Pre-1972 nationality regimes (1904 & 1946 Constitutions)
Citizenship in Panama
- Eligibility
- Nationality regimes of the founding 1904 Constitution (Republic of Panama, independence 3 Nov 1903) and the 1946 Constitution, which restored a non-racial regime after the 1941 restrictions, until the 1972 Constitution.
- Timeline
- n/a
- Renunciation
- Not required
Overview
Nationality regimes of the founding 1904 Constitution (Republic of Panama, independence 3 Nov 1903) and the 1946 Constitution, which restored a non-racial regime after the 1941 restrictions, until the 1972 Constitution.
Timeline
Timeline: n/a. Document burden: standard. Required: none of residency/language/presence/renunciation.
Legal basis
Primary statute: Constitutions of 1904 & 1946. Operative 1904–1972. Authority: Tribunal Electoral (Registro Civil) / Ministerio de Gobierno / Servicio Nacional de Migracion / Organo Ejecutivo.
Example scenarios
1930s birth · nationality: born in 1935 under the 1904 regime
Panamanian under the 1904-era jus soli
The 1904/1946 pre-1972 regimes (PA-HIS-01) applied continuous jus soli; the modern Art 9(1) is their successor.
Route this route is historical.
Nationality regimes of the founding 1904 Constitution (Republic of Panama, independence 3 Nov 1903) and the 1946 Constitution, which restored a non-racial regime after the 1941 restrictions, until the 1972 Constitution.
Informational summary compiled from primary legal sources — not legal advice. Citizenship law changes; verify with the competent authority before acting. Last verified 2026-07-25.
Track changes to this route
Descent and naturalization rules change. We'll email you in plain English when anything affecting Panama updates — no spam.