Panama makes it easy to get residency through marriage. If you recently married a Panamanian and want to live in Panama, this guide will show you the steps and requirements to make the process smooth and straightforward.
The Provisional Residence Permit for Family Reunification
Your journey toward permanent residency begins with the Provisional Residence Permit for Family Reunification. This permit is initially granted for two years, after which you can apply for permanent residency. Here’s what you need to do to get started:
Gather Your Documents
In order to request this permit, you must gather the necessary documents listed below:
- Power of Attorney: Obtain a notarized power of attorney.
- Passport Copy: Provide a copy of your passport, duly notarized or authenticated.
- Criminal Background Check: You must submit a criminal background check, duly apostilled.
- Health Certification: Provide a health certificate issued by a healthcare professional licensed in Panama.
- Official Bank Check: Create an official bank check in the amount of $250 USD, made payable to the National Treasury.
- Affidavit of Personal History: Complete and submit an affidavit detailing your personal background.
- Marriage Certificate: Present your marriage certificate issued by the Civil Registry.
- Spouse’s Birth Certificate: Include your Panamanian spouse’s birth certificate, also issued by the Civil Registry.
- Birth Certificates for Your Children: If your children were born in Panama, please furnish their birth certificates obtained from the Civil Registry.
- Spouse’s ID: Include a copy of your Panamanian spouse’s ID, authenticated by Cedulación.
- Letter of Responsibility: Your Panamanian spouse should provide a notarized letter of responsibility and repatriation.
- Evidence of Living Together: Provide documentation to support your cohabitation status, which could include a lease agreement or a utility bill.
Marriage Interview
Prepare for a marriage interview conducted by immigration officials. This interview aims to ensure the legitimacy of your marital relationship.
Provisional Residence Permit
After successfully completing the interview and submitting the necessary documents, you will receive a Provisional Residence Permit. This permit is valid until permanent residence is issued by the national migration service.
Start Your Marriage Residency
Permanent Residency for Family Reunification
On the day you receive notice from your lawyer to collect your permanent residence from the headquarters of the national migrant cervicio you must consider dressing properly so as not to have any inconvenience in entering, that day you must take a picture and pay a government fee of 50 balboas.
After the initial two-year period, you can apply for Permanent Residency for Family Reunification. The process is similar to the provisional permit, with a few exceptions:
- You will not need to provide a criminal background check or a certified check for $250 USD.
- As of 2022, demonstrating economic solvency is also not required.
Benefits of Obtaining Residency Through Marriage
Obtaining permanent residency through marriage to a Panamanian citizen comes with several benefits:
- You can reside indefinitely in Panama.
- You can apply for a work permit with the Ministry of Labor immediately.
- The work permit allows you to work for any company without the need for additional government permits.
- You can contribute to Panama’s social security system.
- You can apply for a tax resident certificate to avoid double taxation, if applicable.
Interview and Home Inspection
It’s important to note that the immigration department conducts thorough interviews and may inspect your home. They want to confirm that you genuinely cohabit and that there is no fraud involved in your application.
Conclusion
Getting permanent residency in Panama as the spouse of a Panamanian citizen might seem complex, but with the right help, it’s quite straightforward. Panama values family unity, so the system is designed to help you start your new life together easily.
If you’re thinking about this step, working with experts who know Panamanian immigration laws is a smart move. They’ll help you collect all the necessary documents and guide you smoothly through the process, ensuring you settle into your new home without any issues.
Get Residency By Marriage
FAQ
The provisional residency permit is granted for two years, after which you can apply for permanent residency. The entire process can take several months, so it’s important to start early.
If you have two children together during the marriage, the interview may be waived.
You can apply for Panamanian citizenship after holding permanent residency for three years.
As of 2022, the economic solvency requirement is not mandatory.
Yes, you can apply for a work permit
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