🇨🇷 Costa Rica vs 🇵🇭 Philippines
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇵🇭 Philippines |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Territorial | Territorial (residents) |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% (foreign income) | 0-35% |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% (foreign) | 6-15% |
| Corporate Tax | 30% | 25% |
| Residency Requirement | Rentista ($2,500/mo income) | SRRV ($50k deposit) |
| Minimum Stay | None required | None required |
| Cost of Living | Moderate ($1,800-3,000/mo) | Very Low ($1,000-2,000/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
🇵🇭 Philippines
Highlights
- ✅English widely spoken
- ✅Very low cost of living
- ✅Beautiful islands
- ✅Friendly people
- ✅Easy residency
Considerations
- ⚠️Infrastructure varies
- ⚠️Typhoon season
- ⚠️Bureaucracy
Best For
- 👤Retirees
- 👤Budget nomads
- 👤English-speaking Asia
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Costa Rica if: You prioritize stable democracy and no army, peaceful. Ideal for retirees, nature lovers, families.
Choose Philippines if: You prioritize english widely spoken and very low cost of living. Ideal for retirees, budget nomads, english-speaking asia.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.