Importing Personal Effects into Panama: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2026 · Download the Panama Import Guide (PDF)

General

• For Air Shipments only – WORK VISA:
• Immigration Register Stamp on passport is mandatory.
• Original passport is mandatory.
• Notarized work contract is mandatory.
• Original letter of employment addressed to Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas.
• Notarized copy of VISA ID (both sides).
• If VISA ID is not ready, original letter from the attorney stating that the visa is in process.
• Copy of Immigration Resolution Form if available.
• For LCL Shipments only – WORK VISA:
• Original passport is mandatory.
• Notarized copy of passport (all pages).
• Original letter of employment addressed to Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas.
• Notarized Final visa ID copy is mandatory (For place of delivery at Colon Bonded Warehouse). Better to ask Final Place of Delivery – Panama City Terminal
• If VISA ID is not ready, original letter from the attorney stating the visa is in process.
• Copy of Immigration Resolution Form if
• available.
• Tools are subjected to pay import duties and taxes as they are not considered as used personal effects.

• Customs authorities in Panama are requesting that all Ocean Bills of Lading (OBL), Air Waybills (AWB), Land Waybills (LWB) be rated (show cost).
• If the OBL / AWB / LWB have already been issued without the cost shown, you must request origin SS line / air & land carrier to authorize their representative in Panama a freight rate certification.
• Customs authorities in Panama are requesting Spanish Inventory List.
• For all visa types, shippers must validate to Customs that immigration process has started by presenting the stamped admission receipt from immigration office.
• Duties and taxes apply if required visa documents cannot be submitted to Customs.
• For tools duties and taxes calculation, a valued inventory list is required.

• As per Panamanian Laws, shipments must arrive at Panama maximum 6 months since the last entry date stamped on the passport.
• All shipments must be inspected at port of entry, but this is usually done at a Customs bonded warehouse (Panama City Limits).
• Inspection at residence is no longer available.
• Tools will pay approx. 17% CIF value.

Diplomats & NGO removals

• Copy of passport.
• Rated Express Release.
• Spanish Inventory.
• Original letter from the Embassy in Panama requesting Previous Permit addressed to Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas.
• Letter of employment by employer in Panama addressed to Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas (for Non-Governmental Organizations).

• Preferably pack into liftvans.

• All shipments must be inspected at port of entry.
• Quarantine Personnel is entitled to cut the Steamship line seals.
• Inspection at residence is no longer available.

Household Goods & Personal Effects

• There are multiple visas in Panama, each one has its own required documents:
• RETURNING CITIZENS
• Original or notarized passport in Panama - all pages.
• Notarized copy of Panamanian Cedula.
• Copy of carnets and IDs from abroad.
• Copy of utility bills from abroad dated over 2 years ago from their arrival date into Panama.
• Rated Original OBL / Express Release.
• Spanish Inventory.
• FRIENDLY NATIONS VISA
• Original or notarized passport in Panama including ID page and last entry stamp.
• Copy of Visa Carnet or Original Letter from attorney in Panama addressed to
• Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas stating visa is in process
• Rated Express Release and Spanish Inventory.
• WORKING VISA
• Original or Notarized passport in Panama including ID page and last entry stamp.
• Original Letter of employment in Panama addressed to Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas.
• Copy of Visa Carnet or work permit (if available) or
• Original Letter from attorney stating visa is in process addressed to Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas.
• Rated Original OBL.
• Spanish Inventory.
• SELF SOLVENCY VISA
• Original or notarized passport in Panama including ID page and last entry stamp.
• Rated Express Release.
• Spanish Inventory.
• Copy of Visa Carnet or Original Letter from the attorney addressed to Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas
• .
• Original Letter from the bank in Panama addressed to Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas
• .
• PENSIONADO VISA
• Original or notarized passport in Panama including ID page and last entry stamp.
• Rated Express Release
• Spanish Inventory.
• Pensionado Carnet or Original Letter from the attorney addressed to Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas.

• Panamanian citizens returning to the country after a time of no less than 2 years being out of Panama, can import tax-free all used items.
• Effects should arrive no later than 6 months after shipper´s arrival into Panama.
• For Air Shipments only – WORK VISA:
• Immigration Register Stamp on passport is mandatory.
• Original passport is mandatory.
• Notarized work contract is mandatory.
• Original letter of employment addressed to Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas.
• Final VISA ID.
• If VISA ID is not ready, original letter from the attorney stating that the visa is in process.
• Copy of Immigration Resolution Form if
• available.
• For LCL Shipments only – WORK VISA:
• Original passport is mandatory.
• Notarized copy of passport (all pages).
• Original letter of employment addressed to Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas.
• Notarized Final VISA ID copy is mandatory (Place of delivery Colon Bonded Warehouse). Better to ask Final Place of Delivery – Panama City Terminal
• If VISA ID is not ready, original letter from the attorney stating the visa is in process.
• Copy of Immigration Resolution Form if available.

