ARE YOU INTERESTED TO OBTAIN PANAMA PASSPORT?

OUR IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS ASSIST CLIENTS TO OBTAIN CITIZENSHIP & PANAMA PASSPORT 

We know the Panama immigration law, the process and how it works. Get in touch with us today and we would guide you through the qualification & documentation process. Once all the required documents are assembled, we submit your application, for passport approval. Our immigration attorneys have over 15 years of experience serving our international clients.

EMAIL US AT: customer@panamalegalcenter.com

WITH PANAMA PASSPORT YOU CAN TRAVEL TO MORE THAN 130 COUNTRIES VISA FREE

All foreign nationals can apply to obtain Panama passport after 5 years of Panama permanent residency.
Panama passport is a valuable document when traveling abroad. Panama passport is recognized by 130 countries and these countries permit Panamanian passport holders to enter their countries VISA FREE.

PANAMA PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS

1. Completed application form.

2. Two (2) copies of the applicant’s Panamanian personal identification card (Cedula)

3. Three (3) passport size photos

4. Pay the required fee

SUMMARY

Panamanian citizenship (Naturalization) is granted to permanent residents only.  who If you have fulfilled the minimum residence requirement (3 to 5 years) from the moment the Panama Immigration Office issues the resolution to certify permanent residence., you can apply.

This is the first requirement to start the naturalization process, according to Article 10 of the Panamanian Constitution.

It is important to clarify that immigrants holding a temporary or provisional residence status, or immigrants with the crisol de razas program, are not eligible to apply for citizenship.

Furthermore, Panamanian permanent residence does not guarantee a path to obtain Panamanian citizenship. If you intend to eventually become a citizen (e.g. hold dual citizenship) and obtain a Panamanian passport, you must verify that the visa granting your permanent residence gives you also the right to apply for citizenship.

BENEFITS OF HAVING PANAMA PASSPORT

Panama passport considered very valuable when traveling abroad. Panama passport holders can travel to more than 130 countries without having to apply for a visa. In addition, Panama passport holders benefit from;

  • Easy Relocation process: By having Panama passport, you can easily relocate to Panama and enjoy the paradise. Panama offers a great deal of discounts for retirees.
  • Tax Exemption: Offshore business is very attractive for investors.
  • Visa-Free Travel: to over 130 countries: once you carry Panama passport, you can travel to 130 countries without having to worry about getting visa.
  • Panama Neutral Passport:: Panama is a neutral country so your passport is welcomed almost everywhere.
  • Tax Safe Haven: Panama is considered the best offshore jurisdiction in the world.
  • Great Retirement Discounts: Lots of discounts for retirees.
  • Tropical Climate: Panama’s tropical climate is perfect for easy living.
  • Latino Lifestyle: Latino life style and culture is different.
  • Tax Benefits: If you are a retiree, : you do not pay any taxes.
  • Asset Protection: Panama offers iron clad asset protection.
  • Tax Free Business: No taxes if you doing BIZ with international clients.
  • Security: Panama is a democratic country and is a safe place to work and live.
  • Low cost of living:: Cost of living in Panama is much lower than USA, CANADA and most European countries.

CITIZENSHIP ELIGIBILITY

An eligible permanent resident of Panama has three alternatives to become naturalized:

  • To have lived for five (5) years as a PERMANENT RESIDENT
  • To have lived for three years (3) as a PERMANENT RESIDENT, married to a PANAMANIAN or having PANAMANIAN CHILDREN with a PANAMANIAN PARENT
  • To have been born in a Latin American country or Spain, and to have fulfilled the same requirements that Panamanians would have to meet to become naturalized in their country of origin. This is known as Reciprocity, and allows for a shorter permanent residence time frame required of citizens from these countries:
    • 1 year: Colombia, El Salvador
    • 2 years: Argentina, Ecuador, Spain, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru
    • 3 years: Uruguay

Processing Citizenship Application

While the process to obtain Panamanian residency usually takes a few months to complete,  the process to obtain citizenship involves many other entities such as the and JuMinistry of Government  justice, the Ministry of Public Services, the Electoral Tribunal, the Government Office, and the Presidency.

All these entities will review the application, and any of them may require additional paperwork, may delay the process for internal reasons, or may actually deny the application. Besides, it is the Panamanian president who ultimately approves and signs all applications.

For that reason, the process to obtain citizenship very rarely takes less than 1 year, and it could take anywhere from 2 to 5 years to be approved.

Citizenship Application requirements

  • Police records issued by Panama and the applicant’s country of origin
  • Certification of immigration status
  • Authenticated copy of permanent resident ID card
  • Authenticated copy of the permanent resident resolution
  • Authenticated copy of the e-cedula
  • Proof of economic solvency
  • Income statement from DGI
  • Copy of passport, authenticated by the consul of the country of origin
  • Certificate of good health

Additional requirements: After submission, the Electoral Tribunal will schedule an appointment with the applicant at a later time to test his command of Spanish and his knowledge of Panama’s history, geography, and civil rights. You can review the official study guide for the citizenship test here (in Spanish).

