Adoption Process Requirements for Foreign Citizens in Nicaragua
In accordance with Law 870 (Family Code), Book Two, Chapter VII, adoption can be requested by foreign couples (male and female) who live together in a legally recognized marriage. The couple must meet the following requirements:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 24 years old and no older than 55. There must be at least a 15-year age difference between the adoptive parent and the child being adopted.
- Exceptions: In exceptional cases, adoption may be approved even if the age requirements are not met, if it is in the best interest of the child, and with the approval of the National Adoption Council.
- Suitability: Applicants must demonstrate emotional, moral, psychological, social, and economic stability to responsibly assume the role of adoptive parents.
- Supporting Documents: As per Article 244 of this law, the following documents must be submitted to the National Adoption Council:
- A motivational letter requesting the adoption, addressed to the Director General of Adoption, Dr. Milton David Zeledón Molina, and the Technical Coordinator of the National Adoption Council.
- A copy of the applicant’s national identity card or equivalent legal identification.
- Original birth certificates of the adoptive parents.
- Original marriage certificate.
- Updated criminal background check from INTERPOL. If this office is unavailable, the relevant authority from the applicant’s country will provide the document.
- Three references confirming the applicant’s moral and financial solvency.
- A medical-physical health certificate or any other evaluation the National Adoption Council deems necessary.
- Two (2) passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of completion of an adoptive parent preparation course.
- A bio-psycho-social study conducted by the competent state institution or an authorized agency from the applicant’s country of origin or residence. In the latter case, the study must be accompanied by the agency’s license.
Note: Foreign applicants not residing in their country of origin must provide proof of at least three years of residence or domicile in that country.
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- Authorization to carry out the adoption in the Republic of Nicaragua, granted by the competent authorities.
- A written commitment from the equivalent institution to send annual post-adoption follow-up reports until the adopted child reaches 18 years of age.
- Completion of a pre-adoption monitoring period of three months, which may be extended at the discretion of the National Adoption Council.
Additional Information:
- Document Translation: All required documents must be presented in their original form along with certified translations into Spanish and any required authenticity via diplomatic channels for legal recognition in the Republic of Nicaragua, or apostilled if the applicant’s country is a signatory of the Hague Convention on Apostille.
Ready to Begin the Adoption Process?
If you’re a foreign citizen interested in adopting in Nicaragua, we can help guide you through the process with expertise and support every step of the way. Contact Los Cisneros Law today to schedule a consultation and start your adoption journey!
