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NicaraguaWork permitsLast checked October 17, 2026

Residencia temporal para trabajar

temporary residence with work authorisation, Ley 761

Under Ley 761, foreigners who come to Nicaragua to work apply to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) for temporary residence. This covers scientists, professionals and technicians, company executives and staff, and independent or employed workers. Temporary residence lasts one to three years and can be extended, or lasts for the length of the activity. Holders may only do the activities for which residence was granted.

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1 entry rule for Nicaragua based on recent travel

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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

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Who it’s for

Foreign professionals, technicians, managers and employees with a Nicaraguan employer, and independent workers.

Eligibility

  • Work subcategories

    Art. 25 lists the work categories covered, and dependent family members are also covered.

    • Scientists, professionals, technicians and specialised staff
    • Business people, directors, managers, administrative or operational staff
    • Journalists, religious workers, independent or employed workers, artists, athletes
    • Family covered: up to second degree of consanguinity and first of affinity
    Official wording

    Art. 25 lists, among others: scientists, professionals, technicians and specialised staff; business people, directors, managers and administrative or operational staff; journalists; religious workers; independent or employed workers; artists; athletes. Dependent family members (to second degree of consanguinity and first of affinity) are also covered.

  • Where to apply

    Apply at the DGME if you are in Nicaragua, or at a Nicaraguan embassy or consulate if you are abroad.

    • Source: art. 28
    Official wording

    At the DGME if in Nicaragua, or at a Nicaraguan embassy or consulate if abroad (art. 28).

  • Ministry of Labour involvement

    For migrant workers, authorisation is given in consultation with the Ministry of Labour.

    • Source: art. 10(5)
    • Reported: employment contract certified by the Ministry of Labour
    • Reported: notarised employer undertaking to pay your return travel
    • The DGME procedure page was not directly readable
    Official wording

    For migrant workers, authorisation is given in consultation with the Ministry of Labour (art. 10(5)). A DGME procedure page (not directly readable) is reported to require an employment contract certified by the Ministry of Labour and a notarised employer undertaking to pay the worker's return travel.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementActivity-limited
  • Document checklistDGME application form and letter to the DGME
  • FeesTemporary residence fees

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  • 1 more requirement
  • 5 documents
  • 1 fee
  • 5 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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