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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
1. Scope of Application:
- The request can only be processed in the provinces of Chiriquí and Bocas del Toro.
- It applies solely to land travel
2. Deadline and Requirements for Requesting the safe-conducts:
- The request must be submitted at least three (3) business days prior to travel.
- If the applicant cannot appear in person, a third party may complete the procedure with a notarized authorization.
3. Collective safe-conducts:
- If more than 20 people are traveling, the required advance timeframe must be consulted beforehand.
- A list containing the information of all travelers must be submitted.
- An adult may handle the application with a notarized authorization.
4. Safe-conducts for Minors:
- Traveling with both parents: no exit authorization is required.
- Traveling with one parent: a notarized authorization from the non-traveling parent is required.
- Traveling with a third party: notarized authorization from both parents is required.
5. Validity of the safe-conduct:
- The safe-conduct will be valid for eight (8) calendar days from the date of issuance.
6. Cost of safe-conduct:
- lThe processing fee for the safe-conduct is five dollars (US$5.00).
7. This Resolution entered into force upon its publication in the Official Gazette, that is, as of September 30th, 2025.
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Law No. 493 of 2025 authorizes the issuance of passports to Qualified Investors with Permanent Residence in Panama
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 the issuance of passports to foreign nationals who are permanent residents under the Qualified Investor category.
Main Changes:
Article 20: Authority over passport issuance.
The Passport Authority shall be responsible for the issuance and authorization of:
- Ordinary electronic passports issued exclusively to Panamanian nationals.
- Diplomatic, consular, official, and special passports, upon request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Passports for Retiree Rentiers and Qualified Investors and their dependents, as recognized by the National Immigration Authority.
Article 23: Passports for foreign nationals with residence permits under special policies.
- Temporary residence permits under special policies, such as Retiree Rentiers and their dependents.
- Permanent residence permits for economic reasons under the subcategory of Qualified Investors and their dependents.
Article 24: Requirements for special passports.
Retiree Rentiers, Qualified Investors, and their dependents shall submit before the Passport Authority:
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- Resolution issued by the National Immigration Authority.
- Payment of applicable fees and charges.
- Forms and any additional regulatory requirements.
- These special passports shall have a validity period equivalent to the immigration permit granted and shall neither replace the ordinary passport nor confer nationality.
Article 25: Registry and control.
The Passport Authority shall implement a systematized registry of foreign nationals who:
- Hold the benefit of a passport under the Retiree Rentier Visa.
- Are permanent residents as Qualified Investors and their dependents.
Validity and Regulation.
- The Executive Branch shall regulate this Law within a maximum term of six (6) months as of the date of its promulgation.
- This Executive Decree entered into force upon its promulgation in the Official Gazette, that is, as of October 29th, 2025.
For more information, please contact please contact our Immigration Law team: