
Highlights
- ✅NPR regime excludes foreign gains
- ✅Amazing culture
- ✅Safe country
- ✅Great infrastructure
- ✅Digital nomad visa coming
Considerations
- ⚠️High taxes after NPR ends
- ⚠️Language barrier
- ⚠️Complex bureaucracy
Best For
- 👤Culture enthusiasts
- 👤First 5 years tax planning
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Costa Rica if: You prioritize stable democracy and no army, peaceful. Ideal for retirees, nature lovers, families.
Choose Japan if: You prioritize npr regime excludes foreign gains and amazing culture. Ideal for culture enthusiasts, first 5 years tax planning.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.