# Your documents, in the right order Start with the slowest document: your criminal record check from your country, with its apostille. Then the documents for your economic tie and your family certificates. Leave the health certificate for last: the law asks that it be issued in Panama within the three months before you file. Your lawyer files with a power of attorney, and the law does not require you to attend in person. [Free consultation](/contact/) [Photo: Azzedine Rouichi](https://unsplash.com/@rouichi?utm_source=iurispa&utm_medium=referral)· [Unsplash License](https://unsplash.com/license) - First, two to three months ahead ## Criminal record check and its apostille This is usually the slowest piece. In the United States, the FBI Identity History Summary costs US$18 and the FBI says online requests answer within about 48 hours after electronic fingerprinting; then the State Department adds its apostille. In Canada, the RCMP certified check takes 3 business days or less with no match, and Global Affairs Canada was processing apostille requests received 25 business days earlier on October 27, 2026, plus mail time. In the United Kingdom, ACRO issues the police certificate in up to 20 working days, and the FCDO adds the paper apostille. FBI, RCMP, Global Affairs Canada, ACRO and GOV.UK official pages, read on October 26 and 27, 2026 - [Global Affairs Canada, document authentication](https://international.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/services/document-authentication) - Second ## Your economic tie Ask for the papers of your route: the job letter, the company certificate and the Notice of Operation, or the Public Registry certificate of your property, or the bank certificate of your deposit. Executive Decree 416 of 2012, article 3, as worded by Executive Decree 226 of 2021 - [Executive Decree 226 of 2021, Official Gazette 29335](http://gacetas.procuraduria-admon.gob.pa/29335_56733.pdf) - Third ## Family certificates Marriage and birth certificates for each dependent, apostilled in the country that issued them. If that country is not party to the Apostille Convention, they are legalized by the Panamanian consulate and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs instead. Executive Decree 320 of 2008, article 247 - [Executive Decree 320 of 2008, the immigration regulations](https://s3-legispan.asamblea.gob.pa/legispan/NORMAS/2000/2008/DECRETO%20EJECUTIVO/Administrador%20Legispan_26104_2008_8_13_MINISTERIO%20DE%20GOBIERNO%20Y%20JUSTICIA_320.pdf)· [Full text](https://iurispa.com/legislacion/decreto-ejecutivo-320-de-2008/) - Fourth, in Panama ## Translation into Spanish Every foreign document in another language is translated in Panama by an authorized public translator. In practice, translate after the apostille, so the apostille is translated too. Executive Decree 320 of 2008, article 247 - [Executive Decree 320 of 2008, the immigration regulations](https://s3-legispan.asamblea.gob.pa/legispan/NORMAS/2000/2008/DECRETO%20EJECUTIVO/Administrador%20Legispan_26104_2008_8_13_MINISTERIO%20DE%20GOBIERNO%20Y%20JUSTICIA_320.pdf)· [Full text](https://iurispa.com/legislacion/decreto-ejecutivo-320-de-2008/) - Last, within three months of filing ## Health certificate The law asks for a health certificate issued in Panama within three months before you file. It is the only document with a validity set by law, so get it last. Decree-Law 3 of 2008, article 28.3 - [Decree-Law 3 of 2008, the Immigration Law](https://s3-legispan.asamblea.gob.pa/legispan/NORMAS/2000/2008/DECRETO%20LEY/Administrador%20Legispan_25986_2008_2_26_CONSEJO%20DE%20GABINETE_3.pdf)· [Full text](https://iurispa.com/legislacion/decreto-ley-3-de-2008/) - No rule sets how old your criminal record check can be. Many offices expect it to be recent, around six months, but that is practice, not law. - The State Department apostille request form shows an expiration date of October 31, 2026 on its face. Download the current version from the State Department site on the day you apply. - Apostilles, translations and consular legalization are not Immigration fees. Their cost depends on your country and your provider. Decree-Law 3 of 2008, articles 28 and 28.3; Executive Decree 320 of 2008, article 247; U.S. Department of State form DS-4194, read October 27, 2026 Want a calendar for your own documents? Tell us your country and your travel date, and we will send you the order and the deadlines. [Free consultation](/contact/) Free 15-minute call ## Not sure where to start? Book a free 15-minute call. We will confirm your eligibility and the route that fits you best. - A signed contract - An invoice for every expense - Licensed attorneys [Book your free call](/contact/) [WhatsApp](https://wa.me/50761970238?text=Hi%2C%20I%20would%20like%20a%20consultation%20about%20the%20Panama%20Friendly%20Nations%20Visa%2C%20from%20friendlynationspanama.com.) [contacto@iurispa.com](mailto:contacto@iurispa.com) A Panamanian lawyer replies within one business day, in English.