Can You Become A Citizen Of Panama?

In order to become citizen of Panama, applicants need to become a Panama permanent resident first. After 5 years of Panama residency, applicants are eligible to apply and become citizen of Panama.

Panama officially does not recognize dual citizenship, however you can have dual passport. In fact, no need to renounce your previous citizenship. (OPTIONAL). There are a number of residency programs that Panama offers however not all of them guarantees citizenship and Panama passport. For detail information, GET IN TOUCH WITH US TODAY.

HOW MUCH IT COST TO BECOME A PANAMA CITIZEN

There are two types of cost for citizenship application;

  1. Government fee of $1,300.
  2. Legal Fees

The total cost of the Panamanian Citizenship is broken down into 2 payments:

  • Payment 1: Initial Retainer, includes a portion of legal fees and government costs.
  • Payment 2: Before the presentation, 

Each applicant is required to attend appintments with the Tribunal Electoral, or Immigration Offices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a second citizenship in Panama?

Yes, you can. Panama offers pathways to citizenship for foreigners through various  residency by investment program, or marriage to a Panamanian citizen.

How long does it take to become a Panama citizen?

Panama citizenship by investment generally takes five years for minimum residency and processing time. You may need to wait 30 days for the Qualified Investor route and four to six months for others. 

Traditional naturalization may take at least five years of continuous residency while marrying a Panamanian citizen reduces the Panama residency requirement to three years.

What are the benefits of obtaining citizenship in Panama?

Panama citizenship offers tax benefits, visa-free travel, access to healthcare and education, property ownership, and business opportunities in a growing economy. Panama’s passport is ranked 31st in 2024. Passport owners of Panama get the option to travel to 149 countries through visa-free access. Moreover, Panama permits dual citizenship as well, providing added flexibility and security.

Are there any specific requirements for citizenship by investment in Panama?

Yes, citizenship by investment in Panama requires meeting residency criteria. You need to pass language tests, be of good character, and make a qualifying investment to be eligible.

You can choose among specific investment amounts by choosing the suitable investment route.

Are there any specific requirements for citizenship by investment in Panama?

POPULAR RESIDENCY PROGRAMS

Friendly Nations visa program
Pensionado residency program
Reforestation residency program
Investment residency program
Employment residency program

Panama Citizenship By Birth Or Parent

Panama & civil register law gives all individuals the birth right CITIZENSHIP by being born in Panama. In addition to this, Panama law allows citizenship to children of Panamanian nationals that born & live overseas.

HOW IT WORKS;

  • In case one or both parents were born in Panama, their children can claim Panama citizenship .
  • In case one or both parents are naturalized Panama citizens, their children can claim Panama citizenship.
CONTACT US IF YOU WERE BORN OUTSIDE OF PANAMA TO CLAIM YOUR PANAMA CITIZENSHIP AND PASSPORT

Panama Citizenship By Adoption

Children adopted by Panamanian nationals before reaching seven years old is considered Panamanian citizens. However, after seven years old, the adopted child considered naturalized citizen.

Panama Citizenship By Marriage or Parenthood

There is a three-year naturalization wait for the following groups:

  • Any parent who has a child born in Panama.
  • Anyone who is married to a Panamanian national 

Panama Citizenship By Naturalization

Panama has a specific requirement for naturalization. You must be a permanent resident of Panama for 5 years in order to qualify for citizenship.

Please see our blogs on Panama Visa, Residency options and Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa.

Family Members: Three Years Waiting Period

  • Spouse of a Panamanian national.
  • Parent of a child born in Panama, where the other parent is a Panamanian national.

Panama Reciprocity Law;

Panama has a Reciprocity Law with selected latin American countries;

  • One Year waiting period for citizens of Colombia & El Salvador
  • Two Years waiting period for citizens of Argentina, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru & Spain
  • Three Years waiting period for citizens of Uruguay
Panama Citizenship & Procedure
  1. Applicants need to hire a trusted attorney in Panama
  2. Before a notary public, sign the citizenship application form
  3. Notarized copy of all pages of current passport
  4. 5 Photos required
  5. Applicant must pass a written exam and Spanish language test
  6. Certificate of good health required
  7. No criminal activities certificate ( police report ) is required
  8. Certificate of economic solvency required
  9. Interview with immigration official required
  10. Pay the required fee
Panamanian Citizenship By Investment

Residency programs by Investment (RBI) can lead to panama passport. The RBI program entitles individual investors to permanent residency and after five years, qualifies them for citizenship.and obtaining Panama passport.

Residency by Investment options include:

  • Panama Friendly Nations Visa: Minimum investment of US $200,000. required.
  • Panama Reforestation Visa Program: Minimum investment of US $100,000. required.
  • Person of Means Visa: Minimum investment of US $300,000. required.
  • Business Investor Visa: Minimum investment of US $300,000. required.
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