From Panama, the move to Spain usually starts with a master’s degree, a job offer or a remote-work project. Panamanian passport holders enter visa-free, can apply for citizenship after 2 years without renouncing Panamanian nationality, and can exchange their driving licence. Here is how the move usually works and which documents to prepare.
Key facts
- Entry: Panamanian passport holders can stay in the Schengen area visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This does not allow work and does not, on its own, let you settle.
- Citizenship: as a national of an Ibero-American country you can apply for Spanish citizenship after 2 years of legal, continuous residence. There is no dual nationality treaty, but article 24 of the Civil Code exempts you from renouncing Panamanian nationality.
- Documents: Panama is party to the Hague Convention, so an apostille is enough and no translation is needed.
- Driving: there is an exchange agreement. Once resident you can drive for six months on your Panamanian licence and exchange it without a test for cars and motorcycles.
How people usually move
- Studies. A master’s, degree or vocational course (FP) with a study authorisation, which allows work up to 30 hours a week. Time as a student does not count towards the 2 years for citizenship. Study permit
- Work in Spain. A contract with a Spanish company, a highly qualified professional profile, an intra-company transfer or an EU Blue Card. Employment permit
- Remote work. The digital nomad visa suits people working remotely for companies or clients outside Spain, with a relationship of at least three months. You can apply at the Embassy or from Spain while legally there. Digital nomad
- Family. Marriage or registered partnership with a Spanish or EU citizen; if your relative is a non-EU resident in Spain, the route is family reunification. Family member of a Spanish or EU citizen
- Non-lucrative residence. For retirees or people with enough income of their own who will not work in Spain. It requires a consular visa and private health insurance with no co-payments or waiting periods. Non-lucrative residence
Documents and apostille
- Police record for international use (récord policivo de uso internacional) from the Dirección de Investigación Judicial (DIJ), apostilled at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Birth and marriage certificates from the Civil Registry (Tribunal Electoral), recent and apostilled.
- University degrees, apostilled, if you plan to have them recognised or apply for a skilled visa.
- Health insurance with no co-payments or waiting periods where the visa requires it (for example, non-lucrative residence) and a passport valid long enough.
What to keep in mind
- Visas are handled by the consular section of the Embassy of Spain in Panama City, with appointments through its web booking system.
- Certificates usually need to be recent: get your appointment date first and request the police record and apostilles afterwards.
- Even without a visa, border officers may ask for a return ticket, a hotel booking or letter of invitation and proof of funds.
- In Spain: register at the town hall (padrón) and, if you came with a residence visa, apply for your TIE within the first month. Book the licence exchange at the DGT before those six months are up, so you are not left unable to drive.
Frequently asked questions
Will I lose Panamanian nationality if I become Spanish?
Not on the Spanish side. Although there is no dual nationality treaty, article 24 of the Civil Code does not require nationals of Ibero-American countries to renounce. You apply after 2 years of legal, continuous residence and pass the CCSE test of the Instituto Cervantes; the DELE language test is not required because Spanish is an official language of Panama.
Can I enter as a tourist and apply for residence from Spain?
For some permits, yes. While legally in Spain you can apply for the digital nomad visa, the highly qualified professional permit, a study authorisation or residence as a family member of a Spanish or EU citizen. Non-lucrative residence and employment require a visa from Panama.
Can I exchange my Panamanian driving licence?
Yes. Panama has an exchange agreement with Spain: once resident you can drive on it for six months and exchange it at the DGT without a test for cars and motorcycles. Lorry and bus categories require tests.