Nicaragua

Move to Nicaragua

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overview

Welcome to Nicaragua

Nicaragua, located in Central America, is known for its dramatic landscapes including volcanoes, lakes, and both Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. Its economy is driven by agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing, with a growing focus on sustainable development and eco-tourism.

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Nicaragua Essentials

National Anthem

Salve a ti, Nicaragua

Independence Day

September 5, 1821

Haiko

Volcanoes whisper / Lakes reflect the sun's embrace / Mountains touch the sky

Interesting Tradition

"Nicaragua holds the Fiesta de Santo Domingo de Guzmán in Managua, a vibrant tradition where people carry a statue of the saint through the streets while dancing, singing, and making offerings. It's a unique mix of religious devotion, music, and colorful parades that takes place every August. 1/2"

Weirdest Local Superstition

iI a person sweeps the floor at night, they are believed to be sweeping away their wealth

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to drive a car without wearing shoes in Nicaragua

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Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the lakes, stay for the landscapes: Nicaragua combines volcanic beauty with emerging opportunities in Central America. Life flows between morning surfing on Pacific shores and afternoon work in growing agricultural and tourism sectors, while evenings explore colonial Granada's historic charm. Recent investment incentives and natural beauty have made Nicaragua an attractive destination for adventurous entrepreneurs.

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Vamos

Let's discover where 'pura vida' meets volcanic energy in Central American possibility. Here, twin oceans frame adventures in emerging opportunity.

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Bienvenidos a Nicaragua

Famous for its volcanoes and vibrant culture, Nicaragua is a land where every adventure is a journey through nature's beauty and rich history. Known for its colonial architecture and warm-hearted people, it’s where every day is a new opportunity to discover the heart of Central America.

Nicaragua isn't just a country—it's a symphony of contrasts. Here, time moves at the pace of volcanic rhythms, and even a simple walk can turn into an adventure through colonial cobblestones or pristine rainforest. This is a land where ancient traditions and revolutionary spirit dance together like partners in a passionate salsa.

From the colonial grandeur of Granada to the untamed beauty of the Caribbean coast, Nicaragua offers something for every global citizen. Whether you're drawn to the bohemian charm of San Juan del Sur, the cultural richness of León, or the tranquil shores of Lake Nicaragua, you'll find a quality of life that prioritizes community bonds, natural harmony, and the pursuit of authentic experiences.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

gallo pinto (rice and beans) - nacatamal (corn tamale with meat)

Drink

pinolillo (corn and cacao drink) - flor de caña rum (aged sugarcane rum)

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¿Tiene sed?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

0.25

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

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Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Family gatherings are weekly obligations - missing them requires serious excuse
#2
Greeting everyone individually is expected - skipping people shows disrespect
#3
Religious celebrations blend Catholic and indigenous - participation shows belonging
#4
Politeness requires formal address - using first names too quickly is rude
#5
Sharing food when eating shows proper upbringing and community spirit

overview

Nicaragua Essentials

Representative Novel

The Redoubtable Man by Nicaraguan Author (A compelling historical novel set during the Nicaraguan Revolution, exploring the complex relationship between politics, war, and personal identity)

National Animal

White-tailed Deer

National Pasttime

Baseball

National Souvenir

Sombrero

National Dish

Gallo Pinto

Famous Festival

La Gritería

Famous Dance

Palo de Mayo

Famous Music

Marimba

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Did You Know?

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Nicaragua’s Key Historical Events

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MOBILITY

Access Nicaragua Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

1
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MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Yes
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
2 years
DUAL Citizenship
Yes
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
5
PASSPORT VALIDITY
5 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

111

Performance Class

Emerging Explorer

Passport Grade

C

Rank

97

Score

71.5

This visa grants access to:

• 29% of the world's population 

• 62% of UNESCO sites 

• 35% of global GDP 

• 40% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

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MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Nicaragua by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Nicaragua
3,721
2,952
3,006
3,085
3,298
3,606
3,775

MOBILITY

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Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
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Rankings

Nicaragua's Global Rankings 

Nicaragua excels with high happiness rankings (#47) and light tax burden (#98). Our comprehensive analysis shows its moderate English proficiency (#59) and moderate cost of living (#100).

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
100
Cost of Living
2024
Moderate
Quality of Life
2024
Safety
2024
47
Happiness
2024
Excellent
98
Tax Burden
2024
Light Load
59
English Proficiency
2023
Moderate Proficiency
137
Rule of Law
2024
Weak
106
Healthcare System
2024
Basic Plan
Pleasant Climate
2024

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

26

years

Life Expectancy

74,9

years

Obesity Rate

36.00%

Tobacco Use

12.87%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

9.68

of GDP

Hospital Beds

0.9

per 1000 people

Doctors

0.7

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

30.82

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

National Health Service (NHS)

Nicaragua provides free public healthcare through its Ministry of Health. Legal residents, including migrants, can access services, especially in urban areas.

