This guide explains visa options for business and investment in Nicaragua. This is not just for company formation in Nicaragua, it also covers short-term travel, investor residency, and key entry rules. Use this information to plan a successful business trip. This guide outlines the options for short-term visits and provides an overview of the requirements and process for obtaining temporary and permanent residency in the country.
Key Takeaways: Nicaragua Visa and Residency
| What are the main categories of residency in Nicaragua? | The most common is investor residency after investing at least USD$30,000. |
| How long does temporary residency last? | A temporary residency permit is typically granted for one year and is renewable. |
| What are the main documents required for a residency application? | Various, such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and a police clearance certificate. |
| Is there a pathway to full residency? | After three years of temporary residency, one can apply for permanent residency. |
Visa Options for Investors and Business People
Nicaragua provides three main entry options for business activities. Each option serves a different purpose for your trip.
| Visa Type | Primary Use | Main Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist Entry | Short trips for meetings, conferences, or research (up to 90 days). | Purchase a $10 Tourist Card on arrival. |
| Business Visa | Formal business activities without establishing residency. | Apply at a Nicaraguan embassy before travel. |
| Investor Residency | Long-term legal status for a major capital investment. | A minimum investment of $30,000 USD. |
Short-Term Entry: Tourist and Business Visits
You can use a standard tourist entry for short business trips. This option is common for initial meetings or market research. Citizens from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. You must buy a Tourist Card for $10 USD in cash when you arrive.
Applying for a Formal Business Visa
A Business Visa is for more formal or extended business activities. You must get this visa before you travel. You apply at a Nicaraguan embassy or consulate. The application usually needs a letter of invitation from a company in Nicaragua. Plan to apply one to two months before your trip.
Securing an Investor Residency Visa
The Investor Residency program is for people who want to invest capital and live in Nicaragua long-term. This program grants legal residency.
- Investment Amount: You must invest at least $30,000 USD. The investment must be in an approved sector like tourism or agriculture.
- Application Process: The process requires a business plan and proof of your investment. You should hire a local lawyer who specializes in immigration. A lawyer will help you with the application.
The 4-Step Process for a Residency Application
Expert Tip: The Importance of a Local Guarantor
From our experience with the Nicaraguan residency process, a unique and critical requirement is the need for a Nicaraguan citizen or permanent resident to act as a “guarantor” (fiador) for the applicant. This person must provide a formal letter, signed before a notary, in which they vouch for the applicant and take responsibility for them.
We advise all applicants to secure a trusted local contact to act as their guarantor early in the process. This can be a business partner, a legal representative, or a long-term resident. A formal, notarized letter from a credible guarantor is an essential part of a successful residency application.
Step 1: Gather and Legalize Documents
Collect all required personal documents from your home country, such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and a police clearance certificate. These must be apostilled.
Step 2: Submit the Application in Nicaragua
The formal application, along with all supporting documents (including proof of income or employment, and the guarantor letter), must be submitted in person at the main office of the DGME in Managua.
Step 3: Attend an Interview
Applicants are typically required to attend a brief interview with an immigration official as part of the review process.
Step 4: Receive Approval and the Residency Card
Once the residency is approved, you pay the final fees and are issued your official residency card (cédula de residencia).
Governing Body: The General Directorate of Migration
The General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería – DGME) is the government entity in Nicaragua responsible for all immigration matters, including visas, entry permits, and the issuance of residency cards. All residency applications must be submitted to the DGME.
Regional Travel for Business: The CA-4 Agreement
The Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4) helps business travelers work in the region. The agreement includes Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
With a single entry stamp, you can travel between these four countries for up to 90 days. This simplifies regional business management and supply chain operations.
Important Note: As of August 2024, citizens of the United Kingdom need a visa to enter Honduras.
Documents Required for Entry
Every business traveler needs the following documents to enter Nicaragua:
- A passport with at least six months of validity.
- A return or onward airline ticket.
- Proof of enough money to fund your stay.
- Business letters or contacts in Nicaragua (recommended).
- $10 USD cash for the Tourist Card fee.
- A $32 USD departure tax is also required. This tax is often part of your airline ticket price.
Business Establishment Process
Once you secure the correct visa, you can begin establishing your company. This process involves several key legal and financial steps, including company formation, opening a corporate bank account, and performing thorough due diligence on any potential investment. For a detailed guide on these procedures, you can find more information about the process of establishing a business in Nicaragua. A local lawyer is essential to manage these steps correctly.
Maintaining Your Investment and Residency
Securing your investor visa is not the final step. You must maintain your legal status and investment.
Renewing Your Investor Residency
Your initial Investor Residency permit is valid for five years. To maintain it, you must follow specific rules.
- Renewal Process: You can renew your residency permit after the initial five-year period if you continue to meet the program requirements, including maintaining your investment.
- Local ID (Cédula): A key condition is that you must be physically present in Nicaragua at least once every six months to renew your local residency ID card (Cédula). Failure to do this can put your residency status at risk.
Key Risks and Safety Information
You must understand the local risks to protect yourself and your investments.
Personal and Asset Security
Nicaragua’s political situation can create risks. Violent crime exists in cities like Managua. Foreign investors have reported issues with the arbitrary enforcement of laws, including the confiscation of private assets.
- For Personal Safety: Do not display expensive items. Be aware of your surroundings. Stay away from areas known for crime.
- For Asset Protection: You must perform complete due diligence before investing. Hire local legal professionals to protect your capital.
- Be Discreet: Do not discuss local politics. Do not join any political activities.
Local Transportation
Road conditions and public transport can be difficult.
- Use Private Cars: Do not use public taxis. They can be unsafe and unreliable. For business travel, hire a private car from a known company or through your hotel.
- Driving: Roads outside of cities are often in poor condition and unlit. Avoid driving after dark for your safety.
Frequently Asked Questions: Nicaragua Visas and Residency
What is the minimum investment for the Nicaragua Investor Residency Visa?
The minimum investment required is $30,000 USD. This amount can be directed into real estate, a new business, or a government-approved project, particularly in sectors like agriculture or tourism. The investment must stimulate economic activity in Nicaragua.
Can I travel to neighboring countries with a Nicaraguan entry stamp?
Yes. A Nicaraguan entry stamp grants you access to the CA-4 border agreement region, allowing land travel between Nicaragua, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras for up to 90 days total. This period begins at your first entry into any of the four countries and does not reset when crossing borders within the CA-4 zone.
Do I need a visa to visit Nicaragua as a tourist?
Citizens of many countries, including the US, Canada, the UK, and the EU, can enter Nicaragua for tourism or business for up to 90 days without a visa by purchasing a tourist card upon arrival.
What is the most common reason to get temporary residency?
The most common reasons are for work (sponsored by a Nicaraguan employer), for investment (by starting a business), or for retirement (as a “pensionado” or “rentista”).
How long does the residency process take?
The processing time for residency applications can vary but typically takes several months. It is important to start the process well before your 90-day tourist permit expires.
What is a “cédula de residencia”?
This is the official residency card issued by the DGME to all temporary and permanent residents. It serves as the primary identification document for foreign nationals living in Nicaragua.
Biz Latin Hub can help you with visas in Nicaragua
At Biz Latin Hub, our multilingual team of company formation specialists has extensive experience in supporting foreign executives when starting a business in Latin America. We offer a complete set of services for your business needs, such as legal, accounting, and recruitment support.
You can rely on us as your main contact for entering and doing business in any of the 18 markets in Latin America and the Caribbean where we operate.
Contact us now for personalized assistance or a free quote on company formation in Latin America.
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