Moving to Nicaragua from Costa Rica
What depends on your nationality: entry, documents and your government’s advice.
Immigration rules changed several times between 2024 and 2026. Confirm your case with the DGME or a Nicaraguan lawyer.
Entry
People of Central American origin can apply directly for permanent residence and naturalize without renouncing their nationality. Confirm the entry category for your passport with the DGME.
Documents and apostille
Costa Rica has applied the Apostille Convention since 2011-12-14. Your public documents (birth certificate, criminal record, marriage certificate) only need an apostille to be used in Nicaragua.
Guides
- What changed in Nicaragua’s immigration rules from 2024 to 2026
- Nicaragua residency in 2026: categories, requirements and fees
- Retiring in Nicaragua: retiree and rentista residence in 2026
- How long you can stay in Nicaragua as a tourist and how to extend
- Nicaragua visa requirements by nationality (2026)
- Apostille for Nicaragua: which countries only need an apostille
- Permanent residency and Nicaraguan citizenship: rules since 2024
- Working in Nicaragua as a foreigner: permits and remote work
- Safety and travel advisories for Nicaragua (2026)
Sources: Disposition 002-2026 on visa categories (text reproduced by Canal 4); HCCH, Apostille Convention status table; Law 1228 (amending Law 761), La Gaceta No. 222, 29 Nov 2024.