Skip to content
en
Menu
Back
NicaraguaPermanent residenceLast checked October 17, 2026

Residencia permanente

permanent residence, Ley 761 arts. 29-37

Permanent residents may live in Nicaragua indefinitely and do any paid or self-employed work. The categories include immigrants, investors certified by the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MIFIC), pensioners and rentistas under Ley 694, and family of Nicaraguans. Temporary residents can apply after more than three years of legal stay. Central Americans and nationals of countries with dual-nationality agreements can apply directly, subject to reciprocity.

See requirements ↓
1 entry rule for Nicaragua based on recent travel

These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.

Life in Nicaragua

Money

3

Currency

Nicaraguan Córdoba

NIO

Nicaraguan Córdoba

Cost of living

37

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

Up to 30%

Income tax (national)

VAT (IVA) 15%

30% on annual taxable income above NIO 500,000.

Official rates, 2025 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.3

#49 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

Your edge here Members

What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties

Get started

Who it’s for

Long-term temporary residents, investors, retirees and people with independent income, spouses or partners and parents of Nicaraguans, and Central Americans.

Eligibility

  • From temporary residence

    You need more than three years of legal stay as a temporary resident.

    • Legal basis: art. 30(7) of Ley 761
    Official wording

    Temporary residents with more than three years of legal stay (art. 30(7)).

  • Direct for Central Americans

    Central Americans and nationals of countries with dual-nationality agreements, on a reciprocity basis (art. 30(8)).

  • Investor

    Investor status is set by a MIFIC registration certificate; requirements are in the Ley 761 regulations (art. 32).

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementPensioner or rentista
  • Document checklistDGME permanent residence application
  • FeesPermanent residence fees

The full requirements are for members

Create an account and subscribe to see every requirement, the full document checklist, fees, steps, processing times and conditions, and how your profile compares.

  • 2 more requirements
  • 3 documents
  • 1 fee
  • 3 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
Get started See plansSign in

Places to visit in Nicaragua

Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.

Subscriber feature

Finding places for you…

Official sources

Was this page helpful? Helpful Report a concern

Other routes to Nicaragua

All routes to Nicaragua →

Permanent residence in other countries