Italian passport? Direct permanent residency
The 1966 Panama-Italy Treaty (Law No. 15) grants Italian citizens direct permanent residency — without the standard 2-year waiting period
The 1966 Treaty
In 1966, Panama and Italy signed a friendship treaty (Law No. 15) that grants Italian citizens privileged immigration status. This means direct permanent residency, no repatriation costs, and a permanent work permit.
Law No. 15 of 1966 — Panama-Italy Friendship and Commerce Treaty
Standard FNV vs. Italian Treaty
| Feature | Standard FNV | Italian Treaty |
|---|---|---|
| Residency type upon approval | Temporary | Directly permanent |
| Repatriation bond | $800 USD | Not required |
| Work permit | Limited (temporary) | Permanent & unrestricted |
| Time to permanent residency | 2 years | Immediately |
| Dual citizenship | Depends on home country | Allowed (Italy permits it) |
Your Benefits as an Italian
Direct Permanent Residency
No temporary phase — you are permanently resident from approval.
No Repatriation Bond
The $800 bond required for standard FNV does not apply to Italians.
Permanent Work Permit
Work in Panama immediately and permanently without additional permits.
Dual Citizenship
Italy allows dual citizenship. You can later apply for a Panamanian passport without losing your Italian one.
Steps for Italian Passport Holders
1. Register a Panama S.A.
The foundation for your application — we handle it completely.
2. Bank account & deposit
$5,000 USD deposit (fully refundable after 2 business days).
3. Prepare your dossier
Passport, police clearance (apostilled), and medical documentation.
4. Travel to Panama
5–7 days for biometrics, medical exam, and submission.
5. Direct permanent residency
Upon approval, you are directly a permanent resident.
Ready to take the leap?
Schedule a free consultation today and discover how we can help you.