Nicaragua does not offer a direct Citizenship by Investment program; however, it provides a pathway to citizenship through its Permanent Residency by Investment program. This process allows individuals to apply for Nicaraguan citizenship after fulfilling specific residency requirements.

Permanent Residency by Investment Program

To begin the journey towards citizenship, an individual must first secure permanent residency through investment. The key aspects of this program include:

• Investment Requirement: A minimum investment of $30,000 is required. This investment can be made in real estate, a business, or government-approved agricultural or forestry projects.
• Validity and Maintenance: The residency permit granted under this program is valid for five years. While there is no strict requirement to maintain residency during this period, it is advisable for applicants to spend at least one month annually in Nicaragua if they intend to pursue naturalization later.

Pathway to Citizenship

Once an individual has obtained permanent residency, they can apply for Nicaraguan citizenship after two consecutive years of living in the country. The following conditions must be met:

1. Minimum Stay Requirement: Applicants are required to spend at least 180 days per year in Nicaragua during the two-year residency period leading up to their citizenship application.
2. Language Proficiency: Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in Spanish as part of the naturalization process.
3. Cultural Knowledge: A naturalization test covering Nicaraguan culture and history must be passed.

Alternative Visa Options

For those who may not meet the investment criteria but still wish to reside in Nicaragua, there are alternative visa options such as the Rentista Visa and Pensionado Visa. These visas allow foreign retirees and expatriates to live in Nicaragua but require longer periods of residency (four consecutive years) before applying for citizenship.

Benefits of Nicaraguan Citizenship

Once granted citizenship, individuals enjoy several benefits:

• Visa-Free Travel: Nicaraguan passport holders gain access to 142 countries and territories without needing a visa or with visa-on-arrival options.
• Dual Citizenship: Nicaragua allows dual citizenship, meaning individuals can retain their original nationality while becoming citizens of Nicaragua.

summary, while there is no direct Citizenship by Investment program in Nicaragua, individuals can achieve citizenship through the Permanent Residency by Investment program after meeting specific requirements related to investment and residency duration.