🇨🇳→🇳🇮China→Nicaragua

Short-term tourism and leisure visits to Nicaragua. Issued as an entry stamp upon arrival.

• Paid on arrival in cash (USD).
• Eligible for nationals of 69 visa-exempt countries under Disposición N° 002-2026 (effective Feb 16, 2026).
• Extendable up to 90 additional days at $25 USD per 30-day period before expiry.
• CA-4 regional agreement means 90 days counts across all four member states (Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua).
• Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
• Onward/return ticket and proof of funds may be required at border.
• $42 USD departure tax applies (usually included in airfare).
• Yellow fever vaccination proof required if arriving from endemic countries.

Pre-authorized electronic entry visa for nationals of approximately 128 countries not on the visa-free list, for short-term tourist or business visits.

• Required for nationals of approximately 128 countries including Cuba, Venezuela, China (ordinary passport), Iran, India, Mexico, Peru, UAE, Colombia, and most of Africa, Middle East and Central Asia.
• UPDATED 2026-06-29: The Category C visa is fully electronic - no consulate visit or physical stamp is required.
• Applications submitted via official portal tramitesconsulares.mint.gob.ni.
• Steps: register with valid email, complete form with personal/travel details, upload passport-style photo (front-facing, plain background, no glasses/hats) and passport biodata scan, Migration reviews and sends payment link by email, complete payment, receive electronic authorization notification, download and print.
• Official fee: nil (Ministry announcement: 'el tramite no tendra ningun costo').
• Authorization valid for 30 days from notification date.
• Visa verifiable at evisa-verifica.mint.gob.ni via reference code or QR code.
• Sources: Consortium Legal (2026-02-19), Dentons (2026-03-10), Wikipedia Visa policy of Nicaragua.
• Category B (visa on arrival) was eliminated under Disposición N 002-2026.

For foreign nationals conducting business activities, attending meetings, negotiations, or trade events in Nicaragua.

• Nationals from visa-exempt countries may enter for business purposes under the standard 90-day tourist entry stamp (no separate business visa category).
• Nationals requiring a Visa Consultada (Category C) must obtain pre-authorization specifying business purpose.
• Nicaragua's Law 761 does not define a standalone business visa separate from the general entry visa framework - business stays within 90 days fall under the tourist/general entry category.

Allows foreign nationals to pass through Nicaragua in transit to a third country without remaining as tourists or immigrants.

• Under Ley 761, transit (tránsito) is a recognized non-immigrant status for travelers passing through Nicaragua.
• Nationals who are visa-free may transit without separate authorization.
• Nationals requiring Category C must obtain electronic pre-authorization via tramitesconsulares.mint.gob.ni in advance even for transit.
• Proof of onward travel to final destination required.
• Maximum authorized transit stay is 5 days per Ley 761 Article 21 ('La estadía máxima autorizada para las personas extranjeras en tránsito en el territorio nacional será de cinco días') - corrected from the previously stated 72 hours.
• No dedicated e-transit authorization system.

Allows foreign nationals to reside and work legally in Nicaragua under an employment contract with a Nicaraguan employer.

• Under Ley General de Migración y Extranjería No. 761 (Articles 30-32), foreign workers may obtain temporary residency.
• The employer in Nicaragua typically sponsors the application.
• Required documents include employment contract, police clearance certificate (apostilled), medical certificate, birth certificate (apostilled), and passport photos.
• Application filed at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME).
• Total immigration law work quota: foreign workers generally limited to 10-15% of a company's total workforce per Nicaraguan labor law.
• Residency card valid 1 year, renewable.
• Processing 6-8 months approximately.
• Official URL corrected 2026-07 to the dedicated 'Solicitud de Residencia Temporal' page (migob.gob.ni), which is the correct government trámite page for this Article 25 temporary-residency category, distinct from the 'Residencia Permanente' page previously cited.
• Both migob.gob.ni pages return HTTP 403 to automated fetches at present but are confirmed to exist in the official site's own navigation/index.

Allows foreign nationals to study at accredited Nicaraguan educational institutions for the duration of their studies.

• Under Ley 761, students enrolled in accredited Nicaraguan universities or schools may apply for temporary residency.
• Required documents include: acceptance letter from recognized Nicaraguan educational institution, proof of financial support, police clearance (apostilled), medical certificate, birth certificate (apostilled).
• Application submitted to DGME.
• Renewable annually for duration of studies.
• Work is generally not permitted on student status.
• Official URL corrected 2026-07 to the dedicated 'Solicitud de Residencia Temporal' page (migob.gob.ni), the correct trámite page for this temporary-residency category, distinct from the 'Residencia Permanente' page previously cited.
• Both migob.gob.ni pages return HTTP 403 to automated fetches at present but are confirmed to exist in the official site's own navigation/index.

Permanent residency category for foreign retirees receiving a guaranteed monthly pension or retirement income who wish to reside in Nicaragua.

