Panama has it all as a tourist destination: tropical climate, beautiful beaches, welcoming local people, a strong economy and a business-friendly environment. As a result, more and more people are choosing to visit, work, relocate or retire in the country. If your purpose is to settle here, it is important to know the different identifications in Panama, as they play an integral role in the residency process and your overall integration.
To begin with, foreigners can choose among several options to obtain permanent residency in Panama, being the Friendly Nations Visa and the Pensioners and Retirees Visa some of the most popular programs.
Regardless of the residency program chosen, applicants will obtain the following identifications in Panama as part of their process.
Panama Provisional Residence Card
When a foreigner files his application for permanent residency with the National Immigration Service of Panama, and the officer verifies that the documentation is complete and follows the requirements to be processed, the applicant receives a temporary residency card. This card is generally valid for 6 months, while the National Immigration Service makes a final decision on the application.
Panama Permanent Residency Card
Once the Panama Immigration Service approves the request for permanent residency, and the applicant obtains permanent resident status, he receives a Permanent Residency card. This card is identical to the temporary residency card shown above. However, the permanent residency card DOES NOT have an expiration date.
Panama temporary residency ID
Panama E-Cedula
The Panama e-cédula is an OPTIONAL type of identification, with a unique number, which becomes the official proof of identity in Panama for foreigners with a residence permit.
Although permanent residents are not required to obtain this document, it is highly recommended. This is because the cédula for foreigners is, by itself, an accepted proof of identity anywhere in Panama. While in Panama, an e-cedula card is all you need to carry.
All Panamanians over the age of 18 are issued a cedula. The only difference between the cedula issued to those who are born in Panama and those who become permanent residents, is the e on the card’s ID number, which stands for extranjero – foreigner in Spanish.
When you have an e-cedula card, you can do your day-to-day tasks more easily – whether it be cashing your checks or paying for public transport. When in Panama, an e-cedula card is all you need to carry.
Panama E-Cedula
Panama Driver’s License
If you are traveling with a tourist visa, the license from your country of origin is only valid for the first 90 days you are in the country. When you leave Panamanian territory, this 90-day limit is reinstated upon your return to Panama.
If, on the other hand, you plan to move or retire in Panama, you will probably need to drive a car without time restriction. Once a foreigner receives a temporary residency ID, you are no longer considered a tourist and you must obtain a Panama driver’s license.
Panamanian Driver’s License
To receive the Panamanian driver´s license, a permanent resident needs to authenticate his foreign driver´s license at his country’s consulate in Panama, and then have it certified at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He will also need a blood test to verify his blood type, unless his foreign driver’s license already includes blood type information. Once the required documents are ready, the permanent resident can request a Panamanian driver’s license at any Sertracen office.
Doubts or questions? We’re here to help!
Becoming a legal resident is an important part of the expat experience in Panama. Before you make a decision, take some time to meet with an immigration lawyer and discuss permanent residency requirements and documentation. Contact Kraemer & Kraemer today, and we’ll walk you through the process step by step.
