# Frequently asked questions

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### How many years do I need to live in Panama?

Five consecutive years of residency, or three if you have a Panamanian spouse or children born in Panama to a Panamanian parent.

Source: Constitution of the Republic of Panama, article 10

### Can I buy Panamanian citizenship?

No. Panama has no citizenship-by-investment program. Investment can give you residency, which can later lead to naturalization under article 10 of the Constitution.

Source: Constitution of the Republic of Panama, article 10

### Do I have to renounce my current citizenship?

Panama requires an express, irrevocable renunciation in your petition and sworn statement. Whether your home country treats that as giving up your citizenship depends on its own law, so get advice for your country before filing.

Source: Constitution of the Republic of Panama, article 10; National Immigration Service, requirements for the Carta de Naturaleza (naturalization certificate)

### Do I need to be a permanent resident?

Yes. The petition asks for your permanent residency card number and an authenticated copy of the card.

Source: National Immigration Service, requirements for the Carta de Naturaleza (naturalization certificate)

### Is there an exam?

Yes. You must prove Spanish and basic knowledge of Panama’s geography, history and political organization, through an exam by the Electoral Tribunal, unless you are exempt.

Source: Constitution of the Republic of Panama, article 10; Electoral Tribunal Decree 13 of August 1, 2025 (knowledge exam)

### Who is exempt from the exam?

Nationals of Spain and Latin American countries whose country exempts Panamanians, people who studied these subjects in Panama, and people with disabilities take an adapted exam.

Source: National Immigration Service, requirements for the Carta de Naturaleza (naturalization certificate), item 14

### I am from Spain or Latin America. Is it different?

Yes. Under article 10, numeral 3, you can naturalize by meeting the same requirements your country asks of Panamanians.

Source: Constitution of the Republic of Panama, article 10

### Can I lose Panamanian nationality after naturalizing?

Yes. Under article 13 of the Constitution, nationality acquired by naturalization is lost for the same reasons as nationality by birth: express or tacit renunciation, tacit renunciation meaning acquiring another nationality or serving an enemy state.

Source: Constitution of the Republic of Panama, article 13

### Do I need a lawyer?

Yes. The petition is filed through a lawyer, whose ID and bar license are attached to the application.

Source: National Immigration Service, requirements for the Carta de Naturaleza (naturalization certificate)

Carta de naturaleza

Naturalization certificate: the act that grants Panamanian nationality.

Residente permanente

Permanent resident: the status you need before applying.

Renuncia

Renunciation: the written statement giving up your current nationality, required by Panama.

Paz y salvo

Tax clearance certificate from Panama’s tax authority (DGI).

Tribunal Electoral

Electoral Tribunal: the body that runs the knowledge exam and the civil registry.

Reciprocidad

Reciprocity: the rule that applies your own country’s requirements for Panamanians.

## Thinking about Panamanian citizenship?

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