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Nicaragua

Allows stays up to 90 days, shared within the CA-4 agreement (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador).

Visa length

  • Tourist Visa (Short-Stay Visa - Type C): Allows stays of up to 90 days, depending on nationality. Some travelers may enter visa-free.
  • Temporary Residence Permit: Typically valid for 1 year, renewable, issued for work, study, business, or family reunification.
  • Permanent Residence Permit: Grants indefinite stay but requires renewal every 5 years for administrative purposes.

Visa cost

  • Tourist Visa: Costs approximately $50. Visa-exempt travelers only pay an entry fee of around $10.
  • Temporary Residence Permit: Fees vary but typically range from $150 to $300, depending on visa type.
  • Permanent Residence Permit: Costs approximately $500, with additional administrative fees.

Visa extension

  • Tourist Visa: Extensions are possible for an additional 90 days, but must be requested at immigration offices.
  • Temporary Residence Permit: Renewable annually if eligibility criteria are met.
  • Permanent Residence Permit: Indefinite stay but requires renewal every 5 years.

Visa processing time

  • Tourist Visa: Processing takes approximately 7 to 15 days.
  • Temporary Residence Permit: Processing takes around 1 to 3 months, depending on visa type.
  • Permanent Residence Permit: Processing can take 3 to 6 months.

Who can apply?

  • Tourist Visa: Citizens of countries requiring a visa for short stays in Nicaragua.
  • Temporary Residence Permit: Individuals staying for work, study, investment, retirement, or family reunification.
  • Permanent Residence Permit: Individuals who have legally resided in Nicaragua for at least 5 years or meet investment requirements.

Where to apply?

Applications must be submitted at Nicaraguan embassies, consulates, or the immigration offices within Nicaragua.

How to apply:

  1. Complete the visa or residence permit application form.
  2. Gather required documents (passport, photos, financial proof, medical insurance, etc.).
  3. Pay the application fee.
  4. Schedule and attend an interview if required.
  5. Await processing and receive a decision.

Minimum income requirements

  • Tourist visas do not have specific financial requirements.
  • Temporary Residence Permit: Applicants must prove sufficient funds, typically around $10,000 per year.
  • Retirement Residency (Pensionado Program): Requires proof of $600 per month in pension income.
  • Investment Residency: Requires an investment of at least $30,000 in government-approved projects.

Popular cities

  • Managua – The capital and economic hub.
  • Granada – A colonial city with vibrant culture and tourism.
  • León – Known for its history, universities, and art scene.
  • San Juan del Sur – A popular coastal town for expats and surfers.
  • Estelí – Famous for its tobacco industry and scenic landscapes.

Minimum income requirements

  • Spanish – The official language.
  • English – Spoken in tourist areas and the Caribbean coast.
  • Indigenous languages – Spoken in some rural communities.

Average internet speeds

  • Fixed broadband: Average download speed of approximately 30 Mbps.
  • Mobile internet: Average download speed of around 20 Mbps.