PANAMA ALLOWS FOREIGNERS WHO HAVE LOST THEIR PERMANENT RESIDENT STATUS TO REACTIVATE IT

Foreigners who have obtained permanent residence in Panama and have been out of Panama for two to six years may request a residency reactivation as per Resolution N° 17405 of August 29th, 2019 published in the Official Gazette. However, foreigners who exceed six years must start a new immigration process.

Those interested in reactivating their residence should submit within 30 days counting since the entrance day to Panama, the following documents:

1. Petition.
2. Copy of passport and registration seal.
3. Simple copy of the resolution approving the permanent residency, or a simple copy of the permanent resident card issued by Immigration Office.
4. Authenticate copy by the Civil Registration of the identification card they granted. (i.e., authenticate copy of the Panamanian id or Panamanian cédula).
5. Affidavit before a public notary stating the reasons for which the foreigner was absent from the country.

As per the resolution, do not qualify for residency reactivation:

1. Italians, who have obtained their permanent residence based on the Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Treaty between Panama and Italy;
2. Foreigners who have obtained Temporary Residence through the Crizol de Razas Program; or
3. Foreigners who have received temporary residence through the Extraordinary Immigration Regulation processes.