How long you can stay, by passport
| Passport | Stay | Details |
|---|---|---|
 EU, EEA or Swiss passport | Up to 180 days | Visa-free for up to 180 days, as set by the officer at entry. Cannot be extended, except up to 90 days total if you were given fewer than 90. |
 UK, Canadian, Australian or NZ passport | Up to 180 days | Visa-free for up to 180 days, as set by the officer at entry. Cannot be extended, except up to 90 days total if you were given fewer than 90. |
 US passport | Up to 180 days | Visa-free for up to 180 days, as set by the officer at entry. Cannot be extended, except up to 90 days total if you were given fewer than 90. |
 Indian passport | Visa · 30 days | Visa required. Holders of a valid US, Canada or Schengen visa may be exempt; the stay cannot exceed that visa's validity (Schengen visa must have 90+ days left). |
Counted in a calendar year.
The longest you can stay out of Costa Rica in a row before a standard permit lapses.
Tax residency in Costa Rica
Resident after more than 183 days in the calendar-year tax period, continuous or not. Short trips abroad (up to 30 days) still count unless you prove tax residence elsewhere.
Keeping a residence permit
Temporary residence can be cancelled after more than 2 consecutive years abroad, unless justified (health, study, family). Permanent residence: 4 years.
How Noverstay keeps you inside the limit
The app logs the country you wake up in, even when it’s closed, and counts every rule above for your passport. It tells you the date you must leave by and reminds you 14 days before. Plan a trip first and it shows every limit it touches.
Questions
How long can a US citizen stay in Costa Rica?
Up to 180 days. Visa-free for up to 180 days, as set by the officer at entry. Cannot be extended, except up to 90 days total if you were given fewer than 90.
How long can British citizens stay in Costa Rica?
Up to 180 days. Visa-free for up to 180 days, as set by the officer at entry. Cannot be extended, except up to 90 days total if you were given fewer than 90.
How long can EU citizens stay in Costa Rica?
Up to 180 days. Visa-free for up to 180 days, as set by the officer at entry. Cannot be extended, except up to 90 days total if you were given fewer than 90.
How long can Indian citizens stay in Costa Rica?
Visa · 30 days. Visa required. Holders of a valid US, Canada or Schengen visa may be exempt; the stay cannot exceed that visa's validity (Schengen visa must have 90+ days left).
When do you become a tax resident in Costa Rica?
You become tax resident after 183 days in a calendar year. Resident after more than 183 days in the calendar-year tax period, continuous or not. Short trips abroad (up to 30 days) still count unless you prove tax residence elsewhere.
How long can you be away from Costa Rica without losing your residence permit?
Temporary residence can be cancelled after more than 2 consecutive years abroad, unless justified (health, study, family). Permanent residence: 4 years.
Can Noverstay count my days in Costa Rica automatically?
Yes. The Noverstay app logs the country you’re in each day, also when it’s closed, and reminds you before your visa or tax limit. Only the country, city and date are stored.
Official sources
Rules change often. This page is not legal or tax advice. Check the official source or a qualified adviser before you rely on a count.