Though moving overseas can be a thrilling new venture, it requires so much more planning and preparation than moving locally, so you'll need to get prepared! The customs process is intricate, and you will have to do a lot of research before you head out to your new country.
If you are relocating to Nicaragua, for work, family, or just to call a tropical paradise your new home, plan ahead and find out the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods internationally.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
There are many
important documents you'll need to clear customs and establish permanent residency in Nicaragua, so it may be a good idea to get help from a customs brokering service from your international moving company to prepare your paperwork.
When moving to Nicaragua, you will need:
- Passport (copy, must include all pages except those that are blank)
- Residence visa
- Import permit
- Work permit
- Certificate of residence
- Permit to import household goods and personal effects
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
- Inventory (comprehensive)
- Must be original and in English or Spanish
- Handwritten packing lists will not be accepted
- Brand name, model price and serial number must be included (for all electronic devices and appliances)
- Purchase invoices for all new items (must be notarized by consulate at your origin and attached to inventory)
- Letter of authorization for your Destination Agent to clear shipment
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
Each country has varying regulations when it comes to clearing customs. When moving to Nicaragua permanently, the regulations for the import of both personal effects and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) are:
- You must be present for customs clearance
- If you are working under contract for the Nicaraguan government or are an accredited diplomat or foreign retiree, duty free entry is permitted
- Any extra charges like demurrages of the container at port, or abandonment fines (due to lack of documents) will be billed to you directly
- All household goods and personal effects are subject to duties and taxes (exceptions listed above)
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Nicaragua, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Toluene
- Explosives
- Ammunition and assault weapons (swords, knuckledusters, etc.)
- Gunpowder and chemicals
- Pornographic and subversive material including books, literature, films, etc.
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some goods or items are limited to certain quantities, require special authorization, and/or payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Nicaragua. These items must be packed and declared separately, and include, but are not limited to:
- Personal firearms and hunting rifles (require an Import License)
- New items (require original receipt/invoice)
- Radio and telephone equipment
- Animal and agricultural products (require permits)
- Alcohol , tobacco and food require permits if being shipped in large quantities:
- 3 liters of alcohol allowed
- 200 cigarettes allowed
- 500 grams of tobacco allowed
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your automobile to Nicaragua, you'll require the services of experienced and reliable international vehicle shippers with knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations.
The requirements for importing your vehicle into Nicaragua are:
- New or used automobiles may be imported (amount paid will vary based on the vehicle's value model, year, size and accessories)
- Diplomatic personnel are eligible for duty free vehicle import
- Vehicles are subject to heavy taxes by the treasury department
- Documents must indicate make, model, year and the engine capacity
- Vehicles over 10 years old are prohibited for import unless:
- You are a Nicaraguan returning from being out of the country for at least one year
- The car will be donated to fire brigades, the Nicaraguan Red Cross, churches or other religious denominations and foundations
- The vehicle is a classic or antique
You will need the following documents (in the owner's name):
- Title and registration (original)
- Certification by the Nicaraguan Consulate in country of origin
- Commercial/purchase invoice (original)
- Bill of Lading (original)
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is an important part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs. To successfully travel to Nicaragua with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- Veterinary health certificate(issued at point of origin and dated less than 10 days prior to arrival, must be notarized and submitted to the Nicaraguan Consulate for authenticity)
- Certificate of vaccination (including rabies, dated less than 30 days prior to arrival)
- Import permit (from the Ministry of Agriculture - original)
- Invoice indicating the value of the animal
- Quarantine is not required for cats, dogs, and rodents coming from the same continent
- Birds may be subject to quarantine (due to Avian Flu threat)
- Owners of pets are advised to be present at customs clearance
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving is lengthy and can become an exhausting process. Since it requires thorough research, proper preparation, and the services of professional and trustworthy international movers, be sure to ask these important questions to verify they are qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable of the customs process in Nicaragua. Conducting a thorough background check on any potential overseas movers will also prevent you from making a common international moving mistake.
Beginning your international move planning? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form and receiving estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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