International Removals UK to Nicaragua

It takes approximately 41 days for an international move to Nicaragua. This is the time it takes from the port in London gateway to the port in Managua. You need to also factor in the time it takes for UK collection, packing and final delivery in Nicaragua.

New residents and returning nationals in Nicaragua do not have to pay customs duties on personal items and household goods, provided they are not new and you have the relevant documentation for your residency status. Temporary residents or those without residency status will be subject to customs duties based on the value and category of items. Customs duties are charged at 15% to 30% and you’ll have to pay VAT (IVA) of 15% on the value and shipping costs of the goods.

We’ll work with you to ensure you’ve got all the documents needed to move to Nicaragua. You’ll have to provide us with the following so we can get you shipped there. In certain circumstances, you may need more documents for further proof so research is important.

• A copy of your passport including the visa page
• Residency permit documents or proof of visa
• A Bill of Lading issued by 1st Move International highlighting the contents of the shipment
• An inventory list
• Customs declaration form

You can live in Nicaragua for up to 90 days as a tourist without the need for a visa. You can extend your stay by up to 90 days but after this period you will have to apply for the relevant visa. People tend to apply for a temporary residence visa if they plan to work, study or retire in Nicaragua. The work visa is typically the most common method to move to Nicaragua.

Work Visa

If you plan to work in Nicaragua, you must apply for a work visa. This is typically through a Temporary Residence Visa and you must have a valid job offer for a company in Nicaragua. This is valid for 1 year initially but typically can be renewed annually.

Key Requirements:

• A UK passport valid for 6 months
• A valid contract or job offer in writing from a Nicaraguan employer that is registered with the government
• Work authorisation from Nicaraguan immigration authorities requested by your employee
• Proof of qualifications
• A valid UK police clearance certificate
• Medical clearance certificate

To view the full list of requirements for the Work Visa and learn more about the Temporary Residence Visa, you can read them on the Nicaragua Immigration Office website .

Family Visa

If you have immediate family who are Nicaraguan citizens or residents, then you can apply for a family reunification visa. You are eligible to apply if you have a spouse, children or parents living there.

Key Requirements:

• Proof of relationship with a Nicaraguan citizen typically through birth or marriage certificates
• A letter from the family member inviting you to live there
• Proof that the family member is a permanent resident or citizen
• Proof of financial stability to support your family and yourself
• A UK police clearance certificate
• A medical clearance certificate

The Nicaraguan Immigration Office website details more information about the requirements for the Nicaragua Family Visa .

Permanent Residence Visa

You can apply for a Permanent Residence Visa after living in Nicaragua on a temporary residence visa for at least 3 years. If you are a spouse of a citizen of Nicaraguan, you can apply after 2 years of living there.

Key Requirements:

• A UK passport valid for 6 months after your stay
• Proof of temporary residence status for 3 years
• A completed Permanent Residence Visa application form from the Nicaraguan immigration authorities
• A UK police clearance certificate to cover the previous 6 months
• A medical clearance certificate
• Proof of income
• Proof of address

You can find the full requirements for the Permanent Residence Visa on the Nicaraguan Immigration Office website .

Yes, you can take your pet to Nicaragua with you if they are fit to travel and you follow the requirements:

You’ll need to get an international health certificate from a licensed vet within 10 days of travel.

Your pet must have their rabies vaccination at least 30 days before travel and no later than 12 months.

Microchips aren’t a requirement, but they are always recommended for the safety of your pet. Import permits aren’t always required either, but it’s always important to check with the Nicaraguan authorities.

Yes, our free shipping container tracking tool allows you to view the status of your shipment from the UK to Nicaragua. We’ll provide you with a unique tracking code so you can live-track its movements the moment it leaves the UK.

Nicaragua has an extremely low cost of living compared to the UK. The UK’s living cost is 289.5% higher than Nicaraguas, with rent, restaurant and groceries all significantly lower. A family of 4 moving to Nicaragua should budget around £1,532.4 ($2,000) for their monthly living costs, not including rent. To rent a city centre 3-bedroom apartment in Nicaragua, it will cost £362 ($472.50) per month, compared to £1,339 in the UK. Average monthly salaries are low in Nicaragua, averaging at £212 per month.

Nicaragua provides free or low-cost public healthcare to its citizens and residents who pay social security contributions. Run by the Ministry of Health, it's entirely funded by the government. Most facilities offer an adequate level of care, whilst some struggle with a lack of supplies and staff. There is also private healthcare in Nicaragua where people can get high-quality care for a significant cost. Many expats choose to get private health insurance so they can cover these costs and access high-standard healthcare.

Primary school education in Nicaragua is compulsory from age 6 to 12 where students attend secondary schools for the next 5 years. Several international schools cater to British or US families to help them complete an international education. Managua is home to many notable universities including the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua, the University of Central America and the National University of Engineering.

Agriculture is the biggest sector in Nicaragua and makes up a large part of the country's economy. They export mainly coffee, sugar and tobacco with jobs ranging from farming roles to export positions. Manufacturing, construction and tourism are other popular areas in the job market. Expats often find work in teaching roles, especially teaching the English language. Having bilingual Spanish and English skills is seen as an advantage, especially in the tourism sector.