How to obtain citizenship in Panama?

The Constitution of the Republic provides that Panamanian nationality is acquired by birth, naturalization or by constitutional provision, once the process of naturalization in Panama is managed and approved by the competent authorities, you will be sworn in as a Panamanian citizen.

The Political Constitution of the Republic of Panama establishes that they can apply for Panamanian citizenship by naturalization to:

Foreigners with five consecutive years of residence in the territory of the Republic.
Foreigners with three consecutive years of residence in the territory of the Republic who have children born in it, who are of Panamanian father or mother, or with spouse of Panamanian nationality.

Foreigners with five consecutive years of residence must also have:

Majority of age
They declare their will to naturalize.
They expressly renounce their nationality of origin or that of their nationality.
They verify that they possess the Spanish language and basic knowledge of Panamanian geography, history and political organization.

Other cases to take into account

Foreigners can opt for naturalization when they have three consecutive years of residence in the territory of the Republic, if they meet any of these requirements:

Parents of children born in Panama.

Of Panamanian father or mother.

Spouse of Panamanian nationality.

If you are a national by birth, of Spain or of a Latin American State, if you meet the same requirements as in your country of origin, Panamanians are required, based on the principle of reciprocity.

How does it affect me to reject my previous nationality?

Regarding the express renunciation of the nationality of origin of the foreigner interested in naturalizing, this is done through a sworn statement that will be provided to the file of his naturalization in Panama and that does not require the presentation of official documents of the country from which he is renounced, so we recommend you consider the legal effects that can bring in your home country.

How long does it take to become Panamanian?

The process of naturalization from your application to your swearing can take between seven months and a year, and also requires the approval of a naturalization test applied by the Electoral Tribunal.

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