The Ministry of Public Security, through Executive Decree No. 16 of August 31, 2026 (hereinafter, the “Decree”), amends the list of countries whose nationals may apply for the residence permit available to foreign nationals of specific countries that maintain friendly, professional, economic, and investment The Republic of Ecuador is added to the list of countries whose nationals may apply

Executive Decree No. 12 of June 30th, 2026 repeals Executive Decree No. 716 of November 23th, 2015, which had included the Dominican Republic among the countries whose nationals were required to obtain a Stamped Visa to enter the national territory. Regulatory background: Executive Decree No. 716 of November 23, 2015, included the Dominican Republic among

Executive Decree No. 7 of April 17th, 2026, creates a new subcategory within the Temporary Resident category, aimed at foreign nationals participating as consultants and healthcare professionals. Eligibility: Foreign nationals may apply if they are duly accredited by means of a resolution issued by the Directorate General of Public Health of the Ministry of Health of

The National Migration Authority has enabled the procedure for change or update of residence status online. Steps to complete the procedure: Access to the portal: Enter the “Migración en Línea” platform (right-hand side of the main page). Select “Applications” → option “Change of Residence”. User registration: Click on the corresponding icon. Select “User Registration” and

Executive Decree No. 5 of March 13, 2026, published in Official Gazette No. 30482 of March 13, 2026 (hereinafter the “Decree”), modifies Articles 2, 5, 9, and 12 of Executive Decree No. 6 of March 11, 2025, and extends the deadline for submitting applications for the Humanitarian Security Protection Permit: Deadline to apply for the

Executive Decree No. 3 of February 6th, 2026, establishes, within the Permanent Resident category, the subcategory of Permanent Resident as a Student, pursuant to the provisions of Chapter IV of Executive Decree No. 320 of August 8th, 2008. Establishment of the Subcategory of Permanent Resident for Students: First Stage: Upon verification of compliance with the established requirements,

Digital Identification: New Flexibility for Foreign Nationals Executive Decree No. 26 of November 11th, 2025, amends the existing rules and expands the options available for foreign nationals to carry and present their identity documents. Regulatory Background. Prior to this amendment, foreign nationals were permitted to present the original and a physical copy of their passport

Law No. 493 of October 28th, 2025, published in the Official Gazette on October 29th, 2025, amends Law 32 of 2013, which established the Panama Passport Authority, with the purpose of strengthening and modernizing the Permanent Residence Program for Qualified Investors. Relevant Aspects Law 493 updates and expands the duties of the Panama Passport Authority with respect to

Resolution No. 27942 of August 1st, 2025 (hereinafter the “Resolution”), published in the Official Gazette on September 30th, 2025, approves the guidelines for processing safe-conducts for Panamanian nationals traveling to the Republic of Costa Rica, under the following provisions Scope of Application The request can only be processed in the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro.