Migration has issued an official communication stating that all foreigners with temporary, provisional or permanent resident status in Panama must update their domicile in the country, provided they have changed their place of residence. It has not established a deadline for this, but it must be done as soon as possible.
Although this obligation is already provided for in the Immigration Law, the National Immigration Service has informed that, from now on, this obligation must be complied with, in addition to imposing sanctions to those who do not comply with it. These include a fine of B/. 100.00 for not reporting the change of address within the 30 days following the same; in case of recurrence, the migratory status may be cancelled and, in case of a third omission, deportation may be imposed.
In order to comply with this update, the resident must present one of the following documents proving his/her new address.
- Duly signed lease contract.
- Public deed or public registry certificate certifying ownership of real estate.
- Last month's utility bill in the resident's or landlord's name.
- Copy of your ID card and/or passport E and general passport and registration stamp.
- Power of attorney when applicable.
All copies must be authenticated by a Notary Public.
In general terms, the address registered with the SNM corresponds to the address indicated in the power of attorney submitted with the first application, a copy of which is provided at the time of passport registration.
It is possible that, when the change of domicile is made, the National Immigration Service may apply the corresponding fine, although this point has not been officially clarified.
Additionally, please note that in case you have renewed your passport, you must transfer the registration stamp to the new passport at the time of updating the information. If necessary, Migration will indicate if you must obtain a new resident card (issued by Migration) with your new passport.
This is a process that can be done in person, without legal assistance.