🇨🇷 Costa Rica vs 🇳🇮 Nicaragua
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇳🇮 Nicaragua |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Territorial | Territorial |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% (foreign income) | 0% (foreign income) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% (foreign) | 0% (foreign) |
| Corporate Tax | 30% | 30% |
| Residency Requirement | Rentista ($2,500/mo income) | $750/mo income proof |
| Minimum Stay | None required | None required |
| Cost of Living | Moderate ($1,800-3,000/mo) | Very Low ($600-1,200/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
🇳🇮 Nicaragua
Highlights
- ✅Lowest cost in Americas
- ✅Beautiful beaches
- ✅Easy residency
- ✅Territorial taxation
- ✅Growing expat community
Considerations
- ⚠️Political concerns
- ⚠️Basic infrastructure
- ⚠️Limited banking
Best For
- 👤Budget nomads
- 👤Beach lovers
- 👤Adventurous types
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Costa Rica if: You prioritize stable democracy and no army, peaceful. Ideal for retirees, nature lovers, families.
Choose Nicaragua if: You prioritize lowest cost in americas and beautiful beaches. Ideal for budget nomads, beach lovers, adventurous types.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.