Nationality of Nicaragua: all obtaining pathways
Nicaragua requires four continuous years from the permanent residence card for ordinary naturalization, reduced to two through marriage, through reciprocity with Spain and other States, and through industry or development activity. Descent is acquired from origin with ratification at majority.
1Naturalization by residence (letter of naturalisation)
Naturalization by residence (letter of naturalisation)
Requirements
- Proving residence in the country for four continuous years, counted from the date of obtaining the permanent residence card (art. 7 of Law No. 499)
- Having sufficient knowledge of Spanish, geography, and the country's history and political and social organization, by certificate from an education authority
- Further requirements of art. 7: good conduct, practicing a profession, trade, industry or commerce, and express renunciation of the nationality of origin (or the wish to acquire the Nicaraguan one)
Documentation
- Application to the competent authority (Ministry of Government / Directorate General of Migration)
- Permanent residence card of four years' standing
- The required studies/knowledge certificate
- Criminal record certificates
- Legalised birth certificate
2Naturalization of nationals of Spain and States of reciprocity
Naturalization of nationals of Spain and States of reciprocity
Requirements
- Being a native of Spain or a national of a State applying the principle of reciprocity (art. 8.a of Law No. 499)
- Two years of permanent residence in Nicaragua
- Meeting the requirements of art. 7(b), (c) and (d) (good conduct, profession or trade, renunciation)
Documentation
- Application to the competent authority
- Certificate of two years' permanent residence
- Identity documents of the country of origin
3Naturalization by marriage
Naturalization by marriage
Requirements
- Being the foreign spouse of a Nicaraguan person (art. 8.b of Law No. 499)
- Two years of permanent residence in Nicaragua
- The marriage bond remaining in force at the time of naturalization
- Renunciation of the nationality of origin is not demanded where, by the foreign spouse's national law, they would lose their nationality on account of the marriage
Documentation
- Application to the competent authority
- Marriage certificate
- Certificate of two years' permanent residence
- Identity documents of both spouses
4Naturalization through industry or development activity
Naturalization through industry or development activity
Requirements
- Having established an industry in Nicaragua or carrying on an activity contributing to the country's economic, social and cultural development (art. 9 of Law No. 499)
- Two years of permanent residence, after prior renunciation of the nationality of origin
- Meeting the requirements of art. 7(b), (c) and (d)
Documentation
- Application to the competent authority
- Proof of the industry or activity carried on
- Certificate of two years' permanent residence
5Declaration of nationality for extraordinary merits
Declaration of nationality for extraordinary merits
Requirements
- Having distinguished themselves by extraordinary merits rendering service to Nicaragua
- Declaration by the National Assembly (art. 5 of Law No. 499); they enjoy the same rights as nationals, subject to the limitations of arts. 134, 147, 152, 161 and 171 of the Constitution
Documentation
- File of the legislative declaration
6Nationality by descent (origin-based)
Nationality by descent (origin-based)
Requirements
- Children born abroad of a Nicaraguan father or mother
- Ratification: those born abroad to a Nicaraguan father or mother who hold another nationality, and foreigners born in national territory with their parents' nationality, must ratify the Nicaraguan nationality or renounce it within the two years following emancipation or coming of age
Documentation
- Applicant's birth certificate
- Nicaraguan parent's birth certificate
- Identity documents
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Nicaragua
How many years of residence does Nicaragua require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Nicaragua (Naturalization by residence (letter of naturalisation)), the term is 4 years from obtaining the permanent resident identity card, renouncing the nationality of origin (Law 761, art. 53, Gazette 125). The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Does Nicaragua allow dual nationality?
Further requirements of art. 7: good conduct, practicing a profession, trade, industry or commerce, and express renunciation of the nationality of origin (or the wish to acquire the Nicaraguan one)
Can the nationality of Nicaragua be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage pathway (2 years of continuous residence as the spouse of a Nicaraguan (Law 761, art. 54, Gazette 125)). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Nicaragua require?
The Naturalization by residence pathway requires: Application to the competent authority (Ministry of Government / Directorate General of Migration); Permanent residence card of four years' standing; The required studies/knowledge certificate; Criminal record certificates; Legalised birth certificate.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Nicaragua?
Nicaragua provides 6 pathways: Naturalization by residence, Naturalization of nationals of Spain and States of reciprocity, Naturalization by marriage, Naturalization through industry or development activity, Declaration of nationality for extraordinary merits, Nationality by descent.
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