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Panama’s immigration authority—Servicio Nacional de Migración (SNM)—has begun strict enforcement of an important legal requirement: temporary and permanent visa holders must report any change of address within 30 days, or face severe penalties.
This often-overlooked rule now carries real consequences, including fines, visa cancellation, and even deportation for repeat violations.
⚖️ The Law Behind the Rule
The requirement is based on Executive Decree No. 320 (August 8, 2008) and Legislative Decree No. 3 of 2008, which mandate that all residents must keep their personal information, including their home address, updated with Migración.
If you change your residence and fail to report it within 30 calendar days, Migración will now impose the following penalties:
✅ First violation: $100 fine per person
⚠️ Second violation: Cancellation of your residency visa
🚫 Third violation: Deportation
This applies to all foreign residents—whether you’re living in Panama with a Friendly Nations Visa, Pensionado Visa, or any other legal residency status.
📝 How to Update Your Address at Migración
To comply with the law, go to your nearest Migración office with the following:
Required Documents:
✔️A copy of your passport showing:
* Your residency visa stamp
* Your most recent entry stamp
✔️Your Panama visa card
✔️Your cedula (if applicable)
✔️Proof of your new address – bring one of the following:
*A notarized lease agreement
* An electric bill in your name
* Certification from the local Justice of the Peace (Corregidor) where you now live
Optional but Recommended:
Two passport-size photos – some Migración offices require them, so it’s wise to bring them just in case.
🏠 What If You Don’t Live in Panama?
If you have a valid residency visa but currently live outside of Panama, you do not need to report your foreign address to Migración. The change of address requirement only applies if you are physically living in Panama.
🤝 Ask Your Immigration Lawyer for Help
If you’re unsure about how to handle the process—or don’t want to deal with the bureaucracy—contact your immigration lawyer. Many lawyers offer a service to update your address for you, saving you time and hassle.
✅ Stay Informed—Stay Compliant
Don’t let a simple oversight jeopardize your life in Panama. Whether you move across town or to a new city, make updating your address with Migración a top priority. The process is simple, and staying compliant gives you peace of mind that your legal status in Panama is secure.
Need help navigating these kinds of details? That’s what Panama Relocation Tours and the Online Panama Relocation Guide are here for—we keep you informed so you can enjoy life in Panama without red tape surprises.
