Costa Rica Visa vs UAE (Dubai)
Side-by-side comparison of tax rules, income requirements, and visa difficulty.
| Criteria | Costa Rica | UAE (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|
| Income | $3,000/mo | $3,500/mo |
| Savings Option | N/A | N/A |
| Visa Fee | $100 | $611 |
| Processing | 2-3 weeks | 1 week |
| Validity | 1 year (renewable) | 1 year |
| Cost Tier | Medium-High | High |
| Nomad Cost (est.) | ~$2,900/mo | ~$4,500/mo |
| 1BR Rent | ~$1100 | ~$2100 |
| Internet | 60 Mbps | 180 Mbps |
| Pet Friendliness | 8/10 | 4/10 |
| Tax trigger | 183 days | 183 days |
| Insurance required | Yes | Yes |
| Pet Catch (2026) | Very pet-friendly. | Very hot, so pets must stay indoors 8 months of the year. |