Panama Address Update for Foreign Residents: Complete Guide 2025

On July 25, 2025, the National Migration Service (SNM) issued an official statement regarding the obligation for all foreign residents in Panama —whether provisional or permanent— to update their registered address.

The SNM has extended the moratorium until December 31 of this year, allowing residents to submit their notification without incurring any fines.

Compliance with this requirement is essential to maintain a regular immigration status and avoid penalties, which may include fines starting at USD 100, cancellation of residency status, or even deportation in cases of repeated non-compliance or omission.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about this mandatory address update requirement.

Legal basis

The obligation to notify any change of address is established in Article 87 of Decree-Law No. 3 of February 22, 2008, and regulated by Executive Decree No. 320 of August 8, 2008.

This regulation stipulates that any foreigner holding resident status in Panama must inform the National Migration Service (SNM) of any modification to the information previously provided to the Aliens Registry, within thirty (30) days following the change.

Who is obligated?

This requirement is mandatory for all Provisional Residents and Permanent Residents. You must update your registered address if:

• You have changed your place of residence since your residency application was submitted.
• You do not reside permanently in Panama but hold a valid residence permit—in this case, you must submit proof of address within 30 days of entering the country.

Deadlines and Consequences

Residents have 30 calendar days to notify the National Migration Service of their new address, counted from the date they move.

The penalties for failing to update the address are progressive: a $100 fine for the first offense, loss of legal immigration status on the second offense, and deportation on the third.

If you moved previously and did not report the change, you will be required to pay the corresponding fine when submitting your address update request after December 31 of this year.

Additionally, any resident applying for an extension or renewal of their immigration status whose address does not match the one registered with the National Migration Service will be unable to complete the renewal process until the update is made. Keeping your address accurate and up to date is therefore essential to avoid penalties and delays in future immigration procedures.

Requirements for the Procedure

The general documents needed include: copy of the current immigration card, copy of the passport, and notarized proof of current address. Depending on each person’s specific situation, additional documentation may be required according to the National Migration Service’s (SNM) regulations.

Please note that the address update is an individual procedure. The update for the principal applicant does not automatically include dependents—each family member must complete their own process separately.

Procedures

The address update procedure must be completed in person by presenting all the required documents at any office of the National Migration Service (SNM).

Alternatively, the procedure may be carried out by a licensed attorney, through a specific power of attorney granted by the foreign resident. This option is particularly useful for individuals who cannot attend in person or who wish to ensure full compliance with all legal and documentary requirements.

---

Updating your address in Panama is more than just an administrative procedure — it is a legal obligation, and failure to comply can have serious consequences for your immigration status. At K&B Family Office, we can represent you legally before the National Migration Service (SNM) to process your change of address efficiently and in full compliance with Panamanian regulations.
Our team handles the entire process — from reviewing the required documentation to submitting and monitoring the application, ensuring that every legal requirement is met.

Trust our professionals to safeguard and maintain your immigration status in Panama.