Private Healthcare Sector

Private healthcare in Nicaragua offers better infrastructure and shorter wait times. It’s the preferred option for many expatriates and higher-income locals.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates have access to public healthcare but often rely on private clinics for quality and language support. International insurance is recommended.

Focus on Preventive Care

Public health campaigns in Nicaragua emphasize vaccination, maternal health, and disease prevention, although implementation varies by region.

Pharmaceutical Affordability

Generic medications are affordable and widely available. However, availability of specialty or imported pharmaceuticals may be limited outside cities.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

The World Health Organization's United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000-2021) data describes the coverage of essential health services, defined as the average coverage of essential services based on tracer interventions that include reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health, infectious diseases, non-communicable diseases and service capacity and access, among the general and the most disadvantaged population.
Source:

Healthcare

Nicaragua Healthcare Cost Calculator

This calculator helps you compare healthcare expenditures between different countries based on per capita health spending data. The tool provides a straightforward comparison by allowing you to:
1. Select your current location from the dropdown menu
2. Choose a comparison country to see the difference in healthcare costs

The calculator displays two key metrics:
• Healthcare Expense Difference: The absolute dollar amount difference in per capita healthcare spending between the selected countries
• Percentage Difference: The relative difference expressed as a percentage
Please note that these calculations are based on annual per capita health expenditure data, which includes current prices and purchasing power parities (PPP). The figures represent total healthcare spending, encompassing both public and private healthcare expenses. For the most accurate planning and decision-making, please consult with healthcare providers or insurance companies in your target country for specific coverage options and costs.
Source:

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Nicaragua provides a low to moderate cost of living, attracting expatriates seeking affordability. Managua and popular tourist areas like San Juan del Sur have higher living costs compared to rural regions. Housing is affordable, with modest homes and condos available for less than $100,000. Food costs are relatively low, especially when buying local produce. Utilities are inexpensive, averaging between $50 and $100 per month. Public transportation is affordable, and education costs are moderate, with public institutions being more economical than private ones. ​

Cost of Gasoline

1.33

per liter

Cost of Meal

4.21

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

352.78

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

75.33

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

1.36

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

15%

cost of living

Nicaragua Cost of Living plus Rent Map

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cost of living

Nicaragua Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Nicaragua Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Before relocating to Nicaragua, it's important to understand its tax system. Nicaragua employs a territorial tax system, taxing only income sourced within the country. Income tax rates are progressive, ranging from 0% to 30%. For individual capital gains, a 10% tax rate applies. Social security contributions are mandatory for employed individuals. The standard VAT rate is 15%. Property taxes are also levied. For tax purposes, individuals need to obtain a Registro Único de Contribuyente (RUC). Nicaragua does not have a double taxation treaty with the United States.

Tax Residency Requirement

180 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

No (Territorial system)

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

No

US Double Taxation Treaty

No

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

0%-30%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

10%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

30%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

30%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

15%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

15%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

15%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered tax residents if they stay in Nicaragua for more than 180 days during the calendar year, continuously or not.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

%

taxation

Nicaragua Tax Burden Map

map visualization

taxation

Nicaragua Income Tax Calculator

This calculator helps you estimate your income tax obligations based on your personal situation and country of residence. The calculation includes essential tax elements specific to each jurisdiction, such as personal allowances, various types of deductions or tax credits, and progressive tax rates where applicable. The estimation considers multiple key inputs that vary by country, including your annual gross income (in USD), marital status when relevant, number of dependent children, as well as additional factors like medical expenses, educational costs, and retirement contributions.

The calculator provides three main results:
• Total Deductions and/or Tax Credits (based on jurisdiction-specific rules)
• Net Taxable Income (income subject to tax)
• Final Income Tax amount
Please note that these calculations are estimates and can vary significantly depending on specific circumstances, additional income sources, special deductions, and changes in tax regulations across different countries. Some jurisdictions may use tox credits instead of deductions, have different qualifying criteria for dependents, or consider various types of expenses differently. For precise tax planning and compliance, please consult with a qualified tax professional familiar with your jurisdiction's tax laws.
Source:

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Tropical; hot and humid in the lowlands, cooler in the highlands; distinct wet season (May to November) and dry season (December to April)

Average Temperature

27°C (80.6°F)

Humidity

110

%

Average Annual Precipitation

1900

mm

Rainless Days per Year

110

Best Time to Travel

February-March

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Nicaragua

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Nicaragua.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Nicaragua?

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Do I need to speak Spanish to apply for residency or citizenship in Nicaragua?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Nicaragua with me?

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How will GlobalPassport™ help me move to Nicaragua?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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overview

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