Procedure guide · Immigration and citizenship
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.
- First permit
- Provisional, 2 years
- Then
- Permanent residency
- Fees
- USD 250 to the National Treasury and USD 800 to the National Immigration Service (the spouse of a Panamanian pays only the USD 250)
- Updated
On this page
In short
Panama allows residency through family reunification for the spouse of a Panamanian, relatives who depend on a resident or a national, and people with Panamanian children. In most cases a provisional permit of 2 years is granted first, followed by permanent residency. A Panamanian lawyer files the application with the National Immigration Service.
Which permit applies to you?
- Married to a Panamanian: a provisional permit and, after 2 years, permanent residency. You must live together on a stable basis, and Immigration may hold a marriage interview.
- Dependent of a permanent resident, a provisional resident or a Panamanian: the spouse, children under 18, children aged 18 to 25 who are studying and financially dependent, relatives with a disability and dependent parents.
- Parent of Panamanian children: if you have one or more Panamanian children aged at least 5.
- Relatives of a temporary resident: the spouse, children and parents receive a one-year temporary permit, renewable up to a maximum of 6 years.
If your own residency has a route for dependents, such as the Pensionado Visa, the Qualified Investor visa or the Friendly Nations Visa, your family is usually included in that same application, under the program's conditions.
What are the common requirements?
- A notarized power of attorney and an application filed through a Panamanian lawyer.
- A certified copy of your passport, three photographs and a sworn statement of personal background.
- Criminal record certificate and health certificate.
- Documents proving the relationship: marriage or birth certificate, or a guardianship or custody order.
- A notarized letter of financial responsibility and repatriation from the resident or Panamanian relative.
- Proof that the relative sponsoring you has sufficient income: USD 1,000 a month plus USD 100 per dependent if you are sponsored by a permanent resident or a Panamanian, and USD 850 a month if sponsored by a temporary resident, with their tax return, an employment letter with their CSS record or a bank reference letter.
- For children aged 18 to 25: a full-time enrollment certificate and a declaration of single status.
Required documents
Certified copy of your passport
- Apostille or legalisation
Criminal record certificate
From your home country
Health certificate
- Apostille or legalisation
Marriage or birth certificate
If foreign
Letter of financial responsibility and repatriation
From the resident or Panamanian relative, notarized
Proof of the relative's income
Tax return, employment letter or bank reference
Proof of address
For marriage to a Panamanian or Panamanian children
Step by step
01
Identify your permit
Based on your relationship with the resident or the Panamanian, and on the residency they hold.
02
Gather the documents
Request your criminal record, marriage and birth certificates in your home country, and have them apostilled.
03
Your lawyer files the application
With the National Immigration Service, with the checks for the fees.
04
Interview and decision
In marriage cases, Immigration may call you both for an interview. If approved, you receive a provisional resident ID card.
05
Apply for permanent residency
After 2 years, with the same documents except the criminal record and the fees (see permanent residency).
Costs
- Official fees
- USD 250 to the National Treasury and USD 800 to the National Immigration Service (the spouse of a Panamanian pays only the USD 250)
- Lawyer's fees
- Depends on the case
- Apostilles, translations and certificates
- Variable
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring my parents to Panama?
Yes, as dependents, if they depend on you financially and you are a permanent resident, a provisional resident or a Panamanian. You will need to prove sufficient income and sign a letter of financial responsibility.
What happens if I divorce or am widowed during the provisional permit?
If you married a Panamanian and have children from that marriage, you can apply for permanent residency even if the marriage has ended. Immigration decides case by case.
Can my relatives work in Panama?
Residency through family reunification does not, on its own, include the right to work: to work they need a work permit.
What about my children born in Panama?
They are Panamanian by birth, so they do not need residency. Having them may also give you a route to residency (see Panamanian citizenship).