Ever since the pandemic hit the world, more and more people have started to flock to Nicaragua, seeking more freedom and alternative ways of living. Now, what exactly does Nicaragua have to offer that makes it such an ideal place for going off the grid? Read below about the possibilities that this hidden gem has to offer for freedom-seeking people all over the globe.
1 Buying land is legal for foreigners and affordable
Foreigners can easily buy land and real estate in Nicaragua. A lawyer is needed to assist in the buying process, to make sure that all the fees are paid, and to make sure that the land does not belong to someone else. The lawyer will do a land check once you have decided which lot you want to purchase. After payment, you will own your piece of paradise and you can start your off-grid adventure!
The land is cheap in Nicaragua: one Manzana (7.000 m2, or roughly 2 acres) may cost roughly about $10.000. Land nearing the grand colonial cities of Nicaragua, beachfront surfing properties, and land in the region of ex-pat hub San Juan del Sur, will naturally cost much more. Properties further up north, and inland properties, however, cost even less than the aforementioned price.
You can stay on a tourist visa and keep renewing it every three months, or file for a residence permit. The latter requires an investment of $35.000, about $1.000 to pay for the services of a lawyer, and a fair amount of patience. This is the easiest way; there are other ways to obtain it as well. You can list the purchase of land as the investment, using it to obtain your residence permit.
Although $35.000 may sound like a lot for a residence permit, it is in fact not that high, when you compare it to other countries, such as Thailand, Turkey, or Mexico. For more information on obtaining residencies:
2 Climate and resources
Nicaragua, land of water and volcanoes, land of resources, and great biodiversity – need I say more? The Lake of Nicaragua is the largest lake in Central America, there are woods, jungle, beaches, and agriculture: everything one needs to survive is produced locally and grows abundantly. It is a preppers paradise, and there are lots of opportunities for fishing.
Powering your own home is fairly common in Nicaragua since there are regular power cuts, as well as having your own well and cob wood stove to cook on.
The tropical climate in Nicaragua is very suitable for off-grid living: temperatures are between 23 and 30°C, or 73 and 86°F. Up North, in the mountains, the climate is naturally cooler.
The main advantages of this climate are that you do not need a wood stove or heater to heat your house and that your permaculture homestead can produce harvest all year round.
You can use a solar oven, an unheated shower outside, and cook on wood outdoors. Solar panels and windmills can take care of your electricity needs, and a biogas tank can take care of any gas that you may want to use.
You can build a hut from bamboo and palm tree leaves, sleep in a hammock and enjoy yourself, whilst building your off-grid home.
3 Community
People from first-world countries, namely the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe are currently flocking to Nicaragua and setting up homes there. Families, friends, couples, individuals: a lot of people are looking for land to build off (the) grid communities. Digital nomads, entrepreneurs, yoga lovers, adventurers, surf lovers, you name it.
Emigrating means leaving loved ones behind, and the community life that Nicaragua has to offer is important in taking the leap to a freer and more autonomous life. People are buying land together, building natural homes together, starting from scratch, and building their dreams together.
It is also possible to volunteer in off-grid projects: this way you can experience what it is like to create an off-grid natural home or community and learn how to do it yourself. Check out the following links: www.ometepezopilote.net, www.palapahostel.com.
There are natural building experts based in Nicaragua who can assist in the process of building an off-grid home: www.casadetierra.com, www.casaviva.solutions.
4 Low costs of living
Costs of living are relatively low; especially when living off the grid. One does not need much in Nicaragua; there is nature, the beach, and fruit trees everywhere. No winter clothes and high gas prices in Nicaragua.
Of course, there is inflation in Nicaragua too, but compared to costs of living in a Western country, they are nowhere as high.
Once you have bought your land and have built your off-grid (natural) home, there will be no mortgage. Furthermore, healthcare is free, so you will be cutting down on a lot of costs.
Taxes are very low compared to taxes in the US and Europe, and this can make a great difference in your overall costs of living. Fewer costs of living means you will have the freedom to live the life that you truly aspire to.
5 Culture
Nicaraguan culture is about family, being together, no rush, happiness and simplicity. Here you are able to step out of the rat race, feel the luxury of having time and feeling relaxed.
Nicaragua’s citizen security has been repeatedly recognized by international organizations and has contributed to positioning the country as a highly attractive destination for foreign investment.
All in all these five reasons definitely make Nicaragua into a very attractive place to set up an off the grid home and start living it!
