How to Obtain a Provisional or Permanent Residency if You Are Married to a Panamanian?

PROVISIONAL RESIDENT PERMIT FOR DEMOGRAPHIC REASONS, FAMILY REUNIFICATION (MARRIED TO A PANAMANIAN)

This permit may be requested by foreigners who are married to a Panamanian national and cohabit with their spouse in conditions of exclusivity, stability, and continuity.

Requirements:

1. Notarized Power of Attorney and Application: Must include the names and nationalities of the applicant’s parents.
2. Three (3) photographs.
3. Certified copy of the passport: Notarized or authenticated, as applicable.
4. Criminal Record Certificate.
5. Certificate of Good Health.
6. Certified Check for US$250.00 payable to the National Treasury of Panama.
7. Personal Background Declaration Form.
8. Marriage Certificate: Issued by the Civil Registry.
9. Birth Certificate of the Panamanian spouse: Issued by the Electoral Tribunal of Panama.
10. Birth Certificates of Panamanian children (if applicable): Issued by the Civil Registry of Panama.
11. Authenticated copy of the Panamanian spouse’s identity card: Authenticated by the Civil Registry of the Electoral Tribunal.
12. Notarized Letter of Responsibility and Repatriation from the Panamanian spouse.
13. Document verifying the marital residence: This may include a rental agreement, property title, or utility bills confirming the address.

Exceptions to the Rule:

1. The National Migration Service of Panama may waive the marital interview for foreigners who have two (2) Panamanian children in common with their spouse.
2. Applicants who are widowed or divorced during the provisional permit term and have children born during the marriage may apply for permanent residency. In the case of widowhood, a death certificate of the spouse must be provided, along with the children’s birth certificates. Submission of these documents does not guarantee approval or obligate the National Migration Service to grant permanent residency.

PERMANENT RESIDENT PERMIT FOR DEMOGRAPHIC REASONS, FAMILY REUNIFICATION (MARRIED TO A PANAMANIAN)

After completing the two (2) year term of the provisional permit, the foreigner may apply for permanent residency. The aforementioned requirements must be submitted, except for the Criminal Record Certificate and the check.

LEGAL BASIS: Political Constitution of the Republic of Panama, Law-Decree 3 of February 22, 2008, regulated by Executive Decree 320 of August 8, 2008 (Articles 220, 221, 222, and 223), and Law 38 of 2000.

If you are ready to apply for permanent residency based on marriage to a Panamanian citizen, please call us at +507 6290-3468 or email us at info@lawyerinpanama.com.