Address Update for Foreigners in Panama

Comply with the Law and Protect Your Immigration Status in Panama

The Importance of Keeping Your Address Updated with Immigration

For every foreigner who has chosen Panama as their place of residence, whether temporary or permanent, there is a fundamental legal obligation that should not be overlooked: notifying the National Immigration Service of any change of address. This regulation is crucial for maintaining a regular immigration status and avoiding penalties.

Legal Basis: Know the Rule

The basis for this obligation is found in Article No. 87 of Decree Law No. 3 of February 22, 2008, which was regulated by Decree Law No. 320 of August 8, 2008. The law is clear: every foreigner with temporary or permanent resident status must inform the National immigration Service of changes in their residence or in the information previously provided to the Foreigner Registry.

Failure to comply with this provision has serious consequences. The first time the offense is detected, a fine of one hundred dollars ($100.00) will be applied. In the event of a repeat offense, the immigration authorities are empowered to proceed with the cancellation of the residence permit and the eventual deportation from the national territory.

Requirements for Updating Your Address

The process can be carried out directly by the interested party or through a law firm. The requirements for each case at the main headquarters of the National Immigration Service are detailed below.

Process carried out directly by the foreigner:

• Residence Card: Original and copy of the valid card.
• Passport: Original and copy of the valid passport, duly registered in the system.
• Personal Identity Card (if applicable): Original and copy.
• Proof of Address: Notarized copy of the proof.
  • Fixed Residence: Two documents are required:
    • Utility bill (water, electricity, telephone).
    • Copy of the lease agreement or the public deed of the property. Both documents must be notarized.
  • Hotel Stay: Present a copy of the hotel reservation. It is important that they are not cell phone screenshots and that the hotel address and guest’s name are clearly visible.

Process through a law firm:

• Special power of attorney in favor of the law firm.
• Copy of the valid residence card.
• Copy of the passport (general data page and registration stamp).
• Copy of the personal identity card (if applicable).
• Proof of Address: Same requirements as in the personal process (notarized copy).

Key Deadlines You Should Know

Time is a critical factor. Pay attention to the following deadlines to avoid fines:

• For Residents in Panama: You have a period of 30 calendar days to notify the change to your new address, counted from the moment you move.
• For Non-Residents (with temporary stay): If you have a valid residence but do not live permanently in the country, you must present proof of your address (such as a hotel reservation) within 30 calendar days of your entry into Panama.

Procedure at the Immigration Headquarters for Headquarters of Multinational Companies (SEM)

For executives covered under the Headquarters of Multinational Companies regime, the process is carried out through their law firm with the following documents:

• Copy of the valid immigration card.
• Copy of the passport (general data and registration stamp).
• Copy of the ID card (if applicable).
• Notarized Proof of Address: If the utility bill is in the name of a third party, a notarized letter signed by that person must be attached, stating that the executive resides at that address. A copy of the identification of the person signing the letter must be included.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. If I travel frequently to Panama and stay in hotels, do I have to update my address every time I enter? Yes. The regulations state that you must report where you will be domiciled during your respective stay in the country. You have a period of 30 days from your arrival to report it. If your visit is less than 30 days, although the risk of a fine is low, the recommendation is to comply with the notification.
2. When I update my address, is that of my dependents automatically updated? No. The update is an individual process. If a family moves, an update request must be submitted for each member (the main applicant and each of their dependents), providing the corresponding documentation for each person.
3. How can I confirm that my address was updated correctly in the Migration system? The surest way to verify it is by going to the offices of the National Migration Service with your valid identity document. The staff will be able to confirm the last address that appears in your record.
4. For a group of employees from the same company who will be staying in hotels, can a general letter be sent instead of an individual power of attorney? No. The address update, when carried out through a legal representative, requires the presentation of a specific power of attorney granted by each foreigner. This process must be completed within 30 days of entering the country or changing your address.