Nicaragua’s tropical climate, vibrant culture, and low cost of living make the Central American nation a desirable destination for expatriates from all over the world. If your company is planning to expand operations to Nicaragua, you’ll need to put together a talented team of employees who are willing to make the move. You’ll also need to make sure they have the necessary visas and permits to live and work in Nicaragua.
Types of Work Visas in Nicaragua
While citizens of some countries will need a visa to travel to Nicaragua, there are several nations whose citizens are exempt from this requirement, including:
- The United States
- Scandinavia
- El Salvador
- Honduras
- Guatemala
- Argentina
- Bolivia
- Chile
- All member states of the European Union (EU)
Citizens of these countries may be referred to as Category A nationals. These individuals can purchase a tourist card, which is valid for 90 days, upon arrival in Nicaragua. Other foreign nationals fall into Categories B and C. They can enter the country by applying for a tourist visa, which functions the same way as the tourist card.
Many expatriates who plan to live and work in Nicaragua on a short-term basis choose to do so using this method. However, they’ll need a work permit to do so. It’s also necessary to exit the country to renew this visa every 90 days. Employees who plan to remain in Nicaragua over the long term should apply for a residency visa.
There are two types of residency visas in Nicaragua: temporary residence visas, which are valid for one year, and permanent residence visas. Despite the name, a permanent residence visa is valid for five years.
Foreign nationals who plan to work in Nicaragua for up to one year should obtain a work permit. To work for a company in Nicaragua on a long-term basis, foreign employees should get a temporary residence visa.
Requirements to Obtain Nicaragua Work Visas
To work in Nicaragua, foreign employees have to apply for a temporary residency visa. Applicants must provide the following documents:
- Two passport photographs
- A passport with at least six months of validity
- A duly completed visa application form
- A formal letter from the employer in Nicaragua proving the applicant’s income
- An original birth certificate as well as a photocopy
- A criminal background check from any country the applicant has lived in within the preceding five-year period
- A medical document proving that the applicant has no known communicable diseases
- A cash deposit to pay for the applicant’s deportation in the event that it’s necessary
Application Process
Before hiring a foreign employee, your company will need to present a letter explaining why there are no qualified workers in Nicaragua who could fill the position. Once this has been established, the application process can begin.
Applicants should submit the application and supporting documents to the Nicaraguan embassy or diplomatic mission in their country of residence. Upon approval, the applicant will receive a temporary residence visa that will allow them to live and work in Nicaragua for one year.
Other Important Considerations
While a temporary residence permit is issued for an initial period of one year, it can be renewed. After three years of living in Nicaragua as a temporary resident, foreign nationals will need to apply for permanent residence. This status must be renewed every five years as long as the individual is living in Nicaragua.
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At this moment, G-P does not offer support processing work visas or permits in this particular location.
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