• Under Ley 761 Article 30(3), 'Inmigrante Pensionado' category.
• Minimum requirement: USD 600/month guaranteed pension income (Social Security, retirement fund, annuity, etc.).
• Age requirement: generally over 40 years old per common practice.
• Must spend minimum 6 months per year in Nicaragua.
• Residency card valid 5 years, renewable.
• Tax exemption on foreign-source income.
• Path to citizenship after 2 years of legal residency (180+ days/year).
• Required documents: police clearance (apostilled), medical certificate, birth certificate (apostilled), proof of pension income (bank statements, pension award letter), passport.
• Administrative costs approximately USD 150-300 plus government fees (residency card: approximately C$18,312 / ~USD 500 for 5 years).
• Processing approximately 6-8 months.
• Fee data from expat.com summary of Law 761; official mint.gob.ni/migob.gob.ni currently return 403.

Permanent residency for foreign nationals receiving regular passive income (dividends, rental income, investment returns) who wish to reside in Nicaragua.

• Under Ley 761 Article 30(4), 'Inmigrante Rentista' category.
• Minimum income requirement: approximately USD 750-1,250/month from dividends, rental income, or investment returns (figure from expat.com summary; official minimum not confirmed on accessible government pages).
• No minimum age requirement.
• Must spend minimum 6 months per year in Nicaragua.
• Residency card valid 5 years, renewable.
• Path to citizenship after 2 years legal residency.
• Required documents same as Pensionado category.
• Administrative costs approximately USD 150-300 plus government fees.

Permanent residency for foreign nationals who invest capital in lawful economic activities in Nicaragua.

• Under Ley 761 Article 30 'Inmigrante con Capital o Inversionista'.
• A minimum of USD 30,000 investment is widely cited in third-party sources including PRONicaragua, but this figure is NOT confirmed on accessible official government pages (DGME page returns 403).
• Eligible sectors include tourism, agribusiness, and services.
• Requires: MIFIC Certificate of Investment Registration (RUIE), company registration, municipal trading licence, tax clearance (DGI), notarised declaration of income sources, police clearance (apostilled), medical certificate, birth certificate (apostilled).
• Must make minimum 2 visits per year for ID renewal.
• Residency card valid 5 years at approximately C$18,312 (~USD 500).
• Path to citizenship after 2 years legal residency.
• Processing 6-8 months.

Entry and residency for accredited diplomats, embassy staff, and holders of diplomatic or official passports from countries with bilateral agreements with Nicaragua.

• Disposición N° 002-2026 (Article 2) maintains visa exemption for holders of diplomatic, official, service, public-affairs (asuntos públicos) and special passports from any nationality with which Nicaragua has signed bilateral migration-facilitation agreements.
• Duration of stay governed by individual bilateral instrument.
• Confirmed bilateral agreements include: Nicaragua - Peru (signed Lima, June 4, 2004; ratified Decree A.N. 4965, Dec 12, 2006); Nicaragua - Taiwan/ROC; Nicaragua - Sweden (visa suppression convention); UK (La Gaceta No. 54, March 5, 1969).
• Many additional bilateral instruments likely in force.
• Accredited resident diplomats hold separate status under Vienna Convention.
• No maximum stay specified; governed by terms of assignment and bilateral treaty.

Temporary or permanent residency for foreign nationals who are immediate family members (spouse, children) of Nicaraguan citizens or legal permanent residents.

• Under Ley 761, spouses and minor children of Nicaraguan citizens or permanent residents may apply for residency.
• Required documents include: marriage certificate or birth certificate proving family relationship (apostilled), Nicaraguan sponsor's identity documents, police clearance (apostilled), medical certificate.
• Application filed at DGME.
• Leads to permanent residency and path to naturalization.
• Administrative costs approximately USD 150-300 plus government fees.
• Official URL corrected 2026-07 to the dedicated 'Solicitud de Residencia Temporal' page (migob.gob.ni), since this category is granted on a 1-year renewable temporary basis before conversion to permanent status; distinct from the 'Residencia Permanente' page previously cited.
• Both migob.gob.ni pages return HTTP 403 to automated fetches at present but are confirmed to exist in the official site's own navigation/index.

Long-term permanent residency for foreign nationals who have resided legally in Nicaragua for the required period or qualify under other categories defined in Law 761.

• Under Ley 761 Articles 30-32, various 'Inmigrante' subcategories exist including: Inmigrante Pensionado (retiree), Inmigrante Rentista (passive income), Inmigrante con Capital/Inversionista (investor), Inmigrante Trabajador (worker), Inmigrante por Vínculo Familiar (family ties), and Inmigrante Científico, Técnico o Profesional (skilled professional).
• Residency card valid 5 years, approximately C$18,312.15 (~USD 500); reduced rate C$9,156.07 for certain subcategories under numerals 1 and 4 of Art.
• 30, Law 761.
• After 2 years of legal residency (minimum 180 days/year), applicants may apply for Nicaraguan citizenship.
• Dual citizenship permitted under Nicaraguan law.

Short-term entry for foreign nationals travelling to Nicaragua to receive medical treatment or for other health-related visits.

