New Requirements To Request Rehabilitation Of Permanent Residence Permits In Panama

Resolution No. 17405 of August 29^th, 2019. 

As of September 4^TH, 2019, The National Immigration Authority (hereinafter "SNM" for its acronym in Spanish) established new requirements to request Rehabilitation of Permanent Residence Permits (hereinafter "Rehabilitation") for foreigners, who have remained outside of Panama for more than two (2) years and up to six (6) years.

Comments:

• Foreigners to whom SNM has canceled their permanent residence permit for been absent of Panama for more than two (2) years and up to six (6) years, can request the restitution of their permanent residence permit through the Rehabilitation process, with simplified requirements.

• Previously, to request Rehabilitation, the foreigner had to submit (i) all the requirements of the immigration category previously approved, duly updated; and (ii) an affidavit given before Public Notary stating the reason why the person was absent from Panama.

• Resolution No. 17405 of August 29^th, 2019 provides that Rehabilitation can be requested with the following documents:
  1. Copy of the permanent residence permit resolution or copy of the permanent resident card issued by SNM.
  2. Copy of the passport's data page and registration stamp.
  3. Copy of the permanent resident card issued by the Electoral Tribunal duly authenticated.
  4. Affidavit given before Public Notary, stating the reasons why the person was absent from Panama.
  5. Power of attorney.

• The following time limit are established (i) thirty (30) business days to request Rehabilitation, which will be counted from the date of entry to Panama; and (ii) up to six (6) years of absent from Panama. After these terms Rehabilitation cannot be requested.

• Exceptions: Rehabilitation cannot be requested for foreigners, who have obtained (i) a permanent residence permit by Panama-Italy Treaty; or (ii) a temporary resident permit by "Crisol de Raza" and Extraordinary Regularization Process.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.