• All shipments must be inspected at port of entry, but this is usually done at a Customs bonded warehouse (Panama City Limits).
• Notes:
• If Visa is not ready, then an original letter from attorney must be submitted to customs.
• If visa ID carnet is ready the letter from attorney is no longer required.
• Original Letter from the bank in Panama stating the information of shipper´s account. The minimum is FIVE figures.
• Inspection at residence is no longer available.

New furniture

• Original Commercial or purchase invoice.
• Copy of passport.
• Rated Express Release and Spanish Inventory.

• Subject to import duties and taxes. It is the Appraisal Department at Customs who determines the amount to be paid.
• All shipments must be inspected at port of entry, but this is usually done at a Customs bonded warehouse Panama City.

• No import duties and taxes apply when shipped along with used household goods.
• Must submit commercial invoices.
• Must submit two packing lists (used and new items).

Vehicles

• Original owner’s certificate.
• Commercial or purchase invoice.
• Copy of passport.
• Rated Original OBL / Express Release.
• Fill vehicle questionnaire.
• If shipper has Pensionado Visa and wants to apply to tax exemption on duties, the pensionado Carnet must be ready since it is mandatory.
• If the carnet has not been obtained by the client, vehicle will pay full duties and taxes – approx. 35% CIF value.
• Shipper can only apply for tax free for 1 vehicle.
• If Permanent Pensionado Visa is ready, required documents will be:
• Notarized Copy of “Pensionado ID card”.
• Notarized passport copy (ID page and last entry stamp page).
• Original “Carta de Pensión” in Spanish or authenticated by “relaciones exteriores”. (Incomes letter monthly social security over $500.00).
• If the customer does not have this letter, should request it to the lawyer who did the paperwork for the visa or request a copy of the letter to migration office and then authenticate it.
• “Paz y Salvo” certification from Ministry of Incomes.
• Commercial Invoice.
• Original title of the vehicle.
• Vehicle details.
• Rated Express release BL.

• Subject to import duties and taxes, based upon appraisal by Panama Customs.
• Vehicle Gas Inspection will take place at bonded warehouse during the custom clearance process.
• Right hand steering wheel vehicles are NOT allowed to be imported into Panama.
• Electric vehicles are subject to pay import taxes 7% CIF value.

• If engine number is unknown, shipper must take the vehicle to a workshop to obtain this number, and customs document will be amended. Engine number is required for license plate process.
• Neither electric vehicle nor motorcycle requires gas Inspection test.

Alcohol, perfume, gifts

• Import of: (maximum)
• Alcohol: 1 - 10 bottles.
• Perfume: for personal use.
• Gifts: valued PAB 50.

• Regarding the importation of alcohol, the Panamanian Authority for Food Safety (AUPSA), along with the National Customs Authority, provides the authorization of alcoholic beverages based on a standard of personal consumption of 1 - 10 bottles per shipment.
• It is subject to an administrative payment for the issuance of liquor import license, according to the degree of alcohol and commercial value.
• The conditions that must exist are:
• The product must have sanitary registration.
• You must notify the Panamanian
• Authority of Food Safety (AUPSA) about the introduction of the wines to the national territory (minimum 48 hours) before arrival, through the Food Entry Notification Form, for this, the client must have an account Otherwise you must register as a client in AUPSA.
• Must have a letter from the shipper stating the information of the product, for what purpose it will be imported, including AWB number / BL number, quantity, value, etc.

Prohibited items

• Firearms, ammunitions, and weapons.
• Pharmaceuticals and medicine.
• Any kind of food.
• Psychotropic drugs.
• Toxic waste.
• Fertilizer.
• Tools.

Exporting Personal Effects from Panama: Documents & Customs Rules

Source: FIDI Customs Guide · Updated 2025 · Download the Panama Export Guide (PDF)

Removal Goods – HHG/PE

• Copy of passport, of page where photo and personal details appear.
• Export shipments to Mexico require a Household goods certificate issue by the Mexican Embassy in Panama, apply to Returning Mexicans and Permanent residents, ONLY temporary residents’ shipments entering through Manzanillo Port will also require the HHGDs certificate.

• Packing inventory in Spanish
• Commercial invoice
• Temporary residents´ household goods shipments to Mexico entering through Veracruz Port and Mexican Airports are exempted of submitting the HHDGs certificate.

• Export permit takes 3-4 working days.
• HHDGs certificate must be requested by the client before leaving the country, must submit the final inventory list provided.
• Client must ask for the appointment at the Mexican Embassy for getting the certificate and must be done after packing is over.

Vehicles (regular and diplomatic)

• Original of the title of the vehicle (Registro Vehicular).
• Original document of last revised of the vehicle (Último revisado).
• Copy of the Panamanian Import customs declaration of the vehicle (If you have it) (Liquidación de importación rosada de aduana).
• Copy of the insurance policy of the vehicle.
• Should be valid until the dispatch of the shipment.
• Copy of the commercial invoice of the vehicle.
• This is needed in absence of the import customs declaration.
• A notarized copy (black & white, not in color) of the personal document mentioned in the title of the vehicle (Passport or Panamanian ID) of the owner of the vehicle.
• Last Plate Receipt.
• The plate must be paid.
• Copy of receipt of payment.
• Original certification of the Motor No. of the vehicle.
• This is really recommended because when physical inspection will be done to the vehicle and the number of the motor is not physically showed, the inspector will request an original certification of the motor by a car workshop.
• Picture of motor number.
• Original Power letters
• These will be provided by the removal agent.
• Letters should be filled in computer, without the lines on the template and dated near the sailing date. The ID Number that must be on the letters is the ID that is mentioned on the Tittle of the Vehicle.
• Original Export Permit (Permiso de Reexportación) stamped by the custom central office – only for diplomatic vehicles.

• The whole export process is very detailed and exhaustive since different procedures should be done at different government offices, all vehicle information, owner, id number, motor number should be the same in all paperwork and custom system, if not, corrections will have to be done in customs system, and extra charges will apply.
• The original documents are required at least 14 working days before desired sailing, first scanned by email so the broker can check them and then originals and vehicle at least one week before sailing.
• 7 days before sailing vehicle will be inspected by the DIJ office to check if actual motor number is the same as mentioned on the paperwork.

• Once you deliver the vehicle to the removal
• company, note that the gasoline must be on ¼ or less.
• For diplomatic vehicles, the process is longer, as the diplomatic office should provide first the Export Permit (Permiso de Reexportación) stamped by the custom central office.

Prohibited Items

• Liquid fuel
• Explosives
• Archeologic items
• Fossils
• Compressed gas
• Matches
• Spray cans
• Poison
• Electronic cigarettes, cigars, electronic pipes and hookahs, personal vaporizers, electronic nicotine delivery systems

• Firearms, ammunitions, and weapons.
• Pharmaceuticals and medicine.
• Any kind of food.
• Psychotropic drugs.
• Toxic waste.
• Fertilizer.
• Flammable, chemical products
• Plants.
• Seeds
• Printer cartridges

• Corrosives, lithium batteries, hoverboards are prohibited in air shipments.
• Lithium batteries should be removed from
• the device in case of laptops, tablets we recommend to the client to take these with him/her.
• Need authorization from destination agent.
• Inflatable elements must be without air (balls, inflatable mattresses)
• Knee defender prohibited in air shipments
• Candles

Panama Moving Guide: Documents, Duties & Shipping Notes

Source: IAM Country Guide · Updated 2026-09-05 · Download the Panama Country Guide (PDF)

Documents

Documents required for importing used household goods, personal effects, and related shipments.

Common to all visa types:

Returning Panamanian Citizens (additional documents):

Friendly Nations Visa:

Working Visa:

Self-Solvency Visa:

Pensionado (Retiree) Visa:

Investor Visa:

Diplomats and NGOs:

• Original or notarized copy of passport (all pages), including ID page and last entry stamp
• Rated Bill of Lading (OBL) or Express Release / Air Waybill -- the BL/AWB must show the freight cost. If already issued without cost, origin carrier must authorize their Panama representative to issue a freight rate certification.
• Detailed inventory in Spanish
• Copy of immigration admission receipt (stamped by the immigration office), to validate that the immigration process has started
• Notarized copy of Panamanian Cedula
• Copies of carnets and IDs from abroad
• Copies of utility bills from abroad dated more than 2 years before their arrival date in Panama (to confirm 2+ years of residency outside Panama)
• Copy of Visa Carnet, or original letter from attorney in Panama addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas stating the visa is in process
• Original letter of employment addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas
• Copy of Visa Carnet or work permit (if available), or original letter from attorney stating visa is in process
• For air shipments: immigration register stamp on passport and notarized work contract are mandatory; notarized copy of Visa ID (both sides) required
• For LCL shipments delivered to Colon Bonded Warehouse: notarized final Visa ID copy is mandatory (deliveries to Panama City Terminal are preferable to avoid this requirement)
• Copy of Visa Carnet, or original letter from attorney addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas
• Original letter from bank in Panama addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas (minimum five-figure account balance)
• Pensionado Carnet, or original letter from attorney addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas
• Notarized copy of Visa Carnet, or original letter from attorney stating visa is in process
• Copy of Registro Publico document if a company has been opened in Panama, or copy of purchase documents if property has been purchased in Panama
• Rated Original OBL
• Copy of passport
• Rated Express Release
• Spanish inventory
• Original letter from the Embassy in Panama requesting Previous Permit, addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas
• For NGOs: letter of employment by employer in Panama addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas

