#CostaRica 🇨🇷 #BDS_LaborAlert: CCSS Updates Minimum Contribution Base Effective January 2026
On January 14, the Costa Rican Social Security Administration(CCSS) announced that, pursuant to...
Through Provision No. 002-2026, issued by the Ministry of the Interior through the General Immigration Authority, changes have been established to the visa migration categories for entry into the Republic of Nicaragua, effective as of February 16, 2026.
The referenced provision updates the list of nationalities that:
-
- Do not require a visa to enter the country (Visa-Free Regime).
- Maintain exemption for holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports.
- Require a Consulted Visa, Migration Category “C.”
The visa-free regime remains in effect for various nationalities, including Central American countries such as:
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Panama
Likewise, numerous countries from Europe, the Americas, and Asia continue under the visa-free regime, in accordance with the official list contained in the Provision.
II. Countries Requiring a Consulted Visa (Category “C”)
The Provision incorporates or confirms that citizens of various nationalities must obtain a Consulted Visa prior to entering Nicaragua. Among the countries requiring a Consulted Visa – Category “C” are:
- Afghanistan
- Bangladesh
- China (for holders of ordinary passports)
- Cuba
- Haiti
- India (for holders of ordinary passports)
- Iran
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Syria
- Venezuela (for holders of ordinary passports)
- Vietnam (for holders of ordinary passports)
- Yemen
- Among others
Specific reciprocity criteria are also established in the case of Colombia with respect to certain territories.
Labor and Business Impact
The update to migration categories may directly impact:
- Hiring processes for foreign personnel.
- Temporary relocation of executives, technicians, or consultants.
- Entry of suppliers or commercial representatives.
- Regional and international mobility planning.
Companies must verify the applicable migration category for each nationality before scheduling entry into the country in order to avoid operational delays or entry restrictions.
Recommendations
In light of this new Provision, we recommend that employers:
- Review the nationality of foreign personnel prior to hiring or relocation.
- Confirm if a Consulted Visa is required before coordinating travel.
- Adjust timelines considering administrative immigration processing times.
The Provision is immediately applicable to immigration authorities and transportation carriers. You may download it by clicking here.
