Becoming a Panamanian citizen offers several advantages over being a permanent resident in Panama. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Voting rights: As a citizen of Panama, you have the right to vote in elections, which allows you to participate in shaping the country’s political landscape.
- Passport: Panamanian citizenship gives you the right to obtain a Panamanian passport, which allows for easy travel within Central and South America, as well as to many other countries around the world.
- No residency requirements: As a Panamanian citizen, you are not required to maintain a certain level of residency in Panama, which means you can come and go as you please.
- Access to government services: Panamanian citizens have access to a range of government services, including education, healthcare, and social security benefits.
- Business opportunities: As a citizen of Panama, you have the ability to own a business and engage in commerce without any additional restrictions.
- No deportation risk: As a permanent resident, you can be deported from Panama if you violate immigration laws or commit a crime. As a citizen, you are not at risk of deportation.
It’s worth noting, however, that becoming a citizen of any country involves a significant amount of time, effort, and sometimes expense. Therefore, it’s important to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages before making the decision to pursue citizenship.
If you would like to retain the services of a Panamanian lawyer with expertise in immigration and naturalisation law, please contact us.