The Panamanian naturalization process opens the way to obtaining a passport and national identity card. This allows you to travel with a Panamanian passport and travel with only your identity card in countries that allow it. Obtaining Panamanian citizenship is a lengthy process, but not difficult if you're patient.

Panamanian citizenship is obtained through the naturalization process of those who have obtained permanent residence in Panama and have maintained the valid Panamanian Cedula E for at least 5 years, regardless of whether or not they have lived in Panama, in fact the law does not explicitly state this.

Obtaining Panamanian citizenship is the definitive step for those who wish to establish themselves in one of the most prosperous and welcoming countries in the world. After just five years of permanent residency with the Cédula E , you can apply for naturalization and access unique benefits: a Panamanian passport, international freedom of movement, and an unparalleled tropical lifestyle. The process is simple and straightforward, making Panama the ideal choice for those seeking stability, opportunity, and a borderless future.

Citizenship by naturalization in Panama is established by Decree-Law number 3 of February 22, 2008 and allows applicants who have met the requirements of Article 10 numbers 1, 2 and 3 of the Constitution of Panama to proceed with the acquisition of Panamanian citizenship by meeting the requirements established by law.

Furthermore, participants in the Pensionado Visa program, thanks to decree 320 of 2008, can, after 5 years of holding a Cedula E, apply for Panamanian citizenship.

Panama Italia allows you to apply for Panamanian citizenship. Classic Panamanian citizenship requires five years of residency with the Cedula E. You don't necessarily have to reside in the country, but you must have had the Cedula E for at least five years. Therefore, you don't need to have actually lived in the country; Panamanian law doesn't specifically state this.

We can therefore offer you Panamanian citizenship, which you can then apply for a Panamanian passport. If you have been a resident of Panama for at least 5 years with a Cedula E, or wish to become one, you can obtain Panamanian citizenship using the standard procedure. Read the steps below by clicking on the + sign in each row.

Alternatively, you can apply for the Panama Traveler Passport, but it is not citizenship in Panama, but only a special Panamanian passport tied to a bank deposit and on which it is written that you are still an Italian citizen.

If you have been registered for five years with the Cedula E, you can take the next step and apply for Panamanian citizenship by naturalizing as a permanent resident. The steps to obtain the Cedula E are quite simple: first, you establish residency by obtaining a provisional carnet. After six months, this becomes permanent and you must exchange it for a new one. 15-20 days later, you can request your Cedula E in court. From that moment, you have five years to apply for Panamanian citizenship. The naturalization process is simple and quick, and with the new government that took office on July 1, 2024, the procedure is stable and efficient in terms of time and procedures.

The naturalization exam at the Panama Electoral Court represents one of the final steps in making your dream a reality: becoming a Panamanian citizen. This moment may seem daunting, but with the right preparation and support, it is an experience that celebrates your commitment and connection to this wonderful country.

The exam is designed to test your knowledge of Panama's values, history, culture, and geography. But don't be intimidated: it's not a test to "test" you, but an opportunity to demonstrate how integral you've become to the Panamanian community.

Important note regarding the latest citizenship applications for our clients in March and April 2025, whose naturalization process we assisted. During the naturalization exam at the Electoral Court of Panama, the Panamanian national anthem and the pledge to the national flag were required, which therefore must be memorized. Please do not overlook this detail.

Panama Migration has released updated checklists. In summary, the following are required:
– Power of Attorney and application in the name of the President; indication of the applicable Article 10 number.
– Certification of immigration status and certified copy of permanent resident card.
– Clean criminal record from the country of residence for the last 5 years or from the country of origin. –
Declaration expressly and irrevocably renouncing citizenship of origin (Panamanian notarial deed).
– Proof of solvency/tax records, such as the most recent tax return in Panama and possession of the RUC, Panamanian tax identification number (DGI), bank reference, medical certificate, and official forms (interview).

The Panamanian naturalization exam focuses on three fundamental topics:

1. History of Panama : You will be asked about the most important milestones that have shaped the country, from its independence to the key role of the Panama Canal.
2. Geography and Culture : You will need to know the provinces, their capitals, and distinctive cultural aspects that make Panama so unique.
3. National Values ​​and Symbols : You will be asked to identify symbols such as the flag, the anthem, and the importance of the Constitution in civic life.

The exam is held in a formal yet welcoming environment at the Electoral Court . It consists primarily of an oral and/or written test, where you will be asked questions to assess your understanding of the Spanish language and your level of integration. It's a conversation that reflects your experience and personal journey in Panama.

The Panama Traveler Passport, also known as the Panama Special Passport, is part of the benefits of the private income pensioner visa. This visa provides Panamanian permanent residency and a traveler's passport for the applicant and their immediate family members, meeting the requirements of Law 9 of 1987 .

The private income pensioner visa requires a five-year investment in the form of a certificate of deposit (CD) with the National Bank of Panama or the Savings Fund. This CD must generate a minimum monthly interest of $850.

The Panama Traveler Passport is valid only during the five-year life of the CD. After five (5) years, beneficiaries of this program may request an extension as long as the CD is renewed for another five-year period.

A Panama traveler's passport looks like a regular passport, but it includes the holder's original nationality. For example, if a Chinese citizen obtains a traveler's passport, it will show that the original citizenship is Chinese rather than Panamanian.

