The Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between the
Republic of Panama and the Italian Republic created a special visa for Italian citizens in 1966. This visa granted Italian citizens the freedom of travel and residence in Panama without any special permission. It also granted them the right to work and participate in business activities in the country. The treaty was updated in 2003 and is still in effect today. The visa also grants Italian citizens the right to own property and receive the same benefits as local citizens in terms of taxation, social security, and healthcare. The visa does not, however, grant Italian citizens the right to acquire Panamanian citizenship.
This visa requires the following:
- An Italian passport will allow you to enter Panama.
- Notarized Power of Attorney and Request.
- Photographs of five (5) passport sizes.
- Passport duly notarized.
- Record of criminal activity.
- Certificate of good health.
- A document that indicates your purpose in establishing your residence (economic activity or profession). In order to fulfill this requirement, you can form a Panamanian company.
- Documents that identify you as Italian, such as your cedula, Italian residence card, [certificate type=”birth”] or any other documents that prove your ethnicity.
- Form of Personal History Affidavit.
- Referral letter from a Panamanian bank with a balance exceeding USD $5,000 to demonstrate financial stability.
- The National Treasury has been credited with $250.00.
- A company, titled real estate, or a job offer that demonstrates economic ties to Panama.
- A dependent must present the following documents if they have dependents:
- Responsibilities letter.
- A certificate of kinship.
- Those over 18 must present a certificate of singleness and a certificate of study.
There are several advantages to having this visa as an Italian citizen. The same process is open to spouses and dependents who are not Italian. It can be applied to Panamanian identity cards. A property purchase or a large investment in Panama is not required to apply.
Panama Residency for Italian Citizens
Panama-Italy Friendship Treaty
Panama is considered one of the countries where moving can lead to lower taxes. Wondering how an Italian can obtain residency in Panama? The Panama-Italy Friendship Treaty provides the exclusive process for Italian citizens seeking permanent residence visas in Panama. This treaty offers territorial taxation benefits, allowing individuals to achieve zero taxes once registered with the Italian Resident Abroad (AIRE) program. Opting for Panamanian residency as an Italian presents the most advantageous option available for those looking to establish permanent residence or secure fiscal protection through territorial taxation.
Italian citizens can obtain Panamanian permanent residency under the provisions of a genuine friendship treaty between Panama and Italy. The permanent residence visa is open-ended, facilitating eligibility for citizenship and a subsequent Panamanian passport after just five years of residency.
To qualify, you'll need to establish a Panama company, which can be promptly opened and subsequently closed. Additionally, opening a bank account in Panama requires a deposit of only $5,000 USD. This deposit is fully withdrawable immediately after verification and does not tie into the ongoing maintenance of residency.
Given the current favorable terms, it's advisable to pursue permanent residency promptly before any potential changes increase costs or alter the process.
Documents Required for Panama Residency:
- Criminal records certificate, including pending charges, from your most recent place of residence (valid for 3 months), for the applicant, spouse, and children aged 15-25.
- Cumulative certificate of birth, marital status, citizenship, and residence for the applicant, spouse, and dependent children (up to 18 years or up to 25 years if enrolled in undergraduate studies).
- Marriage certificate (if spouse is also applying for residency).
- Proof of Panama company establishment, which must be initiated remotely at least 45 days before your arrival in Panama.
- Statement from a Panamanian bank confirming the $5,000 USD deposit.
The initial step involves establishing a Panama company, a prerequisite under the Panama-Italy Friendship Treaty, which establishes the legal framework for acceptance. After company registration, submit personal and criminal documents via email for translation. Upon translation completion and company establishment, travel to Panama with your Italian passport and email a photo of the entry stamp upon arrival.
Panamanian residency can typically be obtained within 7-8 days, requiring your physical presence but not necessitating property rental.
The process comprises 6 steps and involves the following documents:
- Contact us to initiate Panama company registration remotely.
- Obtain personal and criminal records while the company registration proceeds.
- Schedule your appointment with Panama Migration once the company is registered and documents translated.
- Upon arrival in Panama, open a Panamanian bank account using your Italian passport and deposit $5,000 USD in cash.
- Attend your appointment at Panama Migration the following day to submit required documents.
- Collect your residency card within 2-3 days.
For those considering alternative routes to Panama residency through significant investments, several investment schemes exist, but Italians may prefer the streamlined process offered by the Panama-Italy Friendship Treaty.
For further information, visit our website or contact us directly.
You can reach immigration services at:
immigration Panama GOV. (opens in new tab) Immigration Services Panama – Lawyers Office (opens in new tab)
