# After two years: permanent residency and beyond The Friendly Nations Visa starts with a two-year provisional residency. After that, you apply for permanent residency with the same documents as before, except the criminal record certificate and the check, according to the Immigration requirements sheet. The decrees themselves do not regulate this stage. Later, the Constitution lets permanent residents apply for citizenship after five consecutive years of residence. [Free consultation](/contact/) [Photo: Envato Elements]()· [Envato Elements license](https://elements.envato.com/license-terms) ## Two stages, one permit The Friendly Nations Visa is a permanent residency subcategory, but it starts with a provisional permit for two years. The decree says only that Immigration may grant that provisional permit to those who apply. It does not set when or how you move to the permanent stage: that is described on the requirements sheet of the Immigration Service. Executive Decree 416 of 2012, article 3, as worded by Executive Decree 226 of 2021; National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PPT-PE - [Executive Decree 226 of 2021, Official Gazette 29335](http://gacetas.procuraduria-admon.gob.pa/29335_56733.pdf) - [National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PPT-PE for Specific Countries](https://www.migracion.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/02-PAISES-ESPECIFICOS.pdf) ## What you file for the permanent stage The requirements sheet asks you to present the same requirements as before, with two exceptions: the criminal record certificate and the check. In other words, you show again that your job, your property or your deposit is still there. The rules do not say what Immigration does if you sold the property or changed jobs in between, so tell us before you change your economic tie. National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PPT-PE; Decree-Law 3 of 2008, article 31.8 - [National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PPT-PE for Specific Countries](https://www.migracion.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/02-PAISES-ESPECIFICOS.pdf) - [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/) ## The fees of the permanent stage The government fees for this stage are not certified yet. The requirements sheet and the fee table of the regulations do not match, so we do not publish a figure until Immigration confirms which one applies. When you reach this stage we tell you the exact amount before you pay anything. [Photo: Ignacio Hernandez](https://unsplash.com/@ignacioh01?utm_source=iurispa&utm_medium=referral)· [Unsplash License](https://unsplash.com/license)National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PPT-PE; Executive Decree 320 of 2008, article 315 ## Timing The Immigration Law sets a legal maximum of 60 business days for Immigration to decide an application, plus 15 business days for you to fix anything they ask for. Real waiting times vary, and the law sets no deadline of its own for applying for the permanent stage. A rule that you must apply within six months of the end of your provisional period does not appear in the Friendly Nations decrees. Decree-Law 3 of 2008, article 34; Executive Decree 416 of 2012 and Executive Decree 226 of 2021 - [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/) ## Keeping your permanent residency Once you are permanent, Immigration may cancel your residency if you are away from Panama for more than two years without a justified and authorized reason. If that happens, you can ask to reinstate it if you were away up to six years. Decree-Law 3 of 2008, article 31.3; Immigration Service Resolution 17405 of 2019, Official Gazette 28853 - [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/) ## Becoming Panamanian later The Constitution lets foreigners apply for Panamanian nationality after five consecutive years of residence in Panama. You must expressly renounce your current nationality, and pass an exam on Spanish and on knowledge of Panama, under Electoral Tribunal Decree 13 of 2025, which amended Decree 23 of 2021. Spaniards and Latin Americans are exempt from the exam by reciprocity. The Immigration sheet for naturalization asks for the permanent residency card. Constitution of Panama, article 10.1; Electoral Tribunal Decree 13 of 2025, Bulletin 5872-B ## What the rules do not say - Whether your two provisional years count toward the five years for citizenship. - A grace period if your provisional card expires before you file for permanent status. - The government fees of the permanent stage, until Immigration certifies them. Constitution of Panama, article 10.1; derecho-migratorio review of October 26, 2026 - Mark in your calendar the date your provisional card expires. - Three months before, ask us to review your file for the permanent stage. - Keep your job, property or deposit, and their certificates, up to date. - If you plan to seek citizenship, keep a record of your entries and exits. Close to the end of your two provisional years? Tell us your card’s expiry date and we will plan your permanent filing. [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.