Requirements for Spaniards Wanting to Enter and Resident in Panama

Spanish citizens can visit Panama quite easily thanks to existing bilateral agreements between the two countries. However, there are certain key requirements that you must meet:

• Valid passport: This must be valid for at least six months at the time of your entry into the country.
• Return ticket: You must present a ticket to leave Panama, either to your country of origin or to a third country.
• Economic solvency: A minimum amount of 500 USD is usually required to be demonstrated. This can be proven with cash, credit card, or recent bank statements.

It is important to review immigration regulations regularly, as they may change. Always consult with a legal expert before planning your trip.

If you plan to visit Panama for tourism, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. However, we recommend that you keep the following documents in order:

• Entry form: This is provided at the airport and must be filled out before going through migration.
• Accommodation reservations: Sometimes you are asked to indicate where you will be staying during your stay.
• Travel insurance: Although not required in some cases, having medical coverage during your stay is highly recommended.

If you want to extend your stay as a tourist, you must request the corresponding extension from the National Migration Service in Panama.

Marriage to a Panamanian citizen greatly facilitates your residence in the country. To do this, you need:

• Marriage certificate: Legalized and registered with the Civil Registry of Panama.
• Tests of living with your partner: Photographs, shared bank accounts, or joint rental agreements.
• Criminal Record Certificate: From your country of origin, duly apostilled.

After meeting these requirements, you can apply for a temporary residence permit. Over time, you can choose permanent residence as long as you maintain your legal status and marriage bond.

To work in Panama under the sponsorship of a multinational company, you must first verify if the company is registered with the SEM Act (Headquarters of Multinational Companies). The steps to obtain your visa include:

• Letter of support from the company: Indicating your employment contract and functions to perform.
• Copy of your full passport: Including your personal data and immigration stamps.
• Professional Accreditation: University degrees or certifications, apostilled and translated by an authorized translator.

This type of permit also allows you to include your dependents (such as a spouse or children) under a visa extension.

If you arrived in Panama as a tourist but decide to stay, it would be necessary to change your immigration status. The most common options are:

• Visa from Friendly Countries: This program allows Spanish citizens to obtain quick residence due to their cultural and economic ties with Panama if you work for a Panamanian company, or invest a minimum amount of USD 200,000 in real estate or private banking in Panama. In the case of real estate, the investment can be financed by a local bank.
• Pensioner-Retired Visa: Allows foreigners who maintain a minimum retirement of USD 1000.00 to apply for a residence permit in Panama.
• Permanent regularization: If you have lived in the country for a long time, you can start a formal residency process by meeting the legal requirements.
• Hire a specialized legal attorney: This step is essential to ensure that you respect local regulations.

Remember that staying in Panama without regularizing your status can lead to fines or legal problems, but with Limitless Legal, we can guide you to a legal and safe stay.