What changed in Nicaragua’s immigration rules from 2024 to 2026
Much of what you read online about moving to Nicaragua describes rules that no longer exist. These are the main changes, with the law that made each one.
Immigration rules changed several times between 2024 and 2026, and the authorities apply them with wide discretion. Confirm your case with the immigration directorate (DGME) or a Nicaraguan lawyer before making decisions.
Timeline
- 2 August 2024: Law 1210 (General Tourism Law) repeals Law 694 on resident pensioners and rentistas, with its import benefits, and sets the tourist card at US$10.
- 29 November 2024: Law 1228 amends Migration Law 761. Retirees and rentistas become temporary residents (3 months to 1 year, renewable); the route from 3 years of temporary residence to permanent residence is removed; naturalization requires 7 years of permanent residence; a fee table is added; airlines must send passenger data in advance; refusal of entry cannot be appealed.
- 18 February 2025: the constitutional reform (Law 1234) requires renouncing your original nationality to naturalize, except for Central Americans.
- 16 January 2026: Law 1268 provides that Nicaraguan nationality is lost on acquiring another.
- 16 February 2026: Disposition 002-2026 takes effect: 69 nationalities visa-free, 128 needing a pre-approved visa.
- 13 May 2026: the US reissues its Nicaragua travel advisory at Level 3, “Reconsider Travel”.
What is no longer true
- That retirees receive permanent residence: it is now temporary.
- That minimum incomes of US$600/750 or US$1,000/1,250 apply: those were Law 694 figures and that law is repealed.
- That pensioners can import household goods or a vehicle tax-free: those benefits belonged to Law 694.
- That you can apply for citizenship after 4 years: it is now 7 years of permanent residence plus renouncing your original nationality.
Sources: Law 1210, General Tourism Law (repeals Law 694), 2024; Law 1228 (amending Law 761), La Gaceta No. 222, 29 Nov 2024; Amended Constitution, La Gaceta No. 32, 18 Feb 2025; Law 1268 (nationality), La Gaceta No. 09, 16 Jan 2026; US State Department travel advisory: Nicaragua (Level 3).
Reviewed: 13 Nov 2026