🇵🇦 Panama citizenship · By birth
Panama citizenship by birth
A child born in Panama automatically becomes a citizen of the country. Parents can apply for citizenship after 5 years of residence.
Panama is a fast-growing country with one of the strongest economic hubs in Latin America. Thanks to the Panama Canal it plays a strategic role in world trade, offers a favorable tax regime and a high quality of life for expats.
Legal basis for citizenship
Any child born on Panamanian territory automatically receives citizenship of the country under the principle of jus soli (right of soil). Citizenship is granted regardless of the parents' passports and immigration status - their status at the moment of the child's birth does not matter.
Citizenship for the parents
Parents can apply for citizenship after 5 years of living in Panama on a residence permit and permanent residence (combined). The residence permit can be arranged right after the child is born, and after 2 years of living on it you can obtain permanent residence.
Siblings and other relatives
Brothers and sisters of a child who is a Panamanian citizen do not receive citizenship automatically. This becomes possible after the parents naturalize, if the children are still under 18, or within one year after they come of age - and the applicants must be living in Panama. Grandparents and other close relatives can obtain a residence permit through the family reunification program, but for citizenship they need to live in the country for at least five years.
Entering the country to give birth
Russian citizens do not need a visa to enter Panama.
Tell us about your situation on a free consultation - we will explain how to plan the trip, the birth and the status for the whole family.
Benefits of a Panamanian passport
Freedom of travel
A Panamanian passport lets you visit 146 countries without a visa, including the United Kingdom, the Schengen area and Latin American countries.
Tax optimization
Panamanian citizens benefit from a favorable tax system: income earned outside the country is not taxed.
Access to banks and investments
Citizens get privileges at local and international banks, can open accounts without restrictions and enjoy simplified conditions for business.
Life in Panama
Citizens can live, work and run a business in one of the most stable economies in Latin America, and can count on consular protection abroad.
How to get Panama citizenship by birth: step by step
Entering Panama for the birth
Arriving in the country a few weeks before the expected due date. Russian citizens do not need a visa to enter.
Giving birth in Panama
Choosing the hospital for the birth and receiving the medical birth certificate for the child.
Registering with the civil registry
Registering the child's birth with the Registro Civil - you will need the parents' passports and the medical certificate.
Residence permit and permanent residence for the parents
Parents apply for a residence permit right after the child is born, and after 2 years of living on it they obtain permanent residence - this opens the path to citizenship after five years of living in Panama.
Citizenship for the parents
You will need to prove knowledge of Spanish, of the country's history and political system, and to renounce your current citizenship - Panama does not recognize dual citizenship.
FAQ
Does a child automatically get citizenship when born in Panama?
Can the parents of a Panamanian child get citizenship?
Does the parents' immigration status affect the child's citizenship?
How long do relatives need to live in the country for citizenship?
146 countries visa-free with a Panamanian passport
Europe
The Americas
Asia and Oceania
Africa
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