• Recognized non-resident entry motive under Ley General de Migración y Extranjería No. 761, Article 15(4), which lists 'viajeros en vías de ...
• salud' (travellers for health/medical purposes) among the No Residente subcategories.
• There is no separate medical-visa document: visa-exempt nationals enter on the standard 90-day tourist entry stamp (US$10 tourist card) declaring a health purpose, while nationals requiring a Category C Visa Consultada must obtain it in advance.
• Under Art.
• 22, stays for health, business, sports, conventions and similar motives may be extended according to the category of entry.
• Travellers should carry supporting documentation from the treating Nicaraguan hospital or clinic.
• Legal basis: Ley 761 Arts.
• 15 and 22.

Temporary residency for foreign scientists, professionals, technicians and specialized personnel coming to Nicaragua to perform qualified work.

• Distinct temporary-residency subcategory under Ley 761 Article 25(1) - 'Científicos, profesionales, técnicos y personal especializado' - separate from the general dependent-employment work visa.
• Granted for 1 to 3 years, renewable (Art. 25).
• Application filed at the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME); work authorization is coordinated with the Ministerio del Trabajo (MITRAB).
• Typical documents: professional/technical credentials, employment or service contract, apostilled police clearance, medical certificate, apostilled birth certificate, passport photos.
• After 3 years of legal temporary residency the holder may apply for permanent residency (Ley 761 Art. 30.7).
• Fees not published on accessible official pages.
• Official URL corrected 2026-07 to the dedicated 'Solicitud de Residencia Temporal' page (migob.gob.ni), the correct trámite page for this Article 25 category, distinct from the 'Residencia Permanente' page previously cited.
• Both migob.gob.ni pages return HTTP 403 to automated fetches at present but are confirmed to exist in the official site's own navigation/index.

Temporary residency for foreign clergy, missionaries and religious workers assigned to a recognized religious organization in Nicaragua.

• Temporary-residency subcategory under Ley 761 Article 25(5) - 'Religiosos'.
• For clergy, missionaries and religious workers sponsored by a recognized church or religious association operating in Nicaragua.
• Granted for 1 to 3 years, renewable.
• Application filed at the DGME; the sponsoring organization provides a letter of assignment.
• Typical documents: letter from the religious organization, apostilled police clearance, medical certificate, apostilled birth certificate, passport photos.
• Legal basis: Ley 761 Arts.
• 24-25.
• Official URL corrected 2026-07 to the dedicated 'Solicitud de Residencia Temporal' page (migob.gob.ni), distinct from the 'Residencia Permanente' page previously cited.
• Both migob.gob.ni pages return HTTP 403 to automated fetches at present but are confirmed to exist in the official site's own navigation/index.

Temporary residency for foreign journalists and press correspondents based in Nicaragua to report for a media organization.

• Temporary-residency subcategory under Ley 761 Article 25(3) - 'Periodistas'.
• For foreign correspondents and media workers based in Nicaragua for their assignment (1 to 3 years, renewable).
• Application filed at the DGME; media accreditation may also be required.
• Short-term news coverage by non-resident reporters instead falls under the No Residente motive of Art.
• 15(4) ('convenciones, conferencias o eventos especiales').
• Legal basis: Ley 761 Arts.
• 15, 24-25.
• Official URL corrected 2026-07 to the dedicated 'Solicitud de Residencia Temporal' page (migob.gob.ni), distinct from the 'Residencia Permanente' page previously cited.
• Both migob.gob.ni pages return HTTP 403 to automated fetches at present but are confirmed to exist in the official site's own navigation/index.

Special permit allowing a foreign national to stay and work in Nicaragua for a limited period of seasonal or temporary activity.

• Special stay-with-work permit for temporary migrant workers under Ley 761 Articles 16-17, issued by the DGME for a period of up to one year (Art. 10.27: 'Emitir permisos especiales de permanencia con derecho a laborar por un periodo hasta de un año').
• Covers foreigners entering to perform economic, social, cultural, academic, scientific or religious activities for a defined period; the authorization is granted in consultation with the Ministerio del Trabajo.
• Distinct from the multi-year temporary-residency worker category.
• Fees not published on accessible official pages.

Temporary residency (or special entry) for foreign performing artists, public-performance entertainers and athletes coming to Nicaragua to perform or compete.

• Temporary-residency subcategories under Ley 761 Article 25(7) 'Artistas' and 25(8) 'Deportistas'.
• For foreign performing artists, entertainers and professional athletes residing in Nicaragua for their engagement (1 to 3 years, renewable).
• Short public-performance engagements by non-residents instead use the No Residente motives of Art.
• 15(5) 'Artistas de espectáculos públicos' and Art.
• 15(4) 'deportes', authorized by the Ministerio de Gobernación and typically coordinated with the Ministerio del Trabajo.
• Legal basis: Ley 761 Arts.
• 15, 25.
• Official URL corrected 2026-07 to the dedicated 'Solicitud de Residencia Temporal' page (migob.gob.ni), distinct from the 'Residencia Permanente' page previously cited.
• Both migob.gob.ni pages return HTTP 403 to automated fetches at present but are confirmed to exist in the official site's own navigation/index.