Friendly Nations Visa for Italians in Panama 2025

La Friendly Nations Visa it is a migratory program that allows citizens of certain countries—including Italy—to obtain a legal residence in Panama under favorable conditions. It was created to promote professional, economic and cultural ties with countries that have historically maintained good diplomatic relations with Panama.

Originally, the process granted immediate permanent residence, but after reforms in recent years, the request begins with a temporary residence for two years. Subsequently, it can become permanent, as long as the applicant meets the established requirements.

What is this visa for?

The main objective is to attract foreigners with a professional, investor or independent profile who wish to integrate into the Panamanian economy. It's ideal for:

• Entrepreneurs who want to open a company in Panama
• Professionals who plan to work for a local company
• Self-employed people or people with income from abroad
• Those looking for an alternative to residence in Panama no need for costly investment

For the Italian citizens, this option is especially relevant because Italy is part of the list of eligible countries. In addition, they share strong historical and economic ties with Panama, making this process one of the most agile and comprehensive in the Panamanian migration system.

Benefits of obtaining this visa:

Obtaining the Friendly Nations Visa allows you to access multiple advantages:

• Possibility to apply to the Panamanian ID, national identity document
• Full freedom to reside, undertake or work legally in Panama
• Access to the Panamanian banking system
• Basis for later applying for Panamanian citizenship, if the requirements are met

In short, if you are wondering How to apply for the Friendly Nations Visa in Panama being Italian, this option could be your gateway to personal and professional opportunities in one of the most dynamic countries in Latin America.

For Italians interested in obtaining the Panamanian visa through the program of Friendly Nations In 2025, there are a number of essential requirements that you must meet to ensure that your application is accepted without setbacks. Although the process is more accessible than other types of visas, it is still formal, and any errors or missing documents can lead to delays.

The first thing is to have all the apostilled documents from Italy. Apostilling means officially certifying that your documents are valid for use abroad, in this case, in Panama. This applies to police records, birth certificates, and any document issued by an Italian public authority.

General requirements for 2025:

• Be an Italian citizen with a valid passport
• Have no criminal record (an apostilled police record will be required)
• Demonstrate economic or employment relationship in Panama, for example:
• Employment contract with Panamanian company
• Ownership of a company in Panama (registration with the RUC and notice of operation)
• Verifiable investment in a Panamanian bank account of at least USD 5,000
• Passport-size photos
• Complete immigration application form
• Payment of immigration fees and legal services (varies by profile)

In addition, you must prove that you have a legitimate and stable intention to reside in Panama. Whether as a professional, entrepreneur or rentier, the objective is not just to “obtain a visa”, but to integrate yourself into the economic and social life of the country.

Specific requirements that require legalization:

Among the documents needed for Friendly Nations Visa 2025 we highlight the following that must be processed and apostilled in Italy:

• Criminal record certificate issued by the Ministry of the Interior
• Certified copy of the passport (issued by a notary and apostilled)
• Birth certificate (optional if applying to a visa with dependents)

All of these documents must be officially translated into Spanish by an authorized public translator in Panama, unless they are issued directly in Spanish.

Take note of these updated Friendly Nations Visa requirements is key to reducing errors and speeding up approval. As you go through the process, having this list as a basis will help you plan ahead.

In the next section, we'll look at a Step-by-step checklist so that you don't leave any details out and you know how to gather all the documentation required by Migration Panama.

Before starting the process to obtain your Panamanian visa for Italian citizens, it is essential to have all the correct and current documents. In 2025, Panama requires that certain papers be duly apostilled in Italy, since they must be valid for use abroad. This step is key to ensuring that your process goes smoothly.

Required documents for the Friendly Nations Visa

These are the basic documents that an Italian citizen must submit as part of the legal residence in Panama:

• Applicant's birth step Apostilled (translated if not in Spanish)
• Full copy of the passport (all pages)
• Criminal record certificate from Italy Apostilled and valid for less than 6 months
• Documentation that proves a link with Panama: this can be an employment contract, certificate of enrollment in a Panamanian university or proof of establishment of a company
• Three passport-size photos

What does apostille mean and how is it done from Italy?

The Hague Apostille is an official certification that validates public documents issued in Italy for international acceptance, including in Panama. For Apostille documents for a Panama visa from Italy, you must go to the Prefecture of the region where the document was issued or use a digital tool if the Italian system allows it for your area.

Don't forget to confirm that the document is valid: for example, the criminal record must be no more than 6 months old at the time of the request. It will also be necessary to carry out the official translation into Spanish if any of the documents are in Italian.

Quick consultation: What documents need an apostille?

To avoid errors, be clear about the documents that need to be specifically apostilled for this visa:

1. Criminal record certificate (mandatory, apostilled and translated)
2. Birth certificate (apostilled and translated if not in Spanish)

In addition to these, any other Italian public documentation that you wish to submit as support must be properly legalized to be valid before Panamanian immigration authorities.

Count on this organized checklist not only does it speed up times; it also avoids delays due to lack of papers or errors in legalizations. Having everything ready before you travel will allow you to focus on the process once you're in Panama.

