Documents you need

For entry as a tourist, the core document is a valid passport (generally valid at least six months beyond entry) plus the tourist card issued/purchased on arrival for visa-free nationalities.

Residence applications require substantially more. Commonly requested documents include a completed application form and written request, a certified birth certificate, a police/criminal-record certificate, a health certificate, passport copies, photographs, and evidence specific to the category (for example an acceptance letter from a Nicaraguan institution for students, an employment contract for workers, proof of family relationship, or proof of investment/income). Documents issued abroad must usually be apostilled or legalised and authenticated through a Nicaraguan consulate and MINREX, and translated into Spanish where required.

Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.