Validity of the Police Record for Immigration Procedures in Panama

Panama Immigration Processes

When applying for a residency permit in Panama, one of the most common requirements requested by the National Immigration Service is a police record or criminal background certificate issued in the applicant’s country of origin (or the country of residence for the past years).

How long is the police record valid in Panama?

In practice, immigration authorities in Panama usually accept police records that are 3 to 6 months old, depending on the issuing country and the officer’s discretion. Generally:

It is recommended to submit a document no older than 90 days.

In some cases, records up to 6 months old may be accepted if they are properly apostilled or authenticated.

It is important to note that, in any case, the validity period will be from the exact date of issue.

Importance of the issue date

A common mistake is presenting a police record that is older than 6 months. Immigration authorities usually reject it and request a new one, causing delays in the process.

Recommendations to avoid delays

·       Request the police record as close as possible to the date of your application.

·       Confirm whether your country requires apostille or consular legalization.

·       If the document is not in Spanish, it must be translated by a Panamanian certified public translator.

Conclusion

The police record is a crucial requirement for immigration procedures in Panama. Ensuring it is recent (ideally less than 90 days old) will help you avoid rejections and keep your process moving smoothly.