Citizenship of Panama

Getting citizenship in Panama is the final step for those who want to establish roots in one of the most prosperous and welcoming countries in the world. After only 5 years of permanent residence with Céduula and , you can request naturalization and access unique advantages: Panamense passport, freedom of international movement, and a tropical lifestyle without comparison. The process is simple and clear, making Panama the ideal choice for those looking for stability, opportunities and a future without borders. Find out everything on how to become a Panamense citizen and live the dream today! Citizenship by naturalization in Panama is sanctioned by the law decree number 3 of 22 February 2008 and allows the requested acts that have complied with the requirements of article 10 number 1, 2 and 3 of the Constitution of Panamá to proceed with the acquisition of the citizenship of Panamanian by presenting the requirements sanctioned by the law.

In addition, also the participants in the Pensiono Visa program, thanks to decree 320 of 2008, can, after 5 years of possession of Cedula and apply for the citizenship of Panama.

Studio Panama Italia , allows you to proceed with the request for citizenship in Panama. Panama Citizenship requires request Naturalization in Panama, and Naturalization in Panama requires having resided for 5 years with the Cedula E. Not necessarily residing in the country, but having had the Cedula E with you for at least 5 years. It is therefore not necessary to have actually lived in the country, all in all Panama law does not specify it. Then we can offer you citizenship in Panama through which you can then apply for a Panama passport. Therefore, if you have been a resident of Panama for at least 5 years with Cedula E or want to be, you can obtain citizenship in Panama in the classic form by reading the steps below by clicking on the + sign of each line.

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

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

This Migration page offers useful links to check this information:

Panama Migration Web Page for Naturalization Practice 

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

How to do Naturalization and Citizenship in Panama

If you have been cedulated for 5 years with Cedula E, you can take the next step and apply for citizenship in Panama by naturalization as a permanent resident. The steps to obtain the Cedula E are quite simple, first you apply for residency by obtaining the temporary carnet, after 6 months it becomes permanent and you will have to change it for a new one, 15/20 days later you can request your Cedula E in court. From that moment you have 5 years to apply for citizenship in Panama. The naturalization process is simple and quick and with the new government installed on 1 July 2024 the procedure becomes stable and efficient in terms of times and methods.

The naturalization exam at the Electoral Tribunal of Panama represents one of the last steps in turning your dream into reality: becoming a Panamanian citizen. This time may seem challenging, 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 verify your knowledge of the values, history, culture and geography of Panama. But do not let you intimidate: it is not a test to "test yourself", but an opportunity to demonstrate how much you have become an integral part of the Panamense community. Important note relating to the latest citizenship practices of our customers of the month of March and April 2025, which we followed in the naturalization process, during the naturalization exam at the Panamá electoral court, the Panamanian national anthem and the oath to the national flag which therefore must be learned were requested. Do not neglect this detail.

The Panamanian naturalization exam focuses on three fundamental themes:

1. History of Panama : You will be asked for information on the most important stages that have marked the country, from its independence to the key role of the Panama Canal.
2. Geography and culture : You will need to learn about the provinces, their capitals, and distinctive cultural aspects that make Panama so unique.
3. National values ​​and symbols : You will be invited to identify symbols such as the flag, the anthem and the importance of the Constitution in civic life.

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

The Panama Traveler Passport, also known as the Panama Special Passport, is part of the benefits of the Private Income Retiree Visa. This visa provides Panamanian permanent residency and a traveler's passport for the applicant and immediate family members, following the requirements of Law 9 of 1987 .

The Private Income Retiree Visa requires a five-year investment in the form of a Certificate of Deposit (CD) in the National Bank of Panama or Savings Fund. This CD must generate a minimum monthly interest of $850 USD.

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

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

Obtaining a traveler's passport does NOT guarantee Panamanian citizenship. Private Income Retiree Visa holders can apply for Panamanian citizenship after five years, following the normal Panamanian citizenship process. Since the Private Income Retiree Visa does NOT grant Panamanian citizenship, it does not create conflict for citizens of countries that prohibit dual citizenship, such as China, Ukraine, or Latvia. The Passport guarantees the rights of a resident of Panama but not of an actual citizen

The CD must generate interest of at least $890 per month. The investment required will depend on the interest rate at the time the deposit is created. In 2023, interest rates are between 5-5,5% and require funds of at least $370,000 USD.

This CD can be rolled over, or you can receive your investment plus interest after five years. However, keeping the CD open is a requirement to keep the Private Income Retiree Visa and Panama Traveler Passport in good standing.

Once the Private Income Retiree Visa has been approved, the applicant and their dependents can also apply for a Panama Traveler Passport who meeting the following requirements:

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

If your application includes dependents:

• Liability letter for these dependents.
• Proof of ties between the applicant and each employee.
• Proof of address: Applicant and dependent must live in the same address.
• If the dependent is at least 18 years old, unmarried and has a student status certificate.

Panama has registered and entered into reciprocity agreements with various countries in order 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 boast a reciprocity 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 need an entry permit upon arrival in the country, while if their destination is the Seychelles or the Solomon Islands they 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 doors to extraordinary benefits: access to a Panamanian passport , visa-free travel opportunities to over 140 countries, and a permanent connection to a stable, secure, tax-advantaged nation. But to achieve this goal, it is essential to have the support of experienced professionals.

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

• Personalized consultancy : We analyze your unique situation and define the most effective strategy for obtaining citizenship.
• Complete assistance : We guide you step by step, from verifying the requirements (such as 5 years of permanent residence with Cédula E) to submitting the necessary documentation to the Panamanian authorities.
• Experience and Expertise : With years of experience in residency and citizenship cases in Panama , we guarantee a quick, transparent and uncomplicated process.

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

• Having dual citizenship : Panama allows you to maintain your original citizenship, expanding your global opportunities.
• Benefit from an advantageous 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 citizenship in Panama will not only be an achievable goal, but also a peaceful and obstacle-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 the success of your journey. We are recognized leaders in the industry 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 of knowing that your future is in expert hands.

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

Article 16 of the constitution states “Los Panameños por naturalización no están obligados amars las armas contra su Estado de origen”. This article is very interesting because although accessing the citizenship of Panama via naturalization, the Republic of Panama, from the heights of its moral, ethical and empathetic virtues, recognizes a valid right of the naturalized person not to have to enter into conflict (first of all morally with himself and his entire former life) against his former country of origin. The Democratic and Sovereign Republic of Panama grants free will to these new citizens, thus emphasizing a cornerstone of all the Americas and of such cosmopolitan countries as Panama, the profound knowledge of its origins, origins that are lost in the stories of defeats and victories of infinite migrants from all over the world who arrived on these coasts and from which the Panamanian people originate.

Last review article 28 July 2025. This content was drawn up with the legal support of the lawyer Alessandro Ardoino Smith and subsequently revised by an expert in the sector supported by the updated Panamanian jurisprudence. The grammatical part can be improved to make it more fluid through the use of artificial intelligence.