Commonly, foreigners interested in living in Panama often confuse two types of travel documents: the Panama passport and the Special Passport. Although both allow for some international mobility, their purposes, requirements and benefits are very different. It is important to understand their particular characteristics, especially if you are considering obtaining permanent residency or becoming a Panamanian citizen, as each option involves a distinct process and provides access to one of these specific documents. Below, we make a comparison of both passports and clarify the common doubts that our clients have shared with us.
Panama Special Passport
To begin with, the Panama Special Passport, also known as Panama Travel Passport, is a particular document issued to certain permanent residents who have obtained their immigration status through the Private Income Retiree Visa program. It should be noted that although the design and appearance of the passport is similar to any other issued in Panama, neither this visa nor this document directly grants Panamanian citizenship. However, the residency program it is based on is one of the most common legal paths to obtain it.
In contrast to the regular Panama passport, this document includes the original nationality of the bearer. For example, if a French citizen obtains a Panama Special Passport, it will explicitly state that the person is from France.
One of the main advantages of the Panama Travel Passport is that it can be applied for immediately after obtaining the Private Income Retiree Visa, both by the principal applicant and any dependents. This visa requires placing a Certificate of Deposit (CD) in a Panamanian bank as part of the qualification process. The passport’s validity is strictly tied to that CD being held for five years. If it is cancelled early, or if a lien or mortgage is placed on it, both the Special Passport and the associated residence status become invalid.
What is the Private Income Retiree Visa?
The Private Income Retiree Visa is an immigration program aimed at individuals who can demonstrate monthly income derived solely from interest on a time deposit at the National Bank of Panama (Banco Nacional de Panama) or Savings Bank (Caja de Ahorros). This visa permits foreigners to live legally in Panama as permanent residents.
Among the main benefits of this visa is the possibility of applying for the Panama Special Passport, a document that facilitates identification and can be used for international travel to certain countries. However, although the Private Income Retiree Visa grants legal residency and offers a valid travel document, it does not provide the same legal status or rights as Panamanian nationality such as voting or eligibility for public office.
Requirements for the Panama Travel Passport
In order to qualify for the Panama Travel Passport (Special Passport), it is necessary to have obtained the Private Income Retiree Visa and to have permanent residence. For this, as mentioned above, interested foreigners must enter Panamanian territory and establish a time deposit in the National Bank of Panama or in the Savings Bank for a minimum of five years, which generates a monthly income of at least USD 850. This deposit must be free of liens or guarantees.
Required documents:
- Power of attorney and notarized application.
- Five ID-size photographs.
- Copy of passport.
- Certificate of criminal record.
- Certificate of health.
- Affidavit of personal background.
- Bank certification.
- Authenticated copy of certificate of fixed term.
- Additional documentation for dependents (if applicable):
- Letter of responsibility.
- Proof of relationship.
- Proof of domicile in Panama.
- For dependents over 18 years of age: Present certificates of single status and studies.
Once all the documents have been compiled, you must submit the application to the National Immigration Service of Panama. It is recommended to have the advice of an attorney specialized in immigration, who will provide you with more clarity on the procedures and guide you through the process.
After receiving the Visa, it is possible to make the formal application for the Panama Special Passport at the National Passport Office of Panama, together with 3 photographs and all other documents submitted for the visa. Remember that this permit is granted for five years and can be extended for an equal period, presenting again the previous requirements, except for the criminal record certificate, which is only required for the first application.
Panama Passport
Unlike the Special Passport, the regular Panama passport is the official document issued to nationals of the country. It can be obtained by those born in Panama as well as foreigners who have acquired Panamanian citizenship. This passport provides access to a greater number of countries without the need for a visa and represents the official recognition that the bearer is a Panama citizen, granting all the rights and duties of any national.
How to obtain a Panama second passport
More and more foreigners are attracted by the possibility of living and obtaining a Panama second passport. This process is implicitly related to Panamanian citizenship. That is, all persons of other nationalities who become citizens in this country will be able to receive a Panama second passport.
Panama offers only three ways to receive citizenship:
- By birth:
- Persons born in Panamanian territory.
- Children of Panamanian parents by birth who were born abroad but reside in Panama.
- Children of Panamanians by naturalization who were born abroad but reside in Panama.
- For Zonians: American citizens born in the former Canal Zone between 1904 and 1979, who have an apostilled birth certificate issued by the U.S. Department of State.
- By naturalization: Expats with permanent residence in Panama may apply for Panamanian citizenship after a period of continuous legal residence, usually between 3 and 5 years, and demonstrating their integration to the country.
There are many permanent residency programs that can eventually lead to Panamanian citizenship, such as the Private Income Retiree Visa.
Process to obtain the Regular Panama Passport
Having obtained the naturalization, the new citizen can apply for a Panamanian Passport, which officially accredits the person as a national of the country. Unlike the Panama Special Passport, this document is processed at the Panama Passport Authority.
The process to obtain it is the same for Panamanians as for nationalized expats; it is delivered within 24 hours to 10 working days, depending on the office where it is processed, and is valid for 10 years with the possibility of renewal. However, the documents required vary:
| Panamanians | Naturalized |
|---|---|
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Comparison of Panama Special Passport and Conventional Passport
| Feature | Special Passport | Panama Passport (Conventional) |
|---|---|---|
| Who can obtain it | Permanent residents with a Private Income Retiree Visa | Panamanian citizens (by birth, naturalization, or Zonians) |
| When can it be applied for | Immediately after obtaining permanent residence | Once recognized as a Panamanian national. |
| Grants Panamanian citizenship | No | Yes |
| Nationality represented | Indicates the holder’s original nationality | Demonstrates Panamanian citizenship |
| Political rights | Does not allow voting or being elected | Provides full rights such as voting or running for public office |
| International mobility | 88 (proof of residence may be requested) | 88 |
| Passport validity | 5 years (renewable as long as the deposit is maintained) | 10 years |
| Conditions for renewal | Subject to maintenance of the deposit certificate | Maintain Panamanian citizenship. Renewal without financial conditions |
In summary, although both documents are issued by the government of the Republic, the Panama Special Passport and the Panama Passport are completely different. The former can only be obtained by permanent residents, and their dependents, with the Private Income Retiree Visa, and its use does not grant Panamanian citizenship or the rights it confers.
On the other hand, the second can be requested exclusively by Panamanian citizens, whether born in Panama or those foreigners who are naturalized by any of the available means. Unlike the Panama Special Passport, this one does represent full nationality and all the rights it entails.
If you are interested in the Panama Special Passport or obtaining a Panama second passport, Kraemer & Kraemer has the experience and team of experts to guide you through the immigration process. Contact us to evaluate your options and get started.
