Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Nicaragua. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Nicaragua may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences and trade shows
• Tour a company facility
• Develop business contacts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Nicaragua?

Nationals from the European Union, Canada, the US and most other countries do not require a visa to enter Nicaragua to conduct business activities. Depending on nationality, business visitors to Nicaragua must obtain either a Consulted Visa or Consular Visa prior to travel from a Nicaraguan Consulate or Embassy.

Nicaragua is a signatory of the Central America 4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement along with Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Foreign nationals who enter any one of the CA-4 countries are free to travel to any of the other CA-4 countries without obtaining additional documentation. The same limits apply on the amount of time a foreign national may remain in a CA-4 state.

Working in Nicaragua

What sorts of activities require a work permit/work visa?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Nicaraguan law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Nicaragua, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning or implementation
• Marketing
• Auditing

If I am traveling to Nicaragua for work, what type of work permit do I need?

The type of work permit required depends on your qualifications, salary, whether your employer has an entity in Nicaragua, and the nature and duration of your work. The most common Nicaraguan work permits are the:

• Work Permit (standard work permit)
• Temporary Residency with Work Permit (long-term work permit)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work permit requirements in Nicaragua.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.