We offer counsel to individuals or companies requiring assistance in regards of regulations on Panamanian immigration laws about employment and relocation of executives and retired foreigners. Likewise, we process residence permits, investment visas, and naturalization. An evaluation of your case may be necessary to determine the permit most suitable to your circumstances.

PANAMA TOURIST VISAS

No visa required: if you are from any of the following countries. Please, take note that the maximum amount of time that you can stay in Panama is six months. If you want to stay longer than six months. You may extend your stay applying for an extension of visa with the Offices of Immigration in Panama.

No visa required:if you have a diplomatic passport of the following countries:

Authorized visas: iF you are from one of the following countries and do not qualify for the visa waiver mentioned above, you will need an authorized visa. Please be advised that all documents must be translated into Spanish.

Stamped visa: if you are from one of the following countries and do not qualify for the visa waiver mentioned above or do not require an authorized visa, you will need a stamped visa. To apply for a stamped visa, you will need to submit the same paperwork as for the authorized visa.

PERMANENT RESIDENCY

General Requirements to obtain a Panamanian Residency:

1. All permanent residency permit applications must be made through a Panamanian lawyer.
2. Generally, there is no age requirement minimum or maximum for applying for any residency permit, save for the minimum legal age of 18 years. Youngsters under 18 will qualify for a visa as dependents of their parents.
3. All overseas documents to be presented to the authorities in Panama must be authenticated by a Notary and by a Panamanian Consulate or with the Apostille. The Apostille (The Hague Convention of 1961) is a faster way of authenticating documents and is normally obtained through the Secretary of State in your home state (in the USA) or through the Foreign Office (in UK). Not available in Canada.
4. All documents must be issued within 3 months of visa application and passports must have at least 6 months before the expiration date.
5. Dependents: If your spouse is to be covered by your visa, you need to bring duplicate original of Marriage Certificate. If your children (under 18), are to be covered by your visa, you need to bring duplicate originals of their Birth Certificates.
6. Some residency grants work permits, but you need to apply separately for it at the Ministry of Labor.
7. All residency permits require that you obtain a health certificate in Panama.
8. All residency permits require that all applicants over 18 years old bring a clean police record of the last place of residence.
9. All applications require 6 passport-size photos (gentlemen in suit and tie; ladies in blouses or dresses with sleeves – no hats or scarves).

PERMANENT RESIDENCY PERMITS:

Forestry Investor Visa: There must be a minimum investment of US$80,000 in at least 5 hectares of a forestry plantation in a duly accredited reforestation company.

Real Estate Investment Visa/Time Deposit Visa: For those who have independent means of support. The person must either:

1. have a three-year fixed term deposit in any bank located in Panama with a minimum of $300,000; or

2. invest in real estate worth $300,000 in Panama (must be fully paid up and titled in the name of the applicant o under a Private Interest Foundation, where the applicant is founder and beneficiaries are the founder and/or his dependents) or

3. have a combination of the above for a minimum of $300,000.

Investor Visa: Foreigners who apply for this permit must be sole holders of the shares that reflect their minimum investment USD160,000.00 per applicant. The company can only have an Operation Notice, to invest in lawful activities not reserved for nationals

In the case of bringing dependents, the applicant must increase the investment in USD 2,000.00 for each dependent, which can be justified by local bank reference.

The company must have a payroll of five (5) Panamanian employees (for each applicant), working full time, earning a salary not less than the minimum established in the Law for each region and detailing the position or activity that each one performs. The company must register its employees in the Social Security Fund and comply with its respective obligations.

The requirements to apply for this provisional permit are detailed below:

1. Power of Attorney and Petition (notarized).
2. Three (3) photographs.
3. Notarized copy of the passport.
4. Criminal record.
5. Health certificate.
6. USD 250 Certified Check on behalf of the National Treasury.
7. USD 800 Certified Check on behalf of the National Migration Service.
8. Affidavit Form of Personal Background.
9. Public Registry Certificate attesting to the company's business name, the status of director or dignitary, the legal representative or attorney; the share capital of the company (minimum USD 160,000.00); type of actions (must be registered shares).
10. Notarized certification of the company' secretary or treasurer certifying ownership and payment of the company' shares and their value. The interested party must not sign the certification.
11. Copies of the share's certificate
12. Copy of the relevant pages of the Shareholder Book.
13. Certification of the Company Authorized Public Accountant attesting the ownership of the shares, the release and payment of such shares, and detailing the company's activities.
14. Declaration of the applicant before a public notary about the amount of capital invested, the number of shares held, the activity of the company.
15. Receipt of Advance Payment of capital gains tax and copy of the sale-purchase contract of shares (only if the applicant has acquired the shares from a third party from an existing company).
16. Copy of the income statement of the company with your peace and save (in the income statement equity section, line of actions must be registered payment of the total shares that must be minimum USD 160,000.00 per applicant).
17. In the case of newly established companies, provide proof of single-rate payment and registration of the RUC.
18. Copy authenticated by the CSS of the return, with a minimum of five (5) Panamanians per applicant.
19. Updated good standing from the Social Security Fund.
20. Proof of the investment by providing three (3) of the following documents: a) Bank certification of funds transfer (mandatory). b) Proof of advance payment of the capital gains tax for the shares transfer and copy of the contract of sale (only in cases of purchase of shares of existing companies). c) Copy of the deposit receipt for the amount invested in favor of the company, authenticated by the bank. d) Contract of sale of the premises where the company operates. e) Audited Financial Statements. f) Document issued by a bank indicating that the funds invested by the applicant came from abroad. g) Commercial invoices of the expenses incurred by the investor in the company, accompanied by detailed inventory by CPA (provide the CPA license). h) Customs settlements of imported goods in the name of the company. i) Any other documents that can prove the capital invested in the company.
21. Proof of the existence and location of the company (minimum 3): a) Lease contract of the commercial premises where the headquarters of the company or office operates. b) Last billing of public services (water, electricity, or telephone). c) Proof of payment of ITBMS tax. d) Confirmation of fees to the Municipality.
22. Operation notice.

In the case of dependents: 1. Letter of responsibility. 2. Proof of kinship. 3. Proof of address. 4. Over 18 years of age present single certificate and certified studies

Requirements to apply for indefinite residence:

1. The above specifications except for the criminal background and checks. Additionally, the applicant must provide:
2. The good standing of Income of the company issued by the Directorate of Revenue
3. The good standing of the applicant issued by the Directorate of Revenue.
4. Copy of the income statement of the company with its payment receipt. In the declaration of income section of equity, line of shares must be registered payment of the total shares that must be minimum USD 160,000.00 of the applicant).
5. Copy of Return 03