Thinking about moving to Panama, but don’t want to go it alone? Panama allows you to bring your spouse and minor children with you without legal complications. Here’s how to do it step by step.
1. Can I legally bring my family if I apply for a visa in Panama?
Yes. Panamanian immigration law allows you, as a resident visa holder, to bring your spouse, minor children, or financial dependents under the “dependents” category.
This applies to:
- Friendly Countries Visa
- Investor Visa
- Economic Solvency Visa
- Pensioner Visa
Your family will receive residency equal to yours, with the right to education, healthcare, and legal benefits in Panama.
2. What documents do I need for my dependents?
For your spouse:
- Apostilled marriage certificate
- Copy of passport
- Criminal record certificate (if you are of legal age)
- Passport-sized photos
- Declaration of financial dependency (we draft it for you)
For your children:
- Apostilled birth certificate
- Copy of passport
- If they are over 18 years old, prove that they are studying and financially dependent
- Support affidavit (we’ll give it to you ready to sign)
All documents must be apostilled in the U.S. before sending them to Panama. We can help you process or validate them.
3. What does the process include?
- Legal review of documents
- Official translations (if applicable)
- Formal application for dependent vis
- Immigration assistance for appointment and fingerprints
- Residence card for each family member
4. How long does it take?
Generally, the dependents application process is processed along with your primary residence. In total:
- Initial application: 1 week
- Provisional license: in 15–30 days
- Permanent residence: within 3 months
If you already have residency, you can bring them later. But many prefer to do it together from the start.
5. Can you study or work in Panama?
- Your children can attend public or private schools (we recommend bilingual or international schools).
- Your spouse can apply for a work permit once they obtain residency, or they can open a personal business.
- Everyone can open bank accounts, buy property, and access the private healthcare system.
6. What happens if one of the documents is not apostilled?
We help you to:
- Request copies valid in the U.S.
- Coordinate apostille by state (California, Florida, Texas, etc.)
- Perform official translation in Panama
- Avoid mistakes that could lead to your application being rejected
7. How do we help you with the transition?
Our legal and relocation team will assist you with:
- Process residency for the entire family
- Assist in finding housing (purchase or rental)
- Recommend schools, daycare centers or pediatricians
- Advise you on insurance, medical services and more
It’s not just a formality. It’s a life-changing process, and we’ll help you with every step.
Important tips
- Always bring more than one apostilled copy of family documents.
- Make the request for all members in the same file if possible.
- Apply for an exit permit for your children if you will need to travel before obtaining a Panamanian ID.
Ready to move with your family?
- Complete our form and receive personalized advice.
- Schedule a video call with our family immigration attorneys.
- Write to us by email or WhatsApp — we serve in English and Spanish
In Panama, you can build a new home. We’ll prepare it for you.