Living in Nicaragua
Information for British citizens moving to or living in Nicaragua including guidance on healthcare, education and employment.
Overview
This guide sets out essential information for British citizens moving to or living in Nicaragua. Read about how our embassy can help.
This information is provided as a guide only. You should get definitive information from the Nicaraguan authorities. The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) is not liable for any inaccuracies in this information.
Support for British nationals abroad sets out how British nationals can stay safe abroad and how the FCDO can help if you do get into difficulty. Read general guidance on moving or retiring abroad.
To stay up to date: follow the British Embassy in Managua on Facebook and Twitter.
Before you go
See our travel advice for Nicaragua for up-to-date information on entry requirements, local laws and customs, safety, and emergencies.
Also see our overseas business risk - Nicaragua guidance.
Visas and residency
Check the entry requirements for Nicaragua in our travel advice.
British citizens do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. A $10 visitors’ permit is purchased on arrival. Further information is available from the Nicaraguan Immigration Office (in Spanish).
Passports and travel
You can apply for or renew your British passport from Nicaragua. However, your passport may take up to four weeks longer than normal to reach you.
Check the Nicaraguan travel advice for passport validity requirements.
Healthcare in Nicaragua
There are good international quality hospitals in Managua – Hospital Central and Hospital Metropolitano, amongst others. Facilities are less comprehensive outside Managua. Travelers will be required to pay for treatment, and although costs are lower than in Europe or the United States, health insurance is essential. While many providers will accept credit cards and make arrangements with insurers, there are reports of some providers requiring cash.
Note: UK Travel insurance providers will not generally cover your healthcare costs if you live overseas.
Medicines
If you are on a prescription for any medication you should ensure you have a supply of it, or are able to obtain it when in Nicaragua. Certain medicines may not be available in Nicaragua (including major brands readily available in the UK), and you may be prohibited from taking them into the country. You should consult your GP before travelling to Nicaragua to find out about any alternative medication.
Prescription medicines should normally be permitted but in case of doubt, check with the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health.
Working in Nicaragua
If you are planning to move to Nicaragua and work, you may need a visa. Read the Nicaraguan government’s guidance on working in Nicaragua as a foreign national and how to get a visa.
Employment and recognised qualifications
Holders of non-Nicaraguan degrees and other educational certificates should check verification agreements with the Ministry of Education (in Spanish).
Studying in Nicaragua
If you plan to study in Nicaragua, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
Contact the Ministry of Education in Nicaragua to check what fees you have to pay.
Tax
The UK does not have a double taxation agreement with Nicaragua.
You should get professional advice on paying tax in Nicaragua. Find an English-speaking lawyer in Nicaragua.
Read guidance on:
Tax if you leave the UK to live abroad.
Tax on your UK income if you live abroad.
Tax if you get a pension and live abroad.
Benefits
Check which UK benefits you can claim while abroad and how to claim them.
Many income-related benefits such as Pension Credit and Housing Benefit cannot be paid if you are abroad for more than 4 weeks.
Pensions
If you retire in Nicaragua, you can claim your UK State Pension or new UK State Pension. Contact the International Pension Centre for further information.
Life certificates for UK State Pensions
If you get a ‘life certificate’ from the UK State Pension Service, you must respond as soon as possible. Your payments may be suspended if you do not.
Money and banking
There are a number of Central American banks in Nicaragua, and ATMs are plentiful in the capital. US dollars can usually be readily exchanged for local Córdobas, but ensure that notes are pristine and undamaged as you may have trouble exchanging damaged or soiled notes.
Accommodation and buying property
Driving in Nicaragua
See driving abroad.
You can drive on your UK driving license during your stay as a tourist. As a resident you will need to apply for a local license. For more information on licenses and road matters, see the National Police website.
For guidance for travelling by road in Nicaragua see the road travel section of the travel advice.
If you want to take your vehicle from the UK to Nicaragua, see guidance on taking vehicles out of the UK.
Disabled drivers
If you have a UK Blue Badge and live in Nicaragua, you must return it to the original UK issuing authority.
Voting
You may be able to vote in some UK elections. You can:
Check if you are able to vote.
Register as an overseas voter.
Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership
Births
If your child is born in Nicaragua you should register the birth with the local authorities. You can then register with the UK authorities and apply for a UK birth certificate.
If your child has British nationality, you do not need to register the birth with the UK authorities for a British passport.
Deaths
If someone dies in Nicaragua read our guidance on:
What to do if someone dies abroad.
Bereavement guidance for Nicaragua.
English-speaking funeral directors in Nicaragua.
Marriage and civil partnership.
Find out how you can get married or get a civil partnership abroad.
Pets
See our guidance on how to bring your cat or dog to Nicaragua.
Emergencies
Dial 911 for fire brigade.
Dial 118 for the police.
Dial 102 for ambulance.
If you have been the victim of rape or sexual assault in Costa Rica, read the guidance on information for victims of rape and sexual assault in Nicaragua. See also guidance for victims of rape and sexual assault abroad.
If you are the victim of a crime, have been arrested or are affected by a crisis, contact the British Embassy in San Jose.
Read the guidance on international parental child abduction if your child may be at risk of this.
If you need legal advice or help, we have compiled a list of English-speaking lawyers in Nicaragua.
Returning to the UK
Read the guidance on returning to the UK permanently, which includes information on bringing family members, tax and access to services.
Disclaimer
Please note that this information is provided as a guide only. Definitive information should be obtained from the Nicaraguan authorities.
Last updated 4 April 2024 + show all updates
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A note on the length of time to receive a new passport has been added. References to specific academic institutions have been removed. Contact information to the British Embassy San Jose has been included.
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Document has been completely reviewed and updated. The section on coronavirus has been removed. The Overview has been expanded with new information, including a guide for British Nationals abroad. A "Before you go" section has been added. The "Entry requirements" section has been renamed "Visas and residency". A "Passports and travel" section has been added. The former paragraph entitled "Guidance on bringing medication into country" has been updated and renamed "Medicines". The "Employment and recognised qualifications" has been renamed "Working in Nicaragua". The "Education" section has been updated and renamed "Studying in Nicaragua". There is a new section on Tax. The "Finance" section has been updated and renamed "Money and banking". There are new sections related to "Pensions" and "Accommodation and buying property". The former "Driving licences and vehicles" section has been updated and renamed "Driving in Nicaragua." There are new sections on: Voting Births, deaths, marriage and civil partnership Pets There are new sections on Emergencies and Returning to the UK.
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Coronavirus section added with a link to guidance on vaccines
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First published.