The Nicaragua Investor Permanent Residency Program presents an appealing avenue for individuals seeking permanent residency in Nicaragua. Here are the main details:

Eligibility Criteria:

Investment Options: Eligible individuals can invest 

US$30,000 in any of the following sectors:

 Real estate 

 Establishment of a new local business 

 Government-sanctioned forestry or agricultural projects 

Immediate Permanent Residency: 

Upon approval, participants gain immediate permanent residency status in Nicaragua.

Path to Citizenship: 

Program participants have the option to pursue an expedited two-year path to citizenship provided they fulfill the following conditions:

• Proficiency in spoken and written Spanish

• Maintenance of their investment

• Successful completion of an integration test

Physical Presence Recommendation: 

Although there is no formal requirement for physical presence, individuals aiming for eventual naturalization are encouraged to spend at least one month in Nicaragua annually to demonstrate ties to the country.

Program Overview:

 Time to Permanent Residency: 

Immediate upon approval.

 Minimum Investment: 

US$30,000.

 Application Processing Time: 

Approximately 3-6 months.

 Citizenship Benefits: 

Visa-free travel to 126 destinations, including Schengen countries.

 Types of Contributions Available: 

Property Investment, Business Investment, Special Projects Investment.

Qualification Process:

Select one of the investment options mentioned above.

Make a US$30,000 investment in real estate, a new business, or government-approved agricultural/forestry projects.

Additional Fees:

 US$500  government fees per applicant

 US$215  processing fee for the main applicant

 US$200  processing fee for each dependent

Noteworthy Benefits:

Path to Citizenship: The investor visa grants permanent residence valid for 5 years. While there is no formal physical presence requirement for renewal, spending time in Nicaragua is recommended to establish a connection.

Citizenship Eligibility: Applicants who spend at least 180 days per year in Nicaragua for two consecutive years can apply for citizenship. The investment must still be retained at the time of application, and applicants are required to pass a test on Nicaraguan culture and history conducted in Spanish.

Dual Citizenship: Nicaragua acknowledges dual citizenship.

Do You Need Residency In Nicaragua ?

Whether you need or want residency in Nicaragua depends on your goals. Here are some key points:

 Property Ownership:  

You don’t need to be a citizen or resident to buy property in Nicaragua. Foreigners can purchase property and operate businesses with the same rights as nationals. However, using a qualifying real estate investment to qualify for residency has benefits.

 Tax Residency:  

Nicaragua follows a territorial tax system. Income earned abroad is untaxed as long as it doesn’t enter the country into a corporate bank account. 

*Most foreign nationals who become non-tax residents in their native country are not taxed on their worldwide income. 

**US citizens meeting the requirements for the foreign earned income exclusion can avoid tax on the first $120,000 of income per individual or $240,000 per couple as of 2023. 

***Using Panamanian corporations and Nicaraguan residency can significantly reduce the total tax rate.

Program Authority:

Legal Basis: General Law of Migration and Immigration (Ley General de Migración y Extranjería), Law No. 761, March 31, 2011.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us for further clarification and to determine your eligibility. You can complete the form below to schedule a complimentary 30-minutes consultation with the lawyer.