Do you have a Panamanian child who is at least five years old? 👨👩👧👦
Panama provides a specific immigration route for certain foreign parents of Panamanian children known as the PPT-FEHP, a provisional residence permit based on demographic reasons and family reunification.
👨👩👧 Who may apply?
A foreign national may apply if they have one or more Panamanian children who are at least five years old.
This residence category can be particularly relevant to foreign parents who have established a family connection with Panama through their Panamanian children. 🇵🇦
📋 What documents are required?
The application generally includes:
- 📝 Notarised power of attorney and application.
- 📸 Three photographs.
- 🛂 A duly certified copy of the applicant’s passport.
- 👮 Criminal record certificate.
- 🩺 Health certificate.
- 💰 Certified cheque for US$250.00 payable to the National Treasury.
- 💰 Certified cheque for US$800.00 payable to the National Migration Service.
- ✍️ Sworn declaration of personal background.
- 🏠 Notarised letter of responsibility and repatriation.
- 👶 Birth certificates of the Panamanian children.
- 👨👧 A notarised sworn declaration concerning the applicant’s fulfilment of parental responsibilities.
- 🏡 Proof of the applicant’s address in Panama.
- 🪪 The required immigration and identification documents of the Panamanian citizen or permanent resident supporting the application.
🌎 Apostille, legalisation & certified Spanish translations
Foreign documents are an important part of the application process. 📑
Documents issued outside Panama may need to be apostilled or legalised, depending on the country where they were issued and the applicable procedure.
🇬🇧 If a document is written in English or in any other language other than Spanish, it must be translated into Spanish by a Panamanian authorised public translator when required for submission to the Panamanian authorities.
Therefore, a foreign document may require two separate steps:
1️⃣ Apostille or legalisation
2️⃣ Certified Spanish translation by a Panamanian authorised public translator
This may apply to birth certificates, criminal record certificates, marriage certificates, affidavits and other supporting documents.
⏳ What happens after two years?
After two years, the foreign national may apply for permanent residence, subject to the applicable requirements.
The published requirements indicate that the criminal record certificate and the cheques required for the initial application are not required at this second stage.
⚖️ Professional assistance
Preparing a residence application involves more than simply collecting documents. Foreign documents may need to be properly apostilled or legalised and, where applicable, translated into Spanish by a Panamanian authorised public translator.
A Panama immigration lawyer can review your circumstances, assess your documentation and assist you with the preparation and submission of your application.
📞 Contact
Edgardo Espinosa, Esq.
Lawyer | Panamanian Certified Translator
☎️ Office: +507 360-5888
📱 Mobile / WhatsApp: +507 6290-3468
✉️ Email: info@lawyerinpanama.com
🌐 Website: www.lawyerinpanama.com
📍 Panama City Office:
The Century Tower, 4th Floor, Office 401
Avenida Ricardo J. Alfaro
Panama City, Republic of Panama
📌 Important: Immigration requirements and procedures may change. Current requirements should be verified with the National Migration Service before filing an application.