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Digital procedures in Panama: Panamá Digital, electronic signature and what can already be done online

Digital procedures in Panama: Panamá Digital, electronic signature and what can already be done online

In short: Panama has moved a good part of its procedures online. Panamá Digital is the single portal where citizens register with their ID and access services from more than sixteen institutions; the qualified electronic signature, issued by the Public Registry, has the same legal validity as a handwritten one; and electronic invoicing is mandatory for almost all taxpayers. Police records, DGI tax clearance, Public Registry certificates and Immigration appointments are now obtained online without visiting an office.

Panamá Digital: the single window

Panamá Digital, run by the National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG), centralises State procedures on one site. Registration is free with an ID or passport number and an email address. From the account, users request certificates, pay fees and track each file. The Panamá Conecta platform integrates the services of more than sixteen institutions in 2026 with interoperability between them, so data already given to one entity is not requested again by another.

Procedures already done online

Procedure Institution How
Police record (criminal background certificate) National Police / DIJ Panamá Digital, immediate issue with electronic signature
Income tax clearance Directorate General of Revenue e-Tax 2.0, immediate
Company and property certificates Public Registry Public Registry portal, delivered in 24 to 48 hours
Notice of Operation (opening a business) MICI Panamá Emprende, same day
Residency appointments and extensions National Immigration Service Online appointment system
Business Registry AIG / MICI Panamá Digital
Tax return and invoicing DGI e-Tax 2.0 and the electronic invoicing system

The electronic signature

The qualified electronic signature is a digital certificate issued by the National Electronic Signature Directorate of the Public Registry of Panama. It has the same legal validity as a handwritten signature under Law 51 of 2008 and its reforms. It is used to sign contracts, file documents with the State, issue electronic invoices and sign deeds and certificates. It is requested online and activated in person with an ID or passport; it can reside on a card, a device or in the cloud.

Key fact: in Panama the qualified electronic signature has the same legal validity as a handwritten signature. It is issued by the Public Registry and is required to issue electronic invoices and for many company procedures.

Electronic invoicing

Panama’s Electronic Invoicing System (SFEP) requires taxpayers to issue invoices in an electronic format validated by the DGI, with exceptions for small taxpayers who use the free invoicing tool. Each invoice carries a unique code and can be verified online. Issuing one requires an electronic signature certificate or an authorised provider.

What is still to be digitised

  • Many municipal procedures and construction permits are still in person.
  • Online payment is not available at every institution; some still charge at the counter.
  • Interoperability between entities is advancing in phases; not all data is shared yet.
Frequently asked questions

What is Panamá Digital?

The Panamanian State’s single portal where citizens register with their ID or passport and access procedures from more than sixteen institutions, run by the AIG.

Is the electronic signature valid in Panama?

Yes. The qualified electronic signature, issued by the Public Registry, has the same legal validity as a handwritten signature under Law 51 of 2008.

Can a foreigner use Panamá Digital?

Yes. They register with their passport or resident card number and an email address. Some procedures also require a resident ID.

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By Deilys Romero

Deilys Romero is a writer at Radar Panamá. A business administrator with a specialisation in accounting, Venezuelan, 48, she covers the economy, companies, taxes and SME management with a practical approach. Based between Panama and Colombia, she closely follows the business activity of both countries.

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