Nicaragua residency in 2026: categories, requirements and fees

Temporary residence

It lasts 3 months to 1 year and is renewable. There are 14 subcategories, including professionals and technicians, businesspeople and managers, journalists, students, religious workers, workers, artists, athletes, retirees, rentistas and dependent family members.

Permanent residence

It is granted for 3 months to 5 years, renewable, to: immigrants, immigrants with capital (investors), their spouses, children and parents, people with blood or marriage ties to Nicaraguans, and refugees. People of Central American origin can apply directly.

Since the 2024 reform you can no longer move to permanent residence after 3 years of temporary residence.

Common documents

• Application form.
• Passport valid for at least 6 more months (copy of the data page and used pages).
• Photos 4.5 × 3.5 cm on a white background.
• Birth certificate.
• Criminal-record certificate covering the last 3 years from your country of origin or residence (or an Interpol Nicaragua certificate).
• Health certificate.
• After approval, a guarantee deposit equal to a return ticket to your country (with exemptions, for example spouses of Nicaraguans married more than 2 years).

Official fees

Amounts from Art. 122 of Law 761 as amended by Law 1228. The law states them in US dollars or Central American pesos ($CA) and allows payment in córdobas at the official rate.

Timelines and obligations

• The regulation sets 30 business days to decide on the residence card; one law firm reports 6 to 8 months in practice for pensioners.
• You must collect the card within 60 days of approval.
• While your application is pending, keep extending your tourist stay.
• Report changes in civil status, address or activity to Migration within 15 days.
• Residence can be revoked for reasons including taking part in political activity, working without authorization, or being away more than 6 months (temporary) or more than 1 year (permanent).