Registration of Adult Panamanians Born Abroad

The applicant must travel to Panama in person, as the Electoral Tribunal requires the applicant's physical presence during the process.

Documents to Prepare Before Traveling to Panama

1. Birth Certificate

Recently issued birth certificates may be required, depending on the circumstances of the case.

The original birth certificate must:

• Be issued by the competent authority where the birth occurred;
• Be apostilled or properly authenticated through the appropriate Panamanian Consulate.
• Be translated into Spanish by an authorized Panamanian public translator if issued in another language.

If the document is apostilled, the apostille itself must also be translated into Spanish.

1. Affidavit of the Panamanian Parent

The Panamanian parent must execute an affidavit before either:

• A Notary Public in Panama; or
• A Panamanian Consulate abroad.

If the affidavit is signed before a Consulate, it must subsequently be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama.

The affidavit must state that:

• The parent is the biological father or mother of the applicant; and
• The birth certificate is not based upon an adoption process.

1. If the Panamanian Parent Is Deceased

If the Panamanian parent is deceased, the death must first be registered with the Panamanian Civil Registry.

You will need:

• The death certificate;
• Apostille or authentication of the death certificate; and
• Additional documentation depending on the circumstances.

Please contact our office for case-specific guidance.

1. Certificate of Residence in Panamá

The certificate of residence must establish that the applicant maintains a permanent residence in Panama.

 Certificates indicating temporary, occasional, or intermittent residence in Panama may not be accepted by the Electoral Tribunal.

This certificate may be obtained from the Justice of the Peace (Juez de Paz) having jurisdiction over the applicant's place of residence in Panama.

• For adult applicants, a certificate of residence issued in the applicant's own name is required.
• The document must establish that the applicant maintains a permanent residence in Panama.

You can process this document in La Casa de Paz of the place of residence. You will need a certificate of ownership of the property or a rental agreement.

1. Identification Documents

Applicants must provide copies of the following documents:

• Panamanian parent's cédula or passport;
• Foreign parent's passport;
• Applicant's passport showing identifying information and entry and exit stamps.

Copies must be certified by a Notary Public, Panamanian Consul, or Civil Registry official.

Application Process

Step 1 – Gather and Authenticate Documents: Obtain all required documents and complete any apostille, authentication, and translation requirements.

Step 2 – Submit Documentation: Applications are submitted before the Department of Facts and Legal Acts Occurred Abroad of the National Directorate of Civil Registry.

Step 3 – Review by the Electoral Tribunal: The Electoral Tribunal will review the documentation and may request additional evidence or clarification.

Submission of documents does not guarantee approval.

Step 4 – Resolution: The Electoral Tribunal will issue a decision approving or denying the registration request.

Step 5 – Getting your ID:  You need to be in Panama to process this document. 

Approximate Time Frame: 6 months to a year.

Important Considerations

Accuracy of Names

The names appearing on the birth certificate must match the names appearing on the parents' identification documents.

For married women, the maiden name should appear on the birth certificate or sufficient information must be provided to establish identity.

Translation Requirements

All translations must be completed by a public translator authorized in Panama. 

Translations containing errors or inconsistencies will not be accepted.

We assist you with this.

Additional Evidence

The Electoral Tribunal may require additional documentation or conduct independent verification before issuing a decision.

Eligibility Requirement

Under Article 101 of Law 31 of July 25, 2006, a person born abroad may not be registered as a Panamanian if the Panamanian parent had not acquired Panamanian nationality before the applicant's birth.

Legal Basis

• Article 9(2) of the Constitution of the Republic of Panama.

• Law 31 of July 25, 2006.

Legal Fee:  USD 850.00 plus 7% services tax (USD 59.50)

Aproximate Expenses: USD 250.00