Living in Granada as an expatriate

Visa requirements

Expats planning to stay in Granada for more than 90 days must apply for a residency visa from the Ministry of Government and Justice in Managua. The visa processing time is around six weeks, and the cost is 300 córdobas ($12 USD). Expats are advised to check visa requirements periodically, as they may change.

Language resources

Expats can join language exchanges to improve their Spanish skills, where they can meet like-minded individuals and learn about the local culture. Language schools like IH Granada and La Playita Muelle Truck offer intensive Spanish courses at relatively low costs.

Housing

Upon arrival, single expats can choose between sharing an apartment or renting their own accommodation. Sharing a room in a shared accommodation (known as a 'casa') costs around 450 córdobas ($18 USD) per month, whereas a private room in a shared apartment costs around 900 córdobas ($36 USD) per month. A one-bedroom apartment costs approximately 1,500 córdobas ($60 USD) per month, and a two-bedroom apartment costs around 1,900 córdobas ($77 USD) per month. Large houses with three bedrooms or more can cost around 3,500 córdobas ($140 USD) per month.

Groceries

Fresh produce, staples, and meat from the local market, Mercado Central, are inexpensive. Expats can expect to pay around 2,500 córdobas ($100 USD) a month for groceries.

Transportation

The costs of public transportation are affordable in Granada, with fares ranging from 3 to 6 córdobas ($0.12 and $0.25 USD) for a single ride. Expats renting vehicles should expect to pay around 2,250 córdobas ($90 USD) for a small car, and around 5,000 córdobas ($200 USD) for a medium-sized car.

Granada has a tropical climate, with hot, humid summers from March to May and rainy seasons from May to September. The dry season from December to April is the best time to visit, as temperatures range from 21°C to 28°C. The region's topography includes volcanoes, forests, and beaches, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Granada has a varied job market, catering to various industries such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing, and technology. The job landscape is not heavily regulated, making it an attractive option for entrepreneurs looking to start their businesses. Some key employers in Granada include Granada Medical Services, TechnoServe, and the University of Granada. expats looking for job opportunities may also want to consider working remotely, as access to high-speed internet is increasingly common due to the city's budding tech industry.

Granada has a few healthcare facilities, ranging from private clinics to public hospitals. The hospital in the city centre, Hospital General San Vicente De Paul, provides emergency, surgical, and dental services, while private hospitals such as Hospital Metropolitano and Nueva Vida offer more advanced medical care. Expats can visit government-run clinics, such as Centro de Salud Urbano Juan Francisco Velasco, for essential medical check-ups and prescription medicines. The overall healthcare system in Granada is considered decent, although medical facilities may be under-resourced due to budget constraints.

Granada's public transportation system includes buses and motocartas (a three-wheeled vehicle). The Buseta system offers routes around the city, with fares varying between 3 and 6 córdobas (coppers) ($0.12 and $0.25 USD). Taxis and car services like UBER are readily available, with fares starting at 90 córdobas ($3.50 USD) for short trips. Renting a private car through rental companies like AutoDrive Car Rental is also an option, with special offers available for longer rental agreements.

Overall, Granada is considered a relatively safe city for expats. Street crime, such as pickpocketing and theft, is prevalent in crowded areas. It is advisable for expats to avoid carrying valuables and carrying out unnecessary movements in unlit areas at night. Some areas to avoid include El Cerra, Mariposa, and Sabaneta, which have higher crime rates. Expats looking for accommodations should consider living near the city centre, where the safety risk is lower.