If you dream of getting married in a tropical paradise, Panama may be the spot. Even non-residents can tie the knot here. The country's lovely nature and smooth procedures allow for a perfect wedding. This article provides everything you need to know about the local marriage requirements to ensure your big day is memorable and hassle-free.
Why Panama
The natural beauty of Panama allows for a picture-perfect wedding. Its modern infrastructure offers a variety of options for all tastes and budgets. Couples can choose a serene beach union, a ceremony in the coolness of the highlands or a chic event in Panama City.
Another draw is the ease of getting married here. The legal requirements are simple, and non-residents are allowed to wed. While English is not widely spoken, you can find professionals who do if you do not speak much Spanish. Professional wedding planners may help navigate preparations.
Legal requirements for getting married in Panama
A legal representative recognized by the Panamanian government, such as a judge or a notary, must officiate your wedding. You can apply for the procedure at a Family Court (one or both contracting parties must live in the municipality of the court) or a notary's office. Getting married at the Electorate Tribunal (Tribunal Electoral) is another option. Specific documents are required in each case, whether you are a couple of two foreigners or a foreigner marrying a Panamanian citizen.
Requisites for Panamanians
Panamians looking to get married to a foreign citizen in Panama are required to produce the following documents:
- Panamanian ID card (cédula) (original and copy);
- Birth certificate (issued by the Civil Registry);
- Certificate of no impediment to marriage (issued by the Civil Registry);
- Health certificate issued by a licensed doctor within 15 days before the ceremony;
- Lab tests results:
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Hemoglobin electrophoresis
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VDRL
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HIV
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Liver function test
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Urinalysis;
- Two witnesses aged 18 or more;
- Witnesses' IDs (original and copy).
The witnesses must be present at the procedure. Also, they must not be related by blood or adoption within the fourth degree or marriage within the second degree to either of the spouses.
Requisites for foreigners
Foreigners seeking to marry a Panamiam citizen or another foreigner are required to produce the following documents:
- Passport (original and copy);
- Residency card (if applicable);
- Birth certificate from the country of origin (authenticated either by apostille or Panama's Consul in your home country);
- Certificate of no impediment to marriage (authenticated either by apostille or Panama's Consul in your home country);
- The same health certificate and lab results requirements as for Panamanians;
- Two witnesses aged 18 or more;
- Witnesses' IDs (original and copy).
Authenticated certificates from the country of origin must be certified by Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The criteria for the witnesses for Panamanian unions apply to foreigners.
The foreigner's status in Panama must be legal. If you are on a tourist visa, ensure its validity covers your marriage date. If you are from a visa-free nation, do not overstay the maximum allowed time. Panama allows visa-free entry for nationals of many countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union and others, for 90-180 days (depending on the nationality). Check the visa requirements for your country.
The documents must be presented at the court or notary's office three to five days before the stipulated date to reserve the spot.
As for the costs of a civil ceremony, getting married at the Civil Registry of the Electoral Tribunal or the Family Court may cost around USD 50-USD 75. If the couple wants the judge to be present at their chosen location instead of the government offices, an additional fee of USD 100-USD 200 may apply. Fees may vary, so always check with the official sources.
The easiest route for non-residents is to get married through the notary. Typically faster and more straightforward, this option costs USD 200 and above, depending on the dates and availability. If foreigners do not speak Spanish, additional translator fees may apply. Whichever way you choose, you must first book the date and provide all the required documents. Note that Panama has numerous notaries, so getting a date is easier than with the courts or Civil Registry. The process is similar regardless of the chosen route. The officiant asks questions and explains marital rights to the future spouses. Then, they sign the papers.
For foreigners, it may be wise to consult a lawyer to ensure a smooth process. Many law firms have bilingual staff and know the process from A to Z. Non-residents often find it easier to deal with a local attorney than a notary's office. Legal assistance has additional costs, which vary by lawyer.
Marriage certificate
After the ceremony, your officiant (notary or judge) will file your marriage with the Civil Registry to issue your marriage certificate. This process takes some time. If you are a foreigner, your marriage certificate must be legalized by the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Panamanian Embassy in your home country to be valid abroad. You may also need to further register your marriage with the relevant authorities in your country of origin.
Religious weddings in Panama
In Panama, many couples opt for a religious wedding, particularly a Catholic one, which is deeply rooted in the Catholic traditions of the country. Each church has its requisites and costs. If you want a religious ceremony, you need to make a deposit to book a date. Additionally, couples must complete pre-marital counseling, provide baptism and civil marriage certificates and present two witnesses.