Specific Information

All used household goods must show evidence of use. The owner must be in Panama when the shipment arrives. Personal effects must arrive no later than 6 months after the owner's last entry date stamped on their passport. Only two shipments are permitted within this 6-month window.

If the visa ID is not yet issued at the time of clearance, an original letter from the Panamanian attorney must be submitted to customs in its place. Once the visa carnet is ready, the attorney letter is no longer required.

All shipments are subject to mandatory physical inspection at the port of entry, carried out at the Customs bonded warehouse within Panama City limits. Inspection at the owner's residence is no longer available.

Quarantine personnel are entitled to cut the steamship line's container seals. All shipments containing wooden furniture must obtain an import quarantine permit; documents must reach the destination agent at least 1 week before shipment arrival. All wood packing materials must be heat treated and marked per ISPM 15; untreated materials may be subject to immediate re-export or local fumigation at the owner's expense.

For electronic items, the commercial invoice must include the serial number, brand, type, and material of each item. For antiques, artifacts, carpets, or artwork, a commercial invoice in Spanish is required. The weight of the shipment, number of pieces, and the owner's passport number must appear on the original bill of lading.

New furniture imported alongside used household goods is not subject to import duties and taxes, provided commercial invoices are submitted and the packing list separates new and used items. New furniture shipped independently is subject to duties assessed by the Customs Appraisal Department.

Duties and taxes apply if the required visa documents cannot be submitted to Customs at the time of clearance.

Customs clearance takes approximately 7-10 business days.

Duties & Taxes

Panama grants duty-free entry on used household goods and personal effects to several visa categories. The documents required vary by visa type; the core set is listed below, followed by visa-specific additions.

Prohibited & Restricted Items

• Firearms, ammunition, and weapons of any kind
• Psychotropic drugs and narcotics
• Pharmaceuticals and medicines (even personal prescription medications should not be included in the shipment; carry separately as personal baggage)
• Food items of any kind
• Live plants
• Fertilizers
• Toxic waste
• Right-hand drive vehicles
• Straw or hay packing in lift vans

Alcohol: Up to 1-10 bottles per shipment may be imported for personal use. This is not freely permitted -- it requires a process through the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas and the Autoridad Panameña de Seguridad de Alimentos (AUPSA). Conditions include: the product must have sanitary registration; AUPSA must be notified at least 48 hours before arrival via the Food Entry Notification Form (the importer must have a registered AUPSA account); and a letter from the shipper stating the product, purpose, AWB/BL number, quantity, and value is required. An administrative payment for the liquor import license applies, assessed based on alcohol content and commercial value. Given this process, alcohol is best excluded from household goods shipments unless specifically needed.

Perfume: Permitted in quantities for personal use.

Gifts: Up to PAB 50 in value (the Panamanian Balboa is pegged 1:1 to the USD).

New electronics: Subject to import duties even when shipped alongside used household goods if not accompanied by commercial invoices.

Vehicles, motorcycles, and boats: Dutiable; see Section 2 for vehicles.

Consignment Instructions

Recommended: Contact the destination agent to ensure all requirements have been met prior to import, especially for differences regarding air, sea, and road shipments.

Original documents should be sent by courier; regular mail is not acceptable. For wooden furniture shipments, the quarantine import permit must be arranged and documents received by the destination agent at least 1 week before the vessel arrives.

All BLs and AWBs must show the freight cost (be "rated"). If the cost was omitted at origin, coordinate with the shipping or airline to issue a freight rate certification before clearance begins.

The Spanish-language inventory is mandatory. Inventory must be detailed; electronic items must include serial numbers, brands, and specifications.

The owner must be in Panama when the shipment arrives. Shipments must arrive within 6 months of the owner's last entry date. Confirm with the destination agent that the correct visa category documents are assembled before the shipment is loaded, as missing visa documents can result in duties and taxes being assessed on arrival.

Inspect the packing list carefully: if new and used items are combined, two separate packing lists must be submitted to avoid duties on new goods being applied to the entire shipment.

Do not include food, pharmaceuticals, firearms, or alcohol (beyond the restricted allowance) in the shipment.