A Guide to the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between Panama and Italy
Italian citizens benefit from a special immigration programme in Panama under the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between the Republic of Panama and the Italian Republic.
This treaty enables eligible Italian nationals to apply for Permanent Residence in Panama, provided they satisfy the legal requirements established by Panamanian immigration law.
Unlike many other immigration categories, this residence permit grants indefinite permanent residence, meaning there is no requirement for periodic renewals.
Who is eligible?
This immigration category is available to Italian citizens wishing to establish permanent residence in Panama in order to engage in business, professional or employment activities.
Key Benefits
- Indefinite permanent residence.
- No renewal requirements.
- Right to undertake authorised business or professional activities in Panama.
- Opportunity to include qualifying dependants.
Main Requirements
Applications must be submitted through a licensed Panamanian immigration lawyer and generally include:
- Notarised Power of Attorney and immigration application.
- Three passport-sized photographs.
- Certified copy of the applicant’s passport.
- Police Clearance Certificate.
- Medical Certificate of Good Health.
- Sworn Declaration of Personal Background.
- Certified cheque payable to the National Treasury for the applicable government fee.
- Evidence demonstrating the intended business, professional or employment activity in Panama.
Supporting documents may include:
- Employment contract approved by the Ministry of Labour.
- Share certificate in a Panamanian company.
- Certificate issued by the Public Registry relating to the company.
Financial Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate adequate financial means to support themselves in Panama.
Acceptable evidence may include:
- Bank reference letter.
- Recent bank statement.
- Other financial documentation accepted by the National Immigration Service.
Additional Documentation
Applicants must also provide proof of Italian nationality, such as:
- Italian passport.
- Certificate of Italian Citizenship.
- Italian National Identity Card, where applicable.
Dependants
Qualifying dependants may be included in the application.
Additional documentation normally includes:
- Letter of Financial Responsibility.
- Documentary proof of the family relationship.
- Proof of residential address.
- Adult children must provide evidence of single status and certified proof of enrolment in full-time education.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Yes.
Panamanian immigration law requires permanent residence applications to be submitted through a licensed Panamanian lawyer.
An immigration lawyer can:
- Prepare the entire application.
- Draft the necessary legal documents.
- Review all supporting documentation.
- Submit the application before the National Immigration Service.
- Monitor the application until a decision is issued.
How We Can Help
Our law firm regularly assists Italian nationals seeking permanent residence in Panama.
Our services include:
- Immigration advice.
- Preparation of the complete application.
- Review of supporting documentation.
- Representation before the National Immigration Service.
- Assistance with dependant applications.
- Ongoing legal support following the grant of permanent residence.
Contact our office today to arrange a consultation and discuss your eligibility for permanent residence in Panama under the Panama–Italy Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation.
Edgardo Espinosa, Esq.
Attorney at Law | Immigration Lawyer
📍 The Century Tower, 4th Floor, Office 401
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro (Tumba Muerto)
Panama City, Republic of Panama
📱 WhatsApp: +507 6290-3468
📧 Email: info@lawyerinpanama.com
🌐 Website: www.lawyerinpanama.com