Obtaining a traveler's passport does NOT guarantee Panamanian citizenship. Holders of the private income pensioner visa can apply for Panamanian citizenship after five years, following the normal Panamanian citizenship process. Since the private income pensioner visa does NOT grant Panamanian citizenship, it does not create conflicts for citizens of countries that prohibit dual citizenship, such as China, Ukraine, or Latvia. The passport guarantees the rights of a Panamanian resident but not of a full citizen.

The "traveler's passport" linked to a bank CD investment does not confer citizenship or political rights; it is a document linked to residency and the validity of the deposit. It does not replace naturalization nor does it automatically entitle you to a regular Panamanian passport.

The CD must generate interest of at least $850 per month. The required investment will depend on the interest rate at the time the deposit is created. In 2019, interest rates range between 4-5% and require at least $350,000 in funds.

This CD can be renewed, or you can receive your investment plus interest after five years. However, keeping the CD open is a requirement to maintain a valid visa for private income retirees and a valid passport for Panamanian travelers.

Once the Private Income Retirement Visa is approved, the applicant and his or her dependents may also apply for a Panama Traveler's Passport , meeting the following requirements:

• Authenticated application and power of attorney
• Three photos Certified copy of passport.
• Background check.
• Certificate of good health.
• Declaration of personal background.
• Written confirmation from the National Bank of Panama or the Savings Bank, indicating the details of the CD such as amount, interest, duration and that it is free of constraints.
• Certified copy of the certificate of deposit.

If the application includes dependents:

• Letter of responsibility for these dependents.
• Proof of the relationship between the applicant and each employee.
• Proof of Address: The applicant and the dependent must live at the same address.
• If the dependent is at least 18 years old, single and has a student status certificate.

Panama has registered and entered into reciprocal agreements with several countries to facilitate obtaining citizenship through naturalization. Citizens of these countries have the right to obtain citizenship more quickly and easily than others thanks to cultural, linguistic, territorial, and historical reciprocity. The countries that have a reciprocal agreement with Panama regarding naturalization and obtaining Panamanian citizenship are:

1 YEAR OF RESIDENCE TO OBTAIN CITIZENSHIP:

Colombia and El Salvador

2 YEARS OF RESIDENCE TO OBTAIN CITIZENSHIP

Argentina, Ecuador, Spain, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru

3 YEARS OF RESIDENCE TO OBTAIN CITIZENSHIP

Uruguay

Those traveling to Samoa require an entry permit upon arrival in the country, while those traveling to the Seychelles or Solomon Islands must present a residence permit, and a tourist card will be required to enter Suriname.

Obtaining Panamanian citizenship through naturalization is a process that opens the door to extraordinary benefits: access to a Panamanian passport , visa-free travel to over 140 countries, and a permanent connection to a stable, safe, and tax-friendly nation. But to achieve this goal, it's essential to have the support of experienced professionals.

Our law firm specializes in assisting foreign citizens in the naturalization process in Panama , offering:

• Personalized consulting : We analyze your unique situation and define the most effective strategy for obtaining citizenship.
• Comprehensive assistance : We guide you step by step, from verifying the requirements (such as 5 years of permanent residency with the Cédula E) to submitting the necessary documentation to the Panamanian authorities.
• Experience and Expertise Panamanian residency and citizenship matters , we guarantee a quick, transparent, and hassle-free process.

Panama is much more than a paradise destination: it's an international hub for business, investment, and quality of life. Becoming a Panamanian citizen allows you to:

• Having dual citizenship : Panama allows you to retain your original citizenship, expanding your global opportunities.
• Benefit from a favorable tax system : Zero taxes on income generated abroad and incentives for investors and entrepreneurs.
• Access a powerful passport : Travel visa-free to key destinations in Europe, Asia and Latin America.

With our support, obtaining Panamanian citizenship will not only be an achievable goal, but also a smooth and hassle-free experience. Contact us today for a consultation and find out how we can make your dream a reality.

Choosing the right law firm is key to your success. We are recognized leaders in the field and have helped dozens of clients successfully establish themselves in Panama. With us, you get not only impeccable service, but also the peace of mind that your future is in expert hands.

Your future begins now: apply for Panamanian citizenship with our help and experience a new chapter of boundless possibilities.

Article 16 of the Constitution states, "Panamaans by naturalization are not obliged to take weapons against their country of origin." This article is very interesting because, even though naturalization grants Panamanian citizenship, the Republic of Panama, from the height of its moral, ethical, and empathetic virtues, recognizes the valid right of the naturalized citizen not to enter into conflict (first and foremost morally with himself and his entire former life) with his former country of origin. The Democratic and Sovereign Republic of Panama grants free will to these new citizens, thus emphasizing a fundamental axis of all the Americas and of countries as cosmopolitan as Panama: the profound knowledge of its origins, origins that are lost in the stories of defeats and victories of countless migrants from around the world who arrived on these shores and from which the Panamanian people originate.

Article last revised July 28, 2025. This content was written with the legal support of Attorney Alessandro Ardoino Smith and subsequently reviewed by an expert in the field, supported by updated Panamanian case law. Grammar may be improved to make it more fluent through the use of Artificial Intelligence. 

Panama Migration provides numerous useful web links to check the process, see the names and surnames of those who have recently naturalized, or see if you are having problems with the ongoing procedure and whether you need to provide useful information and new documents.

This Migration page provides useful links to check this information:

Panama Migration Webpage for Naturalization Application 

In the Resolución Firmadas section, the names and surnames of people who have obtained citizenship in Panama are present.