Why become a naturalized Panamanian?
The Panamanian passport is currently considered one of the most powerful in Central America; with it, you can enter more than 147 countries without a visa. This position is privileged, as it surpasses other Latin American countries. Panama has a dollarized economy, a fact that has positively contributed to the strength of its economy. Panamanian banking has a well-known global track record; furthermore, Panama is considered a world maritime, shipping, and port power.
By naturalizing as a Panamanian citizen, you gain a series of benefits, including the right to practice all professions, engage in retail trade, vote in presidential elections, and obtain a Panamanian passport.
Requirements to apply for Panamanian nationality:
- Foreigners who have a Permanent Residence permit issued by the Electoral Tribunal for more than five (5) continuous years in the Republic of Panama may apply for Panamanian naturalization.
- Foreigners who are married to a Panamanian national, have Panamanian children, and have three (3) years of Permanent Residence permit issued by the Electoral Tribunal may also apply for Panamanian naturalization.
- Similarly, foreigners who are nationals of countries that maintain a reciprocity agreement with the Republic of Panama may apply for Panamanian naturalization.
Learn which countries have a reciprocity agreement:
- Foreigners from El Salvador, after completing one (1) year with a Permanent Residence permit issued by the Electoral Tribunal of the Republic of Panama, may apply for Panamanian naturalization.
- Foreigners from Argentina, Ecuador, Spain, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, and Colombia, after completing two (2) years with a Permanent Residence permit issued by the Electoral Tribunal of the Republic of Panama, may apply for Panamanian naturalization.
- Foreigners from Uruguay, after completing three (3) years with a Permanent Residence permit issued by the Electoral Tribunal of the Republic of Panama, may apply for Panamanian naturalization.
Current laws of the countries that maintain a reciprocity agreement with the Republic of Panama:
EL SALVADOR: ARTICLE 92 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF EL SALVADOR OF 1983.
ARGENTINA: LAW No. 346 OF OCTOBER 1, 1869.
ECUADOR: OFFICIAL REGISTRATION 938 OF 2/6/2017, WHICH REPEALS OFFICIAL REGISTRATION 66 OF APRIL 14, 1976.
SPAIN: RECIPROCITY LAW No. 36 OF OCTOBER 8, 2002.
HONDURAS: DECREE 131 OF JANUARY 11, 1982.
MEXICO: REGULATIONS OF THE LAW OF NATURE, JUNE 17, 2009.
NICARAGUA: LAW 149 OF JUNE 30, 1992.
PERU: LAW 26574 OF JANUARY 3, 1996.
COLOMBIA: LAW No. 2332 OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2023.
URUGUAY: ARTICLE 75 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF URUGUAY.
Learn about the requirements for applying for Panamanian nationality through naturalization:
National Immigration Service. (n.d.) Requirements for applying for a letter of naturalization. Retrieved from: https://www.migracion.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/REQUISITOS-DE-NATURALIZACION-Actualizado-1.pdf
Are you thinking of settling in a country with economic stability and great opportunities?
We invite you to learn about the advantages of the naturalization process in Panama. Whether you’re interested in investing, studying, or traveling, Panama offers a safe, modern environment with a dollarized economy that facilitates international transactions. Panama is considered “the bridge to the world, the heart of the universe.” Its immigration policy is clear and offers a variety of options. At our firm, we support you through every stage of the naturalization process, committed to providing you with a fast and personalized service.
