Document Requirements for Residency in Panama

The first two months of the application process are spent collecting the documents required for the residency application. Our team will work closely with you to ensure all documents are valid, translated, and ready for review by the National Immigration Service.

The following documents are required for filing an application for residency in Panama.

Vital Records & Background Checks

Take advantage of the discounted document procurement rates we offer our immigration clients. Let our experienced team obtain the vital record(s) and background check(s) you need from abroad, or you can choose to obtain the following documents on your own. Keep in mind that some documents from abroad must be issued within six months of filing the residency application.

1. Background Check. This document should be issued by a national authority. For instance, in the case of US Nationals, it should be from the FBI. In the case of Canadian Nationals, it should be issued by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. In the case of UK Nationals, it should be issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers.
2. Birth Certificate. It is required to obtain new birth certificates for all children under 18 years of age.
3. Marriage Certificate. If a spouse is filing as a dependent, a marriage certificate will be required.

Important Notes About the Documents

• All documents in a foreign language must be translated into Spanish. The costs for the translations will vary depending on the original language.
• All documents from abroad must be authenticated for use in Panama. Documents from certain countries require an apostille. Documents from other countries require a legalization. To learn more about apostilles please click here.
• The background checks must be issued within six months prior to filing the application.

Application Documents

The following documents will be prepared by our team and are included in the quoted cost of our service.

1. Verification of the Main Requirement. Our team will work with you to prepare the documentation required to verify the main requirement, dependent on the immigration category you are filing under. For example, if you’re filing as a pensionado, a pension letter indicating you receive a lifetime monthly pension of equal to or greater than $1000 USD will be required, or if you’re filing under the friendly nation category, proof of your economic capacity will be required.
2. Application Form. Which we complete for our clients.
3. Verified copy of the passport. We will complete the verification of the passport copy.
4. Form of Affidavit of Personal Background. Will we complete this for the client.
5. Passport-size photographs. These will be taken when you visit our office.
6. Government Fees. Depending on the application category, various government fees will be required. These fees are also included in the quoted cost of our service.

The following document is required. However, it is not included in our fees and expenses as the price will vary depending on the provider.

1. Health Certificate. Health certificate issued by a local doctor, within the last 90 days before submitting the application.