AMERICAN CITIZEN SERVICES

NICARAGUAN IMMIGRATION

U.S. citizens coming for short visits to Nicaragua generally do not need Nicaraguan visas.  However, if you plan to live here on a more permanent basis, you will need to obtain a residency permit.  The best source of information on Nicaraguan Immigration laws is the Nicaraguan government.  We strongly suggest that you contact the Nicaraguan government and/or a Nicaraguan attorney should you have specific questions regarding Nicaraguan immigration laws and procedures.  Hiring an attorney can help guide you through the bureaucratic process.

The information below provides a brief sketch of Nicaraguan immigration procedures and – as Nicaraguan immigration laws change – may not be entirely accurate.

Requesting an Extension of Stay

Nicaraguan Entry/Exit Stamps

Nicaraguan Residency Requirements

Dual Nationality

Requesting an Extension of Stay

At the port of entry, Nicaraguan immigration officials determine how long foreign tourists may stay in Nicaragua.  Those entering without a visa generally can stay up to ninety (90) days.  Foreign tourists requesting an extension of stay should apply at the main offices of Nicaraguan Immigration.

Generally speaking, the following is required:

• Form requesting an extension of stay (available at the Immigration office)
• Your Passport (valid for at least an additional six months)
• Your Nicaraguan entry/exit Stamp given to you by Immigration when you entered Nicaragua
• Fee ranging from approximately $12.00 for one month to less than $40.00 for a three-month extension.

Nicaraguan Immigration imposes a fine on foreigners who exceed their length of stay without proper authorization.  Generally, the fine amounts to a little over $1.00 per day of illegal stay and the foreigner may not leave the country until the fine is paid.  This fine is often waived if the U.S. citizen is a dual national and has a Nicaraguan passport.

Nicaraguan Entry/Exit Stamps

If you are a foreign tourist, your Nicaraguan entry/exit stamp or form authorizing an extension-of-stay must be presented to Nicaraguan Immigration prior to departing Nicaragua.

If you cannot present either of these documents, you will need to go to a Nicaraguan immigration office to seek a replacement.

If you cannot present your entry/exit stamp because it was stolen or lost along with your U.S. passport, then the U.S. Embassy can provide you with a letter for Nicaraguan Immigration.  This letter will explain the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the new passport and request the issuance of a replacement entry/stamp stamp.  You will need to present this letter, your new passport, and request form (available in their offices).  Unless you have overstayed the time allotted to you upon entry into Nicaragua, you will not have to pay a fee.

Nicaraguan Residency Requirements

There are two main categories of residency in Nicaragua: permanent and temporary. Under these two main categories exist a wide variety of subcategories with varying requirements.  The best source of information on Nicaraguan residency requirements is the Nicaraguan government and/or a Nicaraguan attorney. 

The following requirements are common to most subcategories of residency:

• Residency request form (available at the Immigration office)
• Your passport (valid for at least an additional six months)
• Photocopy of every used page of your passport
• Two Nicaraguan passport-size photographs
• Criminal background certificate* (requirement waived for minors)
• Health certificate*
• Birth certificate*
• Fees ranging from approximately $12.00 for the residence card to $30.00 for the residency fee

*Please note that the Nicaraguan government has specific requirements for these documents.  You should contact them before you begin this process in order to understand the exact requirements. The Nicaraguan goverment generally requires that documents coming from the United States be aunthenticated. You will need to contact the authenticating authority in the State (or jurisdiction) where the document was issued to initiate this process. In some cases the Nicaraguan goverment has been known to accept copies of documents sworn to be true  and accurate by the bearer and notarized at the U. S. Embassy. Sample language for such a sworn statement can be found here. You should check with the Nicaragua goverment first to understand what they will accept.

Subcategories for permanent residency include:

• Immigrant resident
• Investors
• Resident leasing or renting property or goods
• Retired or pensioned resident
• Resident through family extension

Subcategories for temporary residency include:

• Work-based resident
• Journalist resident
• Student resident
• Religious resident
• Resident through family extension

For more information on requirements and fees for establishing Nicaraguan residency, contact the Nicaraguan government and/or a Nicaraguan attorney.