Guide by profile
I already live in Panama
For people who already live in Panama: renewals, permanent residency, cédula E, driver's license, taxes, wills and Panamanian citizenship.
- 12 procedure guides
- 4 guides
- Backed by Panamanian lawyers
In short
If you already live in Panama, what matters is keeping your status up to date: renewing your permits on time, moving to permanent residency when you qualify, keeping your ID card, driver's license and taxes in order and, if you wish, taking the step to citizenship. Here are the procedures that come after you settle in.
What to keep up to date
- Your permit: if it is provisional or temporary, renew it or apply for permanent residency before your ID card expires.
- Your permanent resident ID card, which identifies you and is your taxpayer number (see RUC and NIT).
- Your Panamanian driver's license, which replaces your foreign one once the tourist period ends.
- Your taxes: if you become a tax resident, review what you declare in Panama and in your home country, and request the tax residency certificate if you need it.
- Your family: you can bring your spouse, children or parents through family reunification.
- Your assets: a will in Panama saves your heirs trouble.
- And, after the years of residence your case requires, Panamanian citizenship and the passport.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if my residency ID card expires?
Apply for renewal or for permanent residency before it expires. If it has already expired, talk to a lawyer as soon as possible: staying without a valid permit can lead to fines and complicate future applications.
Can I spend long periods outside Panama?
Yes, but a very long absence can affect your residency and the count of years for naturalization. Check the current rule before leaving for a long time.
Do I need a permit to work if I am already a resident?
Yes, unless your residency includes it: residency and the work permit are separate procedures.
When can I apply for citizenship?
After 5 years of permanent residency as a general rule, fewer if you have a Panamanian spouse or children or if your country has reciprocity with Panama (see naturalization).
What you need to know, by topic
Immigration and citizenship
See allGuide
Getting Your Foreign Degree Recognized in Panama
How to get a foreign university degree recognized in Panama: revalidation and graduate degree recognition at the University of Panama, costs and timelines.
Read the guideGuide
Panamanian Citizenship and Dual Citizenship for Foreigners
How a foreigner becomes a Panamanian citizen, what naturalization requires, whether you keep your original citizenship and how it compares to residency.
Read the guideProcedure guide
Panama Residency Through Family Reunification: Spouse, Children and Parents
Panama residency through family reunification for the spouse of a Panamanian, dependents of a resident and parents of Panamanian children: rules and fees.
Read the guideProcedure guide
Naturalization in Panama: How to Apply for Panamanian Citizenship
How to apply for Panamanian citizenship by naturalization: years of residence for your case, renunciation, solvency, the Electoral Tribunal exam and oath.
Read the guideProcedure guide
Panamanian Passport for Naturalized Citizens
How naturalized citizens get a Panamanian passport: Passport Authority requirements, cost, retiree discount and expedited processing.
Read the guideProcedure guide
Permanent Residency in Panama: From Provisional Permit to Foreigner ID Card
How to move from provisional to permanent residency in Panama, which documents you submit, how to get the foreigner ID card and what needs renewing.
Read the guideProcedure guide
Panama Permanent Resident ID Card (Cédula E): How to Get and Renew It
What the permanent resident ID card issued by the Electoral Tribunal is, when you can apply, what it is for, how to renew it and what to do if you lose it.
Read the guideProcedure guide
Panama Police Record (Récord Policivo) for Foreigners
What Panama's police record is, why a foreign resident may need it, which documents the DIJ requires, how to apply and how long it is valid.
Read the guideProcedure guide
Panama Retired Investor Visa (Rentista Retirado)
Panama's retired investor residency: interest income from a fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros, documents, duration and requirements.
Read the guideProcedure guide
Panama Work Permit for Foreigners
Which work permit a foreigner needs to work in Panama based on their residency, which documents MITRADEL requires, how to apply and how long the card lasts.
Read the guide
Taxes
See allProcedure guide
RUC and NIT in Panama: Registering with the Tax Authority as a Foreigner
How a foreigner gets a RUC or Taxpayer Number (NT) and the NIT to log in to the DGI's e-Tax 2.0: who needs it, requirements and steps. Free and online.
Read the guideProcedure guide
Panama Tax Residency Certificate: How to Apply
How to request Panama's tax residency certificate from the DGI to apply a treaty or prove your residency: requirements, e-Tax 2.0 and processing time.
Read the guide
Estate planning and inheritance
See allLiving in Panama
See allProcedure guide
Panama Driver's License for Foreigners: Converting Your License
How long you can drive in Panama on a foreign license and how to convert it at Sertracen once you are a resident: requirements, steps and cost.
Read the guideGlossary
Glossary of Panamanian Legal Terms and Procedures
What the Spanish terms in Panama's procedures mean: cédula E, paz y salvo, RUC, NIT, apostille, registered agent, possessory rights and more.
Read the guideGuide
Receiving Your Foreign Pension While Living in Panama
How to keep receiving your home-country pension in Panama: where to receive it, proof of life, social security agreements, taxes and the Pensionado Visa.
Read the guide