Get Your Panama Dual Citizenship – Learn How to Apply
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Eligibility Overview
- By Birth: Individuals born in Panama acquire citizenship at birth, except children of foreign diplomats.
- By Descent : Those born abroad to a Panamanian parent may apply for citizenship by descent through registration.
- By Marriage : Foreign spouses of Panamanian citizens may apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage and residence.
- By Naturalization: Foreigners can apply after 5 years of residence, or after 3 years if from a Latin American country or Spain.
- By Investment: Panama offers friendly nation visas and investor residency programs that may lead to citizenship over time.
- Special Exception – Limited Dual Citizenship: Panama permits dual citizenship only with select countries, primarily those in Latin America and Spain. Applicants from other countries are typically required to renounce their previous citizenship.
Step-by-Step Process
- Determine your path: descent, marriage, residency, or investment.
- Submit your application through Panama’s National Immigration Service or a consulate abroad.
- Provide supporting documents and complete interviews or oath-taking, if required.
- Receive naturalization or recognition certificate and register your citizenship.
Benefits of Panamanian Citizenship
- Live and work freely in Panama
- Visa-free access to 140+ countries, including the EU and UK
- Eligible for tax-friendly residency and investor programs
- Dual citizenship permitted with certain countries
Frequently asked questions.
Does Panama allow dual citizenship?
Panama allows dual citizenship only with countries that permit it reciprocally — typically Latin American nations and Spain. Applicants from other countries may need to renounce their previous nationality upon naturalization.
Can I apply for Panamanian citizenship if my parent is from Panama?
Yes. You can apply by descent if at least one parent is a Panamanian citizen. You’ll need to register with Panamanian authorities and present proof of lineage.
How long must I live in Panama before applying for naturalization?
Standard residency requirement is 5 years, but only 3 years if you’re from a Latin American country or Spain. Spouses of Panamanians can apply after 3 years of marriage and residence.
Does Panama offer citizenship through investment?
Indirectly. While there’s no “citizenship by investment” program, Panama offers residency pathways for investors, which may lead to naturalization after several years.
Do I have to pay taxes in Panama as a dual citizen?
Panama taxes based on source, not citizenship. You’re taxed only on income earned within Panama. There’s no tax on foreign-earned income for residents or citizens.