Requirements for Obtaining Permanent Residence in Panama
Panama is an attractive country for foreigners seeking to live and work permanently. The country offers a stable economy, a tropical climate, and a variety of job opportunities.
To obtain permanent residence in Panama, foreigners must meet the requirements established by the National Migration Service of Panama.
General Requirements
To be eligible for permanent residence, foreigners must meet the following general requirements:
- Be of legal age.
- Have legal and temporary residence in Panama for at least 5 consecutive years.
- Possess good moral and social behavior.
- Have no criminal record.
- Have no contagious disease.
- Have no deportation order from Panama.
Specific Requirements
In addition to the general requirements, foreigners must meet the following specific requirements based on their situation:
Requirements for obtaining a passport in Panama:
- Foreigners who are not citizens of a Latin American country or Spain:
- Must demonstrate proficiency in the Spanish language and basic knowledge of Panamanian geography, history, and political organization.
- Foreigners who are citizens of a Latin American country or Spain:
- Must demonstrate that they meet the same requirements that Panamanians would have to fulfill to obtain permanent residence in their country of origin.
- Foreigners with Panamanian children:
- Must demonstrate that they have had a stable relationship with the Panamanian parent of their children for at least 3 years.
Application Process
The application process for permanent residence begins with the submission of an application to the National Migration Service of Panama. The application must be accompanied by documents proving compliance with the established requirements.
The evaluation process of the application can take several weeks or months. If the application is approved, the foreigner will receive an approval letter allowing them to apply for a permanent resident card.
Costs
The cost of the permanent residence procedure is USD 800 plus a USD 250 deposit to immigration, in addition to other service and lawyer fees.
Recommendations
To avoid problems in the permanent residence application process, it is advisable for foreigners to seek advice from a lawyer specializing in immigration law.
Updates
The requirements for obtaining permanent residence in Panama can change without prior notice. It is important for foreigners to check the most recent information on the National Migration Service of Panama's website.
