Guide by profile
Moving to Panama with your family
Moving to Panama with your family: residency for your partner, children and parents, dependents, family reunification, schools, insurance and housing.
- 9 procedure guides
- 13 guides
- Backed by Panamanian lawyers
In short
Moving to Panama with your family means sorting out residency for each family member: your partner, your children and, if they depend on you, your parents. Almost every residency option lets you include dependents, and family reunification covers the spouse of a Panamanian and parents of Panamanian children. Here are the essentials.
Where to start
- Choose the residency option for the main applicant and check how it includes dependents.
- If your partner is Panamanian or you are already a permanent resident, see residency through family reunification.
- Get apostilled birth and marriage certificates in your home country (see embassies and consulates).
- Arrange health insurance, housing (see renting a home) and the area (see where to live).
Frequently asked questions
Can my children study in Panama with my residency?
Yes: as dependents of a resident they can live and study in Panama. Children aged 18 to 25 remain dependents if they study full time and depend on you financially.
Are my children born in Panama Panamanian?
Yes, by birth, whatever their parents' nationality (see Panamanian citizenship).
Can I bring my parents?
Yes, as dependents, if they depend on you financially and you are a resident or a Panamanian. You will need to prove sufficient income.
What currency is used in Panama?
The US dollar, which circulates alongside the balboa, Panama's own currency, at the same value.
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 guideGuide
Do You Need a Visa to Enter Panama? Requirements by Nationality
Which nationalities can enter Panama without a visa, which need a stamped or authorized visa, how long you can stay as a tourist and what the visa requires.
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 guideGuide
Panama Visa Options: Which Residency Visa Fits You?
Every main Panama residency visa side by side: who it is for, the minimum income or investment, whether it is permanent and whether it lets you work.
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 guide
Estate planning and inheritance
See allProcedure guide
Making a Will in Panama as a Foreigner
Which types of will Panamanian law allows, how to make one before a notary, why it matters if you own assets in Panama and how to coordinate it with yours.
Read the guideProcedure guide
Probate in Panama: How to Handle an Inheritance
How to inherit assets in Panama: testate or intestate succession, the competent court, documents and steps to distribution, including for foreign heirs.
Read the guide
Real estate
See allProcedure guide
Residential Lease Agreements in Panama: Registration and Deposit
How a lease is registered with the MIVIOT Leasing Directorate, how the security deposit is lodged and recovered, and where to go if there is a dispute.
Read the guideGuide
Renting a Home in Panama as a Foreigner
What landlords ask foreigners for, what a lease should include, how the security deposit works and how to avoid scams when renting a home in Panama.
Read the guide
Living in Panama
See allProcedure guide
Bank Reference Letter for Procedures in Panama
What the bank reference letter Panama's Immigration and banks ask for is, what «medium four figures» means, how long it is valid and how to legalize it.
Read the guideProcedure guide
Bringing Your Pet to Panama: Dogs, Cats and Ferrets
Requirements for entering Panama with a dog, cat or ferret: apostilled health certificate, vaccines, advance notice, airport inspection and costs.
Read the guideGuide
Cost of Living in Panama: Expenses to Plan For
Cost of living in Panama for foreigners: housing, health insurance, electricity, transportation, food, schools and taxes, and how it changes by area.
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
Health Insurance and the Social Security Fund (CSS) for Foreigners in Panama
Who is covered by Panama's Social Security Fund, what options a foreigner who does not pay contributions has and what to check before buying health insurance.
Read the guideGuide
Living in Coronado, Panama: What Expats Should Know
What expats should know before moving to or buying in Coronado, Panama: residency, condominiums and gated communities, public beaches and rentals.
Read the guideGuide
Moving to Panama from the US: A Legal Guide for Americans
What Americans need to know before moving to Panama: residency, documents from the US, US taxes and FBAR, Social Security, Medicare, banking and driving.
Read the guideGuide
Relocating to Panama: A Step-by-Step Checklist
A step-by-step checklist to relocate to Panama legally: choose your residency, prepare documents, file with a lawyer, then banking, housing and health.
Read the guideGuide
Is It Safe to Live in Panama? What You Should Know
What safety is like in Panama for people moving there, which areas need more caution, how to act in a crime or emergency and what natural risks exist.
Read the guideGuide
Where to Live in Panama: Boquete, Coronado, El Valle and Bocas del Toro
Where foreigners live in Panama: Panama City, Boquete, Coronado, El Valle and Bocas del Toro, and what to check before renting or buying in each area.
Read the guide