🇳🇮 Nicaragua Investor Residency Checklist

🏡 Minimum Investment

• Minimum investment: US$30,000 in:
  - Real estate (residential, commercial, or tourism)
  - Business creation or expansion
  - Approved agriculture or forestry project
• Must be documented as foreign direct investment registered with MIFIC (Ministry of Development, Industry, and Trade).

📋 Required Documentation

Personal Documents:
• Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
• Criminal background check (apostilled)
• Birth certificate (apostilled)
• Medical certificate from Nicaraguan clinic
• Proof of financial solvency or income
• Six passport-sized photos

Investment Proof:
• Title deed or share certificate showing ownership of qualifying investment
• Investment registration certificate (MIFIC)
• Bank letter confirming funds came from abroad
• Business license (if applicable)
• Proof of tax registration (RUC) if income-producing

⏱ Process & Timeline

1. Initial submission to Migración office in Managua.
2. Temporary residence card (often valid 1 year), convertible to permanent after review.
3. Renewal or conversion typically after 12–24 months.
4. Full permanent residency possible after continuous compliance (often ~2 years).
5. Citizenship eligibility after 5 years of permanent residence.
Processing time: typically 6–18 months depending on documentation.

💡 Key Benefits

• Right to live full-time in Nicaragua.
• Own property outright (foreigners have equal land rights).
• Include spouse and dependents on same application.
• Low cost of living and minimal tax burden.
• Ability to earn income from Nicaraguan sources.
• Often eligible for immediate permanent residency rather than temporary status.

⚠️ Responsibilities & Tips

• Keep investment intact for duration of residency.
• Register property or company properly (MIFIC + tax office).
• File tax returns if earning Nicaraguan income.
• Renew residency before expiration.
• Hire a local attorney to handle filings and translations.
• Avoid “nominee ownership” setups—authorities increasingly require proof of personal control of the asset.

📜 Recent Legal Changes

• Law 1228 (2024): Reformed migration procedures; tightened application checks.
• Law 1240 (2025): Updated foreign investment framework; new reporting and compliance rules.
• Applications must show clear ownership and benefit to the local economy.
• Processing centralized under the General Directorate of Migration (DGM) in Managua.

🧾 Typical Costs (Estimates)

Legal Fees: $800–1,500
Translation & Notarization: $200–400
Residency Application Fee: $250–400
Medical Exam & Police Report: $100–150
Total Typical Cost: $1,500–2,500 (excluding investment)