Panama is an excellent Plan B residency, as it offers a territorial tax system that exempts foreign income and only requires 1 visit every 2 years.

It is important to understand that the rules changed in 2021. It is no longer possible to obtain permanent residency immediately using the Friendly Nations Visa. Initially, it starts with a 2-year temporary residency and, after this time, it can be converted to permanent residency.

In 2026, there are a total of 4 types of visa:
- Friendly Nations Visa (FNV).
- Qualified Investor Visa (QIV).
- Self Economic Solvency Visa.
- Visa For Retirees.

Note:
* If you want to obtain permanent residency at the moment, you must specifically apply for the Qualified Investor Visa.

The following documents are required for all types of residency:

- Passport.
- National ID of your country of origin.
- Criminal record from any country where you have resided for more than 1 year in the last 3 years (translated and certified by a public translator in Panama if not in Spanish).

Depending on the type of visa and where you apply from, you need one of the following:

- Proof of current health insurance.
- Proof of passive, pension or regular income.
- Birth and marriage certificates.
- Proof of income of funds to Panama.
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Note:
* All documents must be translated into Spanish.
* All documents from your country of origin must be apostilled.

Eventually yes, but not automatically or immediately.

In Panama, citizenship for foreigners is obtained by naturalization after a minimum period of permanent residency. It is true that Spanish status may facilitate some requirements, but temporary residency alone does not lead directly to a passport. Only permanent residency is valid for naturalization.

Once you are a permanent resident, you can apply for Panamanian citizenship by naturalization after:

- 5 consecutive years of permanent residency.
- 3 years, if you have direct family ties (for example, Panamanian children or spouse).

During this time, in addition to physical presence, authorities usually consider factors such as: basic command of Spanish, integration with roots (work, stable housing, social ties), appropriate behavior and compliance with legal obligations. The naturalization process, once initiated, can take several months and ends with the official granting of citizenship through a presidential decree.

💡 Additional note: In 2026, Panama announced that *soonly* it will launch a specific Citizenship by Investment program linked to real estate where, maintaining an investment of $300,000 USD for 5 years, it will serve as a structured alternative for investors who want to accelerate and clarify their transition from residency to citizenship.

Giving birth in Panama offers an incredible opportunity to obtain citizenship for your family, in addition to enjoying affordable, first-rate healthcare. Our local team can help you plan your delivery without complications.

Why in Panama?

- Incredible and affordable healthcare with top-notch medical professionals.
- Much better customer service than in many “first-world” countries.
- Additional services such as midwives, doulas and breastfeeding counselors are also affordable.
- Home births with doctors and midwives are legal in Panama.
- Relaxed environment with great apartments and activities for swimming and relaxing.
- Your child automatically becomes a Panamanian citizen.
- The parents of the newborn can obtain residency in Panama.
- Both groups of grandparents can obtain residency in Panama.
- The newborn's siblings can obtain residency in Panama.
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This special consanguinity residency offers an accelerated path to qualifying for citizenship. Basically, when you give birth in Panama, you give your entire family a back-up Plan B and your child becomes a citizen from day one.

1.- MEDICAL CARE AND DELIVERY OPTIONS.
The most important thing is the birth experience itself. In general, it is much more affordable than in North America and private centers in Europe, but the service, competence and amenities are just as good, or even better. Depending on the experience you are looking for, our local team can provide it for you.
C-section? Alright.
Natural childbirth? Of course.
Home birth? Also fine.
Depending on the choice, we assign you the best doctors and equipment that fit your needs. In addition, before giving birth, you can request special yoga, pilates, massage and acupuncture sessions.

2.- LEGAL DOCUMENTATION.
After giving birth, we work hand in hand to achieve:
- Obtaining the birth certificate.
- Obtaining the Panamanian passport and identification of the minor.
- Obtaining residency for the whole family (parents, grandparents, siblings under 18).
Although Panama is a charming country, it is very bureaucratic and things are not always simple. But we can do it ;)

3.- POSTPARTUM SUPPORT.
In many cases, the weeks and months after giving birth can be even more stressful than the birth itself. We put you in touch with:
- Pediatricians.
- Postpartum counseling.
- Doulas.
- Experts in breastfeeding.

4.- LOGISTICS AND ACCOMMODATION.
- Airport transfers.
- Search for an apartment.
- Buy or rent a car.
- Family photo sessions with the baby.
- Care packages.
- Shopping for the mother and the future baby.
- Beauty services such as home pedicures, manicures, hairdressing, etc.