Expat Community > Panama

neptuno
Joined 2012
Posts: 5

Decree 343

12 years ago

By Executive Decree No. 343 of the 16th of May 2012, published in the Official Gazette No. 27038, the government of the Republic of Panama has established a new immigration category, which will enable foreigners of certain nationalities to have a permanent residence within the Panamanian national frontiers.

The foreigner must be the citizen of any of the following countries, with which Panama has friendly, professional, economic and investment relations: the Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Argentina, the Confederation of Australia, the Republic of Austria, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Kingdom of Belgium, Canada, the Kingdom of Spain, the United States of America, the Republic of Slovenia, the French Republic, the Republic of Finland, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, Japan, the Kingdom of Norway, the Czech Republic, the Confederation of Switzerland, the Republic of Singapore, the Oriental Republic of Uruguay, the Republic of Chile and the Kingdom of Sweden.

Children under 18 years of age, disabled relatives and parents who are dependent of the foreigner who has applied for or obtained the permanent residence may obtain their permits of residence as dependents. As for children older than 18 and under 25 years of age, it shall be required to evidence that they are actually students and still economically dependent of the foreigner who has applied for or obtained the permanent residence on the basis of Executive Decree No. 343 of the 16th of May 2012.

Any foreigner desiring to obtain his permanent residence permit must submit her/his application to the National Immigration Service through a Panamanian lawyer, and attach the following documents: a complete copy of the passport still valid for at least six months, crime and police record of the country of which she/he is a citizen or where she/he is residing; as for dependents, the respective birth or marriage certificates, identification document of the country of origin or residence, documents evidencing the purpose of obtaining the permanent residence according to the economic or professional activity to carry out and evidence of economic solvency, which shall be evidenced by a certificate issued by a proper bank or a bank statement showing the balance of the last month of four medium digits or other evidence of income. The documents originating abroad must be valid and duly apostillized or legalized by a Panamanian Consul.

Similarly, payment must be made in the amount of two hundred and fifty United States dollars (US$250.00) for the change in immigration category, if such is the case, and to provide a repatriation deposit in the amount of eight hundred United States dollars (US$800.00).

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Living in Panama Guide

Our Guide to Living in Panama is a perfect primer for readers interested in Panama. Covers healthcare, cost of living, best places to live, residency, visas, real estate, moving tips and the pros and cons of living in Panama.

Panama Forum
Join our Panama forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Panama.

Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Best Places to Live in Panama

If you're dreaming about living in Panama, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Panama in 2023.

Healthcare in Panama

Expats have differing opinions about healthcare in Panama. Many advice against public hospitals and healthcare, but some recount good experiences. This article covers public vs private healthcare, cost of healthcare, obtaining prescription medications and much more.

Cost of Living in Panama

Expats in Panama enjoy a relatively low cost of living. However, it's important to do your research to make sure you'll actually enjoy those saving while creating a high quality of life as an expat in Panama.

Moving to Panama Guide

Do you have to buy a round trip ticket when moving to Panama? How difficult is it to bring my dog? Should I buy a home in Panama? Can I find health

Real Estate in Panama

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Panama.

Pros & Cons of Living in Panama

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Panama.

Retiring in Panama

Advice for people retiring in Panama.

Panama Visa & Residency Guide

This article covers the ins and outs of the most common tourist and residency visas that expats and global nomads obtain when moving to and living in Panama.

10 Tips for Living in Panama

If you've recently arrived in Panama, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Panama.

Additional Information:

Visit our Panama Index for a Full List

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Contribute
Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.

Login

Or, Send Login Link

Expat Community > Panama

Decree 343

Login