How to apply for a Nicaraguan visa or residence permit

Where you apply depends on the route. Short-stay entry authorisation is handled either at the border (tourist card for visa-free nationalities) or, for nationalities in the consulted-visa category, through the DGME's advance-authorisation process before you travel. Residence permits (temporary and permanent) are processed at the DGME's central offices in Managua, and can be initiated from abroad through the Nicaraguan diplomatic mission with jurisdiction over your place of residence.

All travellers are also expected to complete Nicaragua's online entry request form (Solicitud de Ingreso Ordenado y Seguro) before arrival, regardless of nationality or how they enter. Residence applicants submit a written petition to the DGME together with the supporting civil and background documents, most of which must be legalised/apostilled and, where issued abroad, authenticated by a Nicaraguan consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX).

Because procedures and forms change, verify the current requirement list and submission channel on the DGME's trámites pages before starting.

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