About Nicaragua

Whether you’re looking to visit, live or work in Nicaragua—we can support your immigration needs at every stage of your journey.

If you’re a foreign national looking to visit, live and/or work in Nicaragua, several options are available.

• Business Visits: Depending on your citizenship, you'll generally enter Nicaragua for business visits as a Category A visa national (visa-exempt), Category B visa national (opt to secure a visa at a consular post or on arrival at a Nicaraguan port of entry), or Category C visa national (obtain a Consulted Visa from a consular post with prior authorization from the Nicaraguan immigration authorities). You can stay for up to 90 days as a business visitor and potentially extend your stay depending on the visa category.
• Work Authorization: If you’re looking to work in Nicaragua for less than one year, you can apply for a Work Permit, typically valid for the duration of your assignment and renewable for up to a year if issued for a shorter period. If you intend to work beyond one year—whether employed by a local company or self-employed— you must obtain Temporary Residence status, issued for up to one year and renewable for the same period as the original issuance period. After three years, you may apply for Permanent Residence, valid for up to five years.
• Internships/Traineeships: There are no specific intern/trainee-specific work authorization programs.
• Self-employment: ​​While there are no dedicated work authorization programs for investors or entrepreneurs, you may apply for Permanent Residence (initially granted for up to five years) if you meet one of the following criteria:
  • You can demonstrate economic means from outside Nicaragua equal to at least three times the minimum wage set by the Minimum Salary Commission for the industrial sector; or
  • You have made an investment in certificates, securities, or bonds issued by the Nicaraguan government or a national financial institution. In this case, you must submit the investment certificate issued by MIFIC, along with other required documentation.

Fragomen can also consult on citizenship matters and, as permitted within the confines of local law, may be able to offer citizenship assistance.