Refugee status
ONPAR and CONARE, Decreto Ejecutivo 5 de 2018 · Official name: Trámite de Solicitud de Refugio (Decreto Ejecutivo No. 5 de 16 de enero de 2018)
People who fear returning to their country can ask Panama's National Office for Refugees (ONPAR, Ministry of Government) for refugee status. Under Decreto Ejecutivo 5 of 2018 (art. 30) the claim should be filed within six months of the working day after entry, in writing or orally. All ONPAR procedures are free. If the claim is admitted, the National Migration Service gives each family member a 6-month provisional ID. The National Commission for Refugee Protection (CONARE) makes the final decision; recognised refugees get a 1-year document and can apply for a work permit for the same period.
1 entry rule for Panama based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers aged 1 year and over arriving from a yellow fever risk country need a valid yellow fever certificate.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in Panama
Finance
3
Currency
Panamanian Balboa
PAB
Panamanian Balboa
Cost of living
50
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
15–25%
Income tax (national)
ITBMS (VAT) 7%
Annual taxable income up to USD 11,000 exempt; 15% to USD 50,000; 25% above.
Living
1
Happiness
#37 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
Foreign nationals in Panama who fear persecution or violence in their country of origin.
Eligibility
Apply within six months of entry
You need to apply within six months, counted from the working day after you enter Panama.
six (6) months
Time limit to apply · from working day after entry
- Source: Art. 30 of Decreto Ejecutivo 5 of 2018
- Oral claims are recorded in writing
Official wording
Art. 30 of Decreto Ejecutivo 5 of 2018: within six (6) months counted from the working day after entering Panama. Oral claims are recorded in writing.
Admission requirements
You need to have entered Panama, filed within the first six months, and given truthful reasons for your claim.
- You must not have committed crimes against humanity, war crimes or terrorism
- Provide identity documents or evidence of identity
- Evidence includes biometrics (Ministry of Government)
Official wording
Having entered Panama, filing within the first six months, giving truthful reasons, not having committed crimes against humanity, war crimes or terrorism, and providing identity documents or evidence, including biometrics (Ministry of Government).
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- 3 documents
- 1 fee
- 5 steps
- Processing times and conditions
