Moving to Spain from Nicaragua: Complete 2026 Guide
Nicaraguas Ibero-American status grants Nicaraguans the fastest path to Spanish citizenship at just 2 years. With nearly 1.2 million Nicaraguans living abroad, Spain offers an established community and clear pathway to European residency.
Key Facts for Nicaraguans
- Visa: Required (Schengen visa needed)
- Citizenship: 2 years (Ibero-American)
- Dual Nationality: Allowed
- Tax Treaty: None currently in force
Why Nicaraguans Choose Spain
Nicaragua has the second-largest emigrant population in Central America, with nearly 1.2 million Nicaraguans living abroad. While Costa Rica and the United States host the majority, Spain attracts a growing number of Nicaraguans drawn by shared language, cultural connections, and the accelerated citizenship pathway. The ability to obtain EU citizenship in just 2 years makes Spain uniquely attractive among European destinations.
Spanish is the official language in both countries, eliminating the language barrier that confronts immigrants from non-Spanish-speaking nations. Nicaraguans can integrate immediately into Spanish society, access employment, pursue education, and build social connections from the day they arrive. This linguistic advantage accelerates professional and personal opportunities significantly.
The Nicaraguan immigrant population in Spain is notably female-majority, with women comprising 69% of Nicaraguan immigrants. Many work in healthcare, hospitality, domestic services, and other sectors where Spanish language skills and cultural familiarity are valued. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona host active Latin American communities where Nicaraguans find cultural connections and mutual support.
Key Facts for Nicaraguan Citizens
- Visa Required: Yes (visa required)
- Most Common Visas: Digital Nomad, Non-Lucrative, Work, Student, Family Reunification
- Processing Time: 1-3 months at consulate
- Spanish Consulates: Managua
- Citizenship Timeline: 2 years (Ibero-American) of legal residence
- Tax Treaty: Yes (in force)
- Dual Citizenship: Nicaragua allows dual citizenship
Visa Options
Work visas with employer sponsorship and family reunification are the most common pathways for Nicaraguans moving to Spain. The student visa provides access to Spains excellent university system, with opportunities to transition to work residency after graduation. For remote workers and freelancers, the Digital Nomad visa offers a newer pathway that allows living in Spain while working for international clients or employers.
Citizenship in 2 Years
Nicaragua qualifies as an Ibero-American country under Spanish nationality law, granting Nicaraguans access to the accelerated 2-year citizenship pathway. While citizens of most countries must wait 10 years for naturalization, Nicaraguans can apply for Spanish nationality after just 24 months of continuous legal residence. Combined with full EU rights, this makes Spain exceptionally attractive for those seeking European opportunities.
Citizenship requirements include maintaining continuous legal residence in Spain, demonstrating good civic conduct with no criminal record, and proving integration into Spanish society. As a native Spanish speaker, you are exempt from the DELE A2 language exam that applicants from non-Spanish-speaking countries must pass. You will need to complete the CCSE exam, which tests knowledge of Spanish culture, constitution, and society.
Nicaragua permits dual citizenship, and Spain allows Nicaraguans to retain their nationality when acquiring Spanish citizenship. This means you can hold both passports simultaneously, gaining the right to live and work anywhere in the EU while maintaining all your rights as a Nicaraguan citizen.
Spanish Consulates in Nicaragua
Managua. Embassy (Main)
Las Colinas, Avenida Central No. 13
Managua, Nicaragua
Emergency: +505 8889 5623 (Spanish citizens only)
Hours: Monday-Friday (by appointment)
Spain maintains an embassy in Managua and a consulate in Leon to serve Nicaraguan residents. All visa applications must be submitted in person with a scheduled appointment. The consulate in Leon provides services for residents of northern Nicaragua. Appointments can be booked through the official Spanish government scheduling system, and processing times vary by visa type.
Required Documents
Prepare before your visa appointment:
- Passport valid for at least 1 year
- Criminal record from the Policia Nacional, apostilled
- Medical certificate from authorized physician
- Proof of income (bank statements, contracts)
- Health insurance from Spanish-authorized provider
- Application form completed and signed
- Photos passport size, white background
- Visa fee
Documents must be current, generally issued within the last 3 months. Nicaraguan documents in Spanish do not require translation but must be apostilled through the Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores. Depending on your visa type, additional documentation may be required such as employment contracts, proof of family relationships, university enrollment letters, or evidence of accommodation arrangements in Spain.
Tax Considerations
Nicaragua-Spain Tax Treaty
No double taxation treaty currently exists between Nicaragua and Spain. This means income could potentially be subject to taxation in both countries without the clear allocation rules that a treaty provides.
Without a bilateral agreement, Spanish domestic tax law applies fully to residents. Spain offers a unilateral deduction for foreign taxes paid, calculated as the lesser of the actual foreign tax paid or the tax that would have been due in Spain on the same income. If you maintain income sources in Nicaragua while residing in Spain, professional tax planning is strongly recommended to minimize your overall tax burden and ensure compliance with both jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Nicaraguans need a visa to enter Spain?
Yes, Nicaraguan passport holders require a Schengen visa to enter Spain for any purpose. For tourist visits up to 90 days, apply for a short-stay visa. For longer stays involving work, study, or residence, you need the appropriate long-term visa from the Spanish Embassy before traveling.
Is a Spanish language test required for citizenship?
No. Because Spanish is the official language of Nicaragua, you are exempt from the DELE A2 language exam. You must pass the CCSE exam, which covers Spanish culture, constitution, and civic life. Study materials and practice exams are available through the Instituto Cervantes.
Can I keep my Nicaraguan citizenship?
Yes. Nicaragua permits dual citizenship, and Spain allows Nicaraguans to retain their nationality when acquiring Spanish citizenship. You can hold both passports simultaneously, enjoying full EU rights while maintaining your Nicaraguan citizenship and all associated rights in your home country.
What happens after I get citizenship?
Spanish citizenship grants you all rights of an EU citizen. You can live and work in any of the 27 EU member states, vote in local and European elections in Spain, access Spanish public services, and travel freely throughout the Schengen area. You also gain the right to pass citizenship to your children born after naturalization.
We Handle Everything
Immigration procedures can be complex, but you do not have to navigate them alone. Legal Fournier specializes in helping Nicaraguans successfully relocate to Spain. From your initial visa application through NIE registration, residency renewals, and eventually citizenship applications, our experienced immigration lawyers manage every step of the process. We understand the specific pathways available to Nicaraguans and work to maximize your opportunities.
This guide provides general information. Immigration and tax regulations change regularly. For planning tailored to your situation, contact our team.