Other religions often have marriage counseling as a standard prerequisite, along with at least one of the spouses belonging to the religion. In Judaism, both spouses must be Jewish. However, a non-Jewish partner can convert, which involves studying and certain rituals. Typically, the civil union must take place before the religious one.
Residency by marriage to a Panamanian citizen
Marriage to a Panamanian citizen grants foreigners permanent residency in Panama. It also authorizes them to work in the country. Application for residency and a work permit is necessary. After three years of permanent residency, the spouse of a Panamanian national may apply for citizenship. Registering the union in Panama is mandatory to obtain these benefits.
Same-sex marriage in Panama
Despite Panama's large LGBT community, same-sex marriage is not allowed here. Panamanian LGBT groups advocate for legal recognition of their right to marry. However, in this regard, Panama lags behind other parts of the world. Same-sex marriages performed abroad are not legally recognized in this country either.
However, if one of the partners is a citizen of a country where same-sex marriage is permitted, there may be a solution. In such cases, celebrating a union at the Embassy of that country in Panama may be possible. Verify with the Embassy if this service is available.
Where to get married in Panama
Despite its small size, this country's diverse landscapes and developed infrastructure provide many possibilities for a perfect wedding.
Panama City is a mix of modern and historic venues. If you prefer an urban celebration, you have plenty to choose from. For fans of contemporary design, the highrise skyline offers excellent options. An event at Casco Viejo (or the Old Town), with its colonial architecture, will be full of historic charm. Numerous rooftops in the Old Town combine the views of quaint cobblestone streets and skyscrapers in the distance.
Panama's picture-postcard beaches are ideal for a paradisiacal wedding. For aquamarine waters of the Caribbean and white sand, choose Bocas del Toro. The Pacific also boasts many wedding destinations: the Azuero Peninsula, the Pearl Islands and the beaches of Farallon. Some hotels offer wedding packages for a stress-free event.
If you seek the cool comfort of the highlands for your special day, hotels and rental properties of Boquete and el Valle de Anton boast majestic vistas of lush mountains.
Wedding planning in Panama
Wedding planning in Panama does not have to be a hassle. Based on your preferences and the scale of the event, you can do all the planning yourself or hire a professional planner. If you are not a resident of Panama and are unfamiliar with the country's laws and services, qualified assistance can be a game-changer. A wedding planner helps with legal and logistical matters, venues and transportation. Also, a local advisor can negotiate prices and recommend trusted providers, such as photographers, caterers, florists and hair and makeup artists. Such help is invaluable if you do not speak Spanish. Make sure to find a reputable planner. The Internet provides a wealth of information about a variety of services. Seek a bilingual professional and check reviews. If you have Panamanian friends, they may recommend an expert in the field.
It's a good idea to visit venues and meet with vendors beforehand, especially if you opt for a remote location for your celebration.
The best time to get married in Panama
Panama has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. December to April is the dry season, and May to November is the rainy season. The dry season, which locals call “summer”, is a perfect time to marry here, especially for outdoor weddings. The weather is sunny and predictable; a sudden shower will not ruin your ceremony.
The green and lush landscapes are the perks of the rainy season. The prices are more affordable because there are fewer tourists around. If you want peace and good value for your money, the “winter” (the rainy season) may be the best time for you. Plan for abundant precipitation.
Honeymoon opportunities in Panama
A key advantage of marrying in Panama is its appeal as an ideal honeymoon destination. The white sand beaches of San Blas islands, the divers' paradise of Coiba, the turquoise waters of Bocas del Toro and the coffee mecca of Boquete have everything for an unforgettable experience. A road trip across this tropical country may also be a compelling adventure for newlyweds.
Divorce in Panama
It may happen that the “happily-ever-after” does not work out, and you need to dissolve your legal union registered in Panama. In this case, you will need to seek a lawyer's assistance for the procedure. There are two types of divorce in the country:
- Mutual: Both spouses agree to divorce and submit a formal request to the Family Court. They must provide an agreement that addresses assets' division, custody of children and alimony (if applicable).
- Contentious: If one spouse does not agree to the divorce or a dispute over terms arises, things get complicated. One spouse must file the case with the Family Court and provide evidence to support the grounds for the divorce. The court will schedule hearings. Such processes can take years and involve extensive legal expenses.
The documents required for a divorce include the marriage certificate, identification documents, proof of residence and other documentation related to assets and children (if applicable).
Takeaway
Panama has everything needed to create lasting memories of your special day. Here, every couple can have their dream wedding, whether a barefoot beach ceremony, a union in the lush mountains, or a city celebration. Careful planning and attention to legal requirements are essential for a stress-free experience.
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