A permanent residence permit is issued by the Immigration department of Nicaragua.

The process of registration of a Nicaraguan permanent residence by foreigners is quite simple. Basically, two options are used:

• residency through passive investments;

• residency for financially independent persons.

Permanent residence permit for an investor

A foreigner should invest $60,000 in the country's economy through a Nicaraguan company. In addition, a foreigner must own a controlling stake in the relevant company.

Permanent residence permit for financially independent persons (Rentista/Pensionado)

It is sufficient to confirm the existence of passive income/earnings of at least 750 dollars per month to qualify for permanent residence in Nicaragua for financially independent persons by acquiring the status of rentier (Rentista)/pensioner (Pensionado).

Procedures for issuing a residence permit

The foreigner should fulfill the financial requirements of the host country and prepare a package of supporting documentation that includes the following elements:

• Completed application form.

• Letter of application for a residence permit in Nicaragua, addressed to the General Directorate of Immigration and Foreigners.

• The original in good condition and a photocopy of the passport (valid for at least six months). Citizens of the CA-4 countries (the "Central American Four" countries, which include El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua) may, in exceptional cases, present an original and a photocopy of a valid identity card.

• Two passport size photos.

• Certificate of no criminal record. Minors under the age of 18 are exempt from this requirement.

• Birth certificate and naturalization certificate in case of acquisition of another citizenship, issued by the competent authority of the country of origin, duly apostilled/notarized - depending on the circumstances.

• Health certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of origin/previous residence, apostilled/certified by the health authorities of Nicaragua.

Foreigners applying for permanent residence in Nicaragua as investors / rentiers / pensioners have the right to request the inclusion of spouses, children and parents in the application. When such relatives are included in the application, appropriate documentation is required: birth certificates (for children, parents), marriage certificate (for spouses).

Documents submitted as photocopies must be notarized. Documentation coming from abroad must be translated into Spanish and certified/apostilled.

You can read more about the list of documents and conditions for obtaining a residence permit at this link: https://www.migob.gob.ni/migracion/tramites/solicitud-de-residencia-permanente/ 

Foreigners can apply for a Nicaraguan passport based on naturalization.

In this case, you do not need to prove your knowledge of the Spanish language, but you will have to fulfill the following conditions:

• Applicants not from Spain / another Central American Republic must renounce previous citizenship;

• It is necessary to document four years of continuous residence in the territory of the potential new homeland.

Acceleration of the naturalization process is possible under the following circumstances:

• Foreign nationals from Spain / another country that has concluded a reciprocity agreement on nationalization with Nicaragua need to reside in Nicaragua for a period of two years.

• Foreigners who marry Nicaraguans / are parents of Nicaraguan children (including adopted children) have the right to count on a reduction of the naturalization period to 2 years.

• Foreigners with special skills / who have made significant financial investments in the Nicaraguan economy, who lead the country's development, are eligible to apply for Nicaraguan citizenship after two years of residence.

A foreigner must personally visit the Citizenship Department of the General Directorate for Immigration and Foreigners for a preliminary interview and to receive specific requirements.

You can read more about the list of documents and conditions for obtaining citizenship at this link: https://www.migob.gob.ni/migracion/section/nacionalidad/ 

Dual citizenship is regulated by the principle of reciprocity and international treaties. Nicaragua has signed dual citizenship agreements with Argentina, Italy, Spain and some Central American countries. Citizens from countries where Nicaraguans are not required to renounce their citizenship to obtain another citizenship.

Children who were born abroad and acquired citizenship by birth elsewhere, but whose parents are Nicaraguan, are also recognized as dual citizens. If their parents are naturalized Nicaraguans, they must confirm their choice of Nicaraguan citizenship after turning 16.