Panama is a country that has historically been a key point of migration and transit of people. It is for this reason that our culture is so diverse and we find people from all over the world who call this country home. For those who wish to go a step beyond residing in Panama and wish to be fully Panamanian, there is the process of naturalization.

Naturalization is a legal process by which a person can obtain Panamanian nationality, according to Article 8 of our Constitution. This, in turn, establishes who may choose to apply for nationality through the naturalization process. According to Article 10, foreigners who have at least five years of residence in Panama; foreigners with a Panamanian child or spouse, with at least three years of residence in the country and those who are nationals of Spain or any Latin American country and who meet the requirements established for Panamanians to naturalize in such countries, may apply for naturalization.

The naturalization process is carried out through the presentation of a formal request, through a lawyer, to the National Immigration Service. Within the same, the interested party must provide the evidence that justifies its request. In all cases, the permanent residence card (type E identification card) must be presented as proof of residence in Panama. It is worth noting that the time of residence taken into account for the application is that which has elapsed since the permanent residence card (type E) was granted.

The naturalization process offers a series of benefits to the applicants. The main one is that you acquire Panamanian nationality, which will allow you to participate directly in the civil activities of the country. With naturalization you are guaranteed the right to vote, Panamanian documents such as identity card and passport, and even to participate politically in parties and positions of popular election. However, a very attractive point for professional foreigners is that they will be able to practice professions that are by law exclusive for Panamanians, such as engineering, medicine, architecture, accounting, law, among others.

We offer you the best advice so that you can obtain your Panamanian nationality, contact us!