Once you have all the Apostilled documents ready, the practical process begins in Panama. Although it may seem complex at first, the process to obtain the Friendly Nations Visa is well structured, and understanding each stage is key to avoiding errors.

Step 1: Legal Entry to Panama

Arrive in the country as a tourist with your current Italian passport. Upon entering, you will receive a temporary stay (usually 90 days) that allows you to start the process of Residence Visa.

Step 2: Preparing the file and submitting the application

With the help of a trusted Panamanian lawyer, the file is assembled with all the documents collected. This file is presented at the window of the National Migration Service from Panama. At this stage, a portion of the application costs must be paid, including stamps and government fees.

Step 3: Your temporary card

When you submit your application, you will receive a processing card valid for 6 months while your case is being analyzed. This document allows you to legally reside in Panama and eventually carry out activities such as opening bank accounts or signing contracts.

Step 4: Approval and delivery of the resident card

Once the request is approved (this can take between 2 and 6 months), you will be summoned to withdraw your Temporary Resident Card. From That Moment On You Will Have legal residence in Panama, which opens the door to other benefits such as membership in the Social Security Fund or applying for local loans.

Step 5: Apply for your Panamanian ID

After two years have passed with your provisional residence card, you can apply for permanent residence, which allows you to obtain and apply for the Panamanian ID for foreigners. This document is the equivalent of a national identity card and is used in all daily operations in Panama.

The procedure is done in the Electoral Court and consists of presenting your card together with a formal application. In a few days you will receive your ID card, which identifies you as a permanent resident in Panama.

How long does the entire process take?

From your arrival to obtaining the Panamanian ID, the process can take between 4 and 6 months, depending on the system load and if your Documents required for the 2025 Friendly Nations visa complete areas. Having professional legal help can speed up time and avoid common mistakes.

At the end of these steps, you will be able to work, undertake, reside or simply enjoy your new life in Panama. Next, we will answer some of the most frequent questions that Italian citizens have when starting this journey.

Do you need a job offer to apply?

Since the modification of the program in 2021, yes. To request the Friendly Nations Visa in Panama, Italian citizens must demonstrate an employment or economic link in the country. This can be done through an employment contract with a duly registered Panamanian company, or through the establishment of your own company.

If you don't have a specific job offer yet, another option is to register a company in Panama and register as a worker or director of your own company. You can also sign an employment contract even if you plan to start a business later on.

How long does the process take in 2025?

The entire process, from arriving in Panama to obtaining the Panamanian ID, it can take between 4 and 7 months on average. Here we explain the usual times:

• Approval of the immigration application: Between 3 and 5 months from the day of presentation
• Issuance of the provisional card (temporary residence): The same day of the migratory appointment
• Delivery of the permanent residence card: About 1 month after approval
• Appointment and delivery of resident ID: 2 to 4 weeks after permanent residence

Times are subject to change, especially if there are incomplete documentation or administrative changes.

How much does the Friendly Nations Visa cost in Panama?

The budget for processing the Panamanian visa for Italian citizens In 2025 it may vary depending on the legal services contracted, but these are some of the common costs:

Official costs:

• Security deposit required during migration: USD $250
• State fee for immigration processing: USD $800
• Panamanian ID: about USD $100

Other common expenses: apostillation of documents in Italy, official translations, legalizations, legal fees (if applicable) and notary fees.

When you add all the elements together, many people spend $1,500 to $2,500 in total to get the legal residence in Panama through this program.

Can I include my family in the application?

Yes, you can add your spouse, children and/or dependent parents as beneficiaries in your Residence Visa. Each family member must submit their apostilled personal documents and meet certain requirements, including demonstrating economic dependence and registering their affiliation. This also involves an extra cost per person in the process.

How valid is the residence obtained by this visa?

The moment your application is approved, you are first granted a temporary residence valid for 2 years. At the end of this period and having met the requirements (such as continuous residence in Panama or active economic link), you can apply for Permanent Residence.

Once obtained, the permanent residence in Panama does not expire, although you must keep your status up to date (for example, not be out of the country for more than 2 consecutive years).

Can I work in Panama with this visa?

Yes. The visa allows you to apply for a work authorization if you are employed by a local company or if you own your own company. Remember that the employment contract is an essential part of the application package in 2025.

What is the Panamanian ID and why is it important?

La Panamanian ID card for resident foreigners is an identification document issued by the Electoral Tribunal of Panama. Although not mandatory, it is highly recommended for carrying out banking procedures, signing contracts, opening accounts and facilitating your daily life in the country.

To obtain it, you need to have your approved permanent residence card. From there, you are assigned an appointment to collect biometric data and then your ID card is issued.

Can I lose my residence if I leave Panama?

Yes, it's possible. If you spend more than 2 consecutive years outside of Panama without returning to the country, you may lose your Permanent Residence. It is important to maintain a link with the country, whether through regular physical presence, active investments or work activities.

In any case, Panamanian migration can evaluate on a case-by-case basis if there are valid arguments for the absence.