Married to a Panamanian
Reviewed by Hassim Patel Bhana, Managing Partner · Updated
This route is for foreigners married to a Panamanian and living together. The key document is a marriage certificate issued by Panama's Civil Registry, so a marriage celebrated abroad has to be registered in Panama first. It grants provisional residency for two years, then permanent residency.
Key points
- For foreigners married to a Panamanian citizen and living together.
- The marriage certificate must be issued by Panama's Civil Registry.
- A marriage celebrated abroad must be registered in Panama before filing.
- Living together is part of what the application shows.
- It grants provisional residency for two years, then permanent residency.
- Each one must be apostilled, or legalised, in the country that issued it.
- Each one must be translated into Spanish by an authorised public translator in Panama, which the firm coordinates.
Frequently asked questions
We married abroad. Does that count?
Yes, but the marriage has to be registered with Panama's Civil Registry first, because the certificate the application needs is the Panamanian one.
Is it permanent residency straight away?
No. Provisional residency for two years first, then permanent.
Does it let me work?
Residency and permission to work are separate applications. The checklist sets out what each needs.
How long are my documents valid?
Six months from the date each document was issued, not from the date it was apostilled. That is why we ask you to request them close to filing rather than at the start of your planning.