Naturalization
Main Requirements:
The foreigner must be a resident of Panama for no less than 5 years from the date of approval of permanent residence.
If the resident foreigner has a Panamanian spouse or child(ren), the time is reduced to 3 years from the date of approval of permanent residence.
Depending on the nationality of the applicant, the time to apply may be reduced if the country of origin has a bilateral agreement with Panama. Example:
One (1) year of permanent residence: Colombia and El Salvador.
Two (2) years of permanent residence: Argentina, Ecuador, Spain, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru.
Three (3) years of permanent residence: Uruguay.
The applicant must demonstrate strong economic, professional or family ties to the Republic of Panama.
What is the main requirement for this procedure?
Any foreigner who is a permanent resident and meets the minimum time required according to their case may apply.
What would be the requirements for this procedure?
Complete the interview form and Affidavit of Reasons
Documentation proving financial solvency and ties to Panama
Documentation proving family ties (spouse and/or children) if applicable to the case.
Certificate of criminal record
General knowledge test of the Republic of Panama
Certification of passport copies from country of origin
There are other requirements, but they are easy to obtain.
Who applies?:
Permanent residents in Panama for at least 5 years.
Permanent residents who have a Panamanian spouse or children (minimum of 3 years of residence).
Residents of certain countries with bilateral agreements, such as Colombia and El Salvador (1 year), Argentina, Ecuador, Spain, Mexico, among others (2 years), and Uruguay (3 years).
How is the procedure carried out?
For the application process it is mandatory that the foreigner be in Panama
Once all the requirements have been met, the procedure must be submitted.
Approval of the procedure takes on average 2 to 3 years.
What documents need to be legalized?
A copy of the passport of the country of origin through the consulate of said country in Panama
Document validation:
It is extremely important to note that any type of document issued by another nation MUST be duly legalized. The legalization process is carried out at the Panamanian Consulate in the country where the documents are issued or through the Apostille seal, which is regularly obtained from the foreign ministries of the country of origin.
Benefits:
By becoming a Panamanian citizen you will have the advantages of not requiring a work permit and access to freedom of travel without a VISA for many countries.