Panama family reunification permit (PRT-FAM)

The permit covers the spouse, children under 18 and parents of a temporary resident. Children over 18 and up to 25 qualify if they prove full-time, regular studies at an educational centre and are economically dependent on their parents; they also present a certificate of single status or, if their country does not issue one, a sworn notarial declaration of single status.

Families of permanent residents and of Panamanian citizens use other SNM categories: spouses of Panamanians apply for the provisional permit for marriage, and dependants of permanent residents have their own sheet under demographic reasons.

File a notarised power of attorney and application, three photos, a certified passport copy, a criminal record certificate, a health certificate, certified cheques of B/.250 to the National Treasury and B/.800 to the SNM, the sworn personal history form, a responsibility letter from the temporary resident and proof of kinship: a birth or marriage certificate, or a record of guardianship or custody.

The temporary resident proves sufficient economic solvency in one of three ways: a copy of the tax return with its tax clearance showing income of at least B/.850 a month; an updated employment letter with a payslip or Social Security record and a copy of the work permit; or a bank reference letter for an amount of no less than four mid-range figures.

The permit runs in annual periods up to a maximum of six years. To extend (PPRT-FAM), file the same requirements again except the criminal record certificate and the cheques. Keep the sponsor's residence and income evidence up to date, since the dependant's permit follows the temporary resident's status.