On May 6, 2025, the National Assembly of Nicaragua published in La Gaceta, the Oficial Gazzette, the Regulations of Law No. 1240, the Foreign Investment Law, aimed at strengthening the legal framework to attract international capital.
The regulation outlines the roles of two new key entities: the National Foreign Investment Commission (CNIE) and the Technical Committee for Evaluation and Monitoring of Strategic Investments (CTESIE). These bodies will be responsible for reviewing and approving foreign investments, as well as identifying those considered strategic for national development.
As part of the system’s modernization, the Single Foreign Investment Registration Certificate (RUIE) has been introduced. This certificate becomes a mandatory requirement for formalizing economic operations and for conducting procedures with public institutions. It will be issued by the Investment Directorate of the Ministry of Development, Industry and Trade (MIFIC), which will also oversee the registration process.
The regulation specifies the steps and required documentation for registering as a foreign investor, and sets technical guidelines for determining which projects qualify as strategic investments. Additionally, the framework includes measures to streamline administrative processes and monitor the implementation of these projects through centralized management and digital tools.
Registration Procedure
Foreign investors must submit an application to MIFIC along with the following documents:
- Investment plan.
- Draft articles of incorporation (if applicable).
- Notarized copy of passport or residency ID.
- Corporate documents for any already-established foreign entities.
All documents must be submitted in Spanish. MIFIC will provide the necessary forms and guidance to complete the registration process.
Deadline to Regularize Existing Investments
The regulation grants a 120-day period starting May 26, 2025, for existing foreign investments to be registered in accordance with the new rules.
Through this updated legal framework, Nicaragua aims to attract foreign investment under principles of transparency, efficiency, and alignment with national development priorities.
