Nicaragua

Dual Citizenship Nicaragua

Restricted

Nicaraguan nationality is based on a mixture of ius soli and ius sanguinis. Those who qualify as Nicaraguan nationals include people born in Nicaraguan territory, foreigners whose mother or father are Nicaraguan and, if requested after reaching legal age, people born abroad whose mother or father were originally Nicaraguan.

Nicaraguan nationality may be acquired through naturalisation. Foreigners must reside continually in Nicaragua under the category of Permanent Resident for four consecutive years and renounce the nationality of their country of origin or any other nationality acquired through nationalisation before a duly authorised Public Notary.

There are some other circumstances in which foreigners need only reside continually in Nicaragua for two years under the category of Permanent Resident to qualify for Nicaraguan Citizenship. These circumstances may include cases when a foreigner has either married a Nicaraguan; has Nicaraguan children; has invested in the country and is contributing to its national economic and social development; or is a national of either Spain, Guatemala, Honduras or El Salvador. Nationalisation also extends to the underage children and spouse of the foreigner who has acquired Nicaraguan nationality.

With respect to dual nationality, this is only recognised when it comes to foreigners from Spain, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, since these countries have signed International Conventions with Nicaragua that recognise double nationality. Therefore, nationals from these countries do not need to renounce the original nationality; however, once they are nationalised, they must enter Nicaragua with their Nicaraguan passport.

With regards to children’s dual nationality, upon reaching the legal age, naturalised children and children holding Nicaraguan citizenship on the basis of ius sanguinis, must decide between renouncing their Nicaraguan nationality or their original nationality. Multiple nationality is recognized for Nicaraguans who cannot renounce their Nicaraguan nationality.