Many Nicaraguans come to Spain to join family who already live here, and since 2018 the number of international protection claims has also grown. Nicaraguan passport holders enter visa-free, and there is a dual nationality treaty and driving licence exchange, but living and working requires a permit. Here are the routes and what to prepare.
Key facts
- Entry: Nicaraguan passport holders can stay in the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This does not allow work and does not, on its own, let you settle.
- Citizenship: as a national of an Ibero-American country you can apply for Spanish citizenship after 2 years of legal, continuous residence. The Spain–Nicaragua dual nationality treaty lets you keep Nicaraguan nationality.
- Documents: Nicaragua has applied the Hague Convention since 2013, so an apostille is enough and no translation is needed.
- Driving: there is an exchange agreement. Once resident you can drive for six months on your Nicaraguan licence and exchange it without a test for cars and motorcycles.
How people usually move
- Family. If your spouse, or your parent if you are under 18, is a non-EU resident in Spain, they can sponsor you after one year of residence (family reunification); if they are Spanish or an EU citizen, the route is residence as a family member. Family reunification
- International protection. It is for people facing persecution, for example on political grounds, or a risk of serious harm; it is not a way to work. Each case is assessed individually, and it helps to gather evidence from the start. Asylum and international protection
- Work in Spain. A contract with a Spanish company that obtains the permit before you travel; also a highly qualified profile or an EU Blue Card. Employment permit
- Studies. A degree, master’s or vocational course (FP) with a study authorisation, which allows work up to 30 hours a week. Time as a student does not count towards the 2 years for citizenship. Study permit
- Arraigo after 2 years in Spain. It is a legal route, but it means spending a period in irregular status, with the risk of an expulsion order that can later complicate the application. It also requires a clean criminal record. Arraigo
Documents and apostille
- Police record certificate (récord de policía) from the Policía Nacional and, if requested, a court record certificate (constancia de antecedentes judiciales). Have them apostilled at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Birth and marriage certificates from your municipality’s civil registry (Registro del Estado Civil de las Personas), recent and apostilled.
- Degrees and school certificates, apostilled, if you plan to study, have them recognised or apply for a skilled visa.
- Passport valid long enough: if it is about to expire, renew it before you start the procedure.
What to keep in mind
- Visas are handled by the consular section of the Embassy of Spain in Managua. Check its website for the requirements sheet and how to book an appointment.
- Certificates usually need to be recent: request your records and apostilles once you have an appointment date.
- Even without a visa, border officers may ask for a return ticket, a hotel booking or letter of invitation and proof of funds.
- In Spain: register at the town hall (padrón) from day one and, if you came with a residence visa, apply for your TIE within the first month. If you applied for asylum, check how it affects a future arraigo before your next step.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim asylum in Spain if I face political problems in Nicaragua?
You can apply if you face persecution or a risk of serious harm; the decision depends on your personal situation and the evidence you provide. Since June 2026 the EU Pact on Migration and Asylum applies, which changes part of the procedure. If the claim is refused you will need another route, so have your case assessed first.
Will I lose Nicaraguan nationality if I become Spanish?
Not on the Spanish side. Under the Spain–Nicaragua dual nationality treaty you can hold both. You apply after 2 years of legal, continuous residence and pass the CCSE test of the Instituto Cervantes; the DELE language test is not required because Spanish is an official language of Nicaragua.
Do my Nicaraguan documents need translating or legalising?
They need no translation, as they are in Spanish, and no diplomatic legalisation: since 2013 Nicaragua has applied the Hague Convention, so an apostille from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is enough.