Get Recognized as a National With Panama Citizenship by Descent

If you have a Panamanian parent, you may already qualify. We’ll handle the rest.

If one of your parents is Panamanian, you may already have a legal right to Panama citizenship by descent, even if you were born and raised outside the country. This guide breaks down who qualifies, how the process works, and what documents are needed to confirm your Panamanian nationality.

What You Should Know About Getting Citizenship by Descent?

Citizenship by descent is a legal right granted to individuals born outside Panama to at least one Panamanian parent. Unlike naturalization, this process recognizes your inherited nationality and restores your full legal status through registration with the Panamanian Civil Registry.

Who Has the Right to Be Recognized as a Panamanian Citizen?

Panama’s Constitution allows citizenship by descent for individuals born outside the country under very specific conditions. You may be eligible if:

  • At least one of your parents is a Panamanian citizen by birth or naturalization
  • You are registered with the Panamanian Civil Registry
  • Your birth is officially recognized by Panamanian authorities through a proper legal procedure

Panama does not automatically grant citizenship to foreign-born children. You must formally register and prove your descent to be recognized.

Why Choose Panamanian Citizenship?

Holding a Panamanian passport offers real advantages:

  • Visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 140+ countries, including the EU
  • Dual citizenship allowed de facto (Panama requires a renunciation oath but rarely enforces it with other governments)
  • No mandatory military service
  • Territorial tax system – no tax on foreign-earned income
  • Ability to pass citizenship to your children

It also connects you legally and culturally to one of Latin America’s most stable, business-friendly countries.

Legal Requirements for Claiming Your Panamanian Citizenship

Before starting the process, you must meet the following basic conditions:

  • At least one of your parents is a Panamanian citizen by birth or naturalization
    You were born outside Panama and can present your foreign birth certificate showing the Panamanian parent
  • You are legally capable of submitting your application or represented by a parent/guardian if underage

Please note that all foreign documents must be translated and apostilled in order to apply for the visa. Our legal team will guide you during this process, from gathering documents to filing your citizenship request.

Follow These Simple Steps to Become a Panamanian Citizen

The process is straightforward when you work with experts. By law, you are required to hire a licensed Panamanian lawyer to represent you in all immigration matters.

Over 15 years of experience
Sucessful Clients
Zero Percent Visa Denials

Hire a Lawyer

Hiring a Panamanian lawyer is a legal requirement for all citizenship applications. At Agroup Consulting, we provide licensed immigration attorneys who specialize in descent-based claims.

Gather Documents

We’ll help you collect and prepare: Your foreign birth certificate (apostilled) Your valid passport Panamanian parent’s birth certificate or cedula Affidavit declaring the parent-child relationship Power of attorney forms

Translate and Legalize

All non-Panamanian documents must be translated into Spanish and apostilled or legalized through a Panamanian consulate.

File Registration

We register your birth with the Civil Registry and track the progress until you’re approved as a Panamanian citizen.

Obtain Cedula and Passport

Once your registration is approved, we help you apply for your national ID (cedula) and, if desired, a Panamanian passport.

The full process can be completed in as little as 3–4 weeks with correct documentation.

⚠️Warning:

The steps outlined above reflect the process carried out exclusively by our attorneys, backed by more than 15 years of experience and a record of 0% visa rejections. Thanks to this expertise, most applications are finalized in just 3 days. Working with traditional firms often results in longer waiting times, and incomplete documentation can significantly increase the risk of delays or even a visa denial.

Meet the Legal Experts Behind Your Citizenship Process

Meet the lawyers who will guide your journey, experts in Panamanian immigration law, fluent in English, and dedicated to helping remote professionals like you make a successful move to Panama. You’re not just hiring a service, you’re gaining trusted legal allies.

Immigration attorney at Agroup
germany
Spain
US

Dagmar H.

Immigration Attorney

Immigration Attorney
US
Spain

Luis A.

Paralegal

Panama´s Top Immigration Attorneys
US
Spain

Ana D.

Immigration Attorney

Timeline: How Long Does It Take?

  • 3 to 4 weeks for registration (if all documents are correct)
  • 1 to 2 weeks for cedula issuance
  • Passport can be processed immediately after registration

We recommend allowing a minimum 30-day stay in Panama if you want everything done in a single trip.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Using unofficial translations or expired apostilles
  • Skipping parental ID verification
  • Submitting documents not legalized or apostilled
  • Assuming you’re already a citizen without registration

Is Panama Citizenship by Descent a Right Fit for You?

If you have Panamanian roots, this is one of the fastest, most affordable ways to become a citizen of a stable, opportunity-rich country.
However, if you’re not sure about this visa, you should see what other applicants are saying.

What Our Clients Say About Their Citizenship Journey
Hear from those who have experienced our exceptional services.
Google Review
Daniel Golden Visa review
Daniel

UK

“Applied for the Golden Visa in Panama and had a great experience. The lawyer Agroup connected me with was sharp, efficient, and knew exactly what to do. Everything was handled professionally. Thank you.”
 
Melissa Panama golden visa review
Melissa

USA

“I applied for permanent residency in Panama and a friend recommended Agroup. They were professional, responsive, and really knew the visa process well.”
Gordon's Golden visa in panama review
Gordon

Canada

“This firm helped me a lot with my visa process. Clear communication, no surprises, and they really made the process easy.”

How to Qualify for Panama Residency $5000

Qualifying for Panama residency $5000 is simpler than most people expect. All you need is a qualifying investment in an approved forestry initiative and standard documents like your passport and background check. Our team guides you through every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I automatically become a citizen if my parents are Panamanian?

No. You have the right, but you must register with the Civil Registry in Panama and prove your descent with legal documentation, including a valid apostilled birth certificate and your parent’s Panamanian ID.

Not until your citizenship is formally registered. Once approved and your national ID (cedula) is issued, you can then apply for a passport. The entire process can be completed within 30–45 days in most cases

Yes. Once you’re officially recognized as a Panamanian citizen, your minor children are also eligible, even if they were born abroad. Their process is simpler when done as a family unit and documented together.

4. Can you get citizenship through descent?

Yes. If at least one of your parents is a Panamanian citizen, you may qualify for Panama citizenship by descent. The process requires legal registration with the Civil Registry and submission of specific documents. It’s a formal but straightforward path, especially when handled by an experienced legal team.

Panama offers several citizenship pathways, but the easiest is through citizenship by descent if you have Panamanian parents. You don’t need to live in Panama or make an investment. With the right documents and legal support, the process is fast, affordable, and usually completed within weeks.

Officially, Panama requires new citizens to renounce previous nationalities during naturalization. However, in practice, Panama permits dual citizenship for those who acquire it by descent or retain ties abroad. Many applicants keep their original passport without conflict, especially when born overseas to Panamanian parents.

Ready to Confirm Your Citizenship?

Get in touch with our team at Agroup Consulting to begin your application today. We specialize in legal pathways to Panamanian citizenship for families around the world.