Costa Rica Visa vs Panama
Side-by-side comparison of tax rules, income requirements, and visa difficulty.
| Criteria | Costa Rica | Panama |
|---|---|---|
| Income | $3,000/mo | $3,000/mo |
| Savings Option | N/A | N/A |
| Visa Fee | $100 | $300 |
| Processing | 2-3 weeks | 30 days |
| Validity | 1 year (renewable) | 9 months (renewable) |
| Cost Tier | Medium-High | Medium |
| Nomad Cost (est.) | ~$2,900/mo | ~$2,700/mo |
| 1BR Rent | ~$1100 | ~$1200 |
| Internet | 60 Mbps | 110 Mbps |
| Pet Friendliness | 8/10 | 5/10 |
| Tax trigger | 183 days | 183 days |
| Insurance required | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Catch (2026) | Very pet-friendly. | Requires a 'Home Quarantine' and an authentication of the health certificate by the Panamanian Consulate. |