🇨🇷 Costa Rica vs 🇵🇹 Portugal
Complete Tax Residency Comparison for Digital Nomads & Entrepreneurs
Quick Comparison
| Factor | 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | 🇵🇹 Portugal |
|---|---|---|
| Tax System | Territorial | NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) |
| Income Tax (Foreign) | 0% (foreign income) | 20% flat (qualifying income) |
| Capital Gains Tax | 0% (foreign) | 0% (foreign gains) |
| Corporate Tax | 30% | 21% |
| Residency Requirement | Rentista ($2,500/mo income) | D7 Visa (passive income proof) |
| Minimum Stay | None required | 183 days/year |
| Cost of Living | Moderate ($1,800-3,000/mo) | Moderate ($2,000-3,000/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
🇵🇹 Portugal
Highlights
- ✅EU membership & passport path
- ✅NHR tax regime benefits
- ✅High quality of life
- ✅English widely spoken
- ✅Great weather
Considerations
- ⚠️NHR being phased out for new applicants
- ⚠️183-day stay requirement
- ⚠️Higher taxes after NHR ends
Best For
- 👤EU access seekers
- 👤Retirees
- 👤Quality of life focus
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Costa Rica if: You prioritize stable democracy and no army, peaceful. Ideal for retirees, nature lovers, families.
Choose Portugal if: You prioritize eu membership & passport path and nhr tax regime benefits. Ideal for eu access seekers, retirees, quality of life focus.
Not Sure Which is Right for You?
Take our free eligibility assessment to see which tax residency program fits your situation.