Guide to Residency in Nicaragua

Obtaining a residency visa in Nicaragua is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Nicaragua gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.

Please note that the following instructions are a general guide and the process can change. It is always best to consult with the Nicaraguan embassy or consulate, or a legal expert in Nicaraguan immigration law for the most current and personalized advice. Here is a detailed list of steps to obtain residency status in Nicaragua:

• Research the type of residency you qualify for
  • Visit the Nicaraguan immigration authority's website or contact the Nicaraguan embassy to understand the different types of residency (e.g., pensioner, investor, resident for work).
  • Choose the category that best fits your situation.
• Gather the necessary documents
  • Passport valid for at least six months.
  • Birth certificate, apostilled or authenticated by the Nicaraguan consulate.
  • Police record from your country of origin, apostilled or authenticated by the Nicaraguan consulate.
  • Health certificate from a local health institution in Nicaragua.
  • Proof of income or financial stability, such as pension statements or bank certificates.
  • Two recent passport-sized photographs.
• Apply for a Tax Number (Número de Identificación Tributaria, NIT)
  • Visit the nearest Dirección General de Ingresos (DGI) office or their official website (Spanish).
  • Complete the application form for a NIT.
  • Provide a copy of your passport and other requested documents.
  • Wait for the NIT to be issued.
• Translate and legalize documents
  • Translate all required documents into Spanish by a certified translator if they are not already in Spanish.
  • Get the translations legalized at the Nicaraguan consulate or through the appropriate government authority in Nicaragua.
• Submit your residency application
  • Go to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) or their official website (Spanish).
  • Fill out the residency application form.
  • Submit all the gathered and legalized documents along with the application form.
  • Pay the application fee.
• Wait for the application to be processed
  • Residency applications can take several months to be processed.
  • Stay in contact with the DGME to check the status of your application.
• Complete any additional requirements
  • You may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview.
  • Follow any instructions given by the DGME promptly to avoid delays.
• Receive your residency card
  • Once approved, you will be notified to collect your residency card (cédula de residencia).
  • Go to the DGME office where you submitted your application to collect your card.
• Maintain your residency status
  • Be aware of the validity period of your residency and the requirements for renewal.
  • Comply with Nicaraguan laws and regulations to avoid jeopardizing your residency status.

Remember to check for any updates to the process or requirements, as immigration laws can change. It is also advisable to have a local attorney or a trusted advisor who is familiar with Nicaraguan immigration procedures to assist you throughout the process.

What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Nicaragua?

"As mentioned earlier in this report, retiring in Nicaragua is very affordable: In order to qualify for Nicaragua's "Pensionado Visa" you simply prove a monthly income from a retirement, pension or any investment of $600 USD. That has proven to be the LOWEST retirement income requirement of any country in the world," commented one expat living in Granada, Nicaragua.

"In order to enter Nicaragua, visitors must first obtain a visa from a Nicaraguan Embassy or Consulate, as well as a valid passport to travel. Visas cost around $50 depending on the applicant’s nationality and include a multiple entry permission of up to three months. To apply for a visa, applicants need to fill in an application form and submit it along with a valid passport, documentation which proves the purpose of the trip, two passport photos and a valid return ticket. For those looking to move to Nicaragua for an extended period of time, applying for residency is the way to go. To apply for residency in Nicaragua, foreign nationals need to present a valid passport, two passport photos, a copy of their police record from their home country, and proof that they can financially support themselves during their stay in Nicaragua. Additionally, applicants sticking around for longer than 90 days must prove that they have purchased health insurance. The process then involves submitting this documentation to the immigration authority, where their request is evaluated. Depending on the outcome, successful applicants are then granted residency in the country," mentioned one expat living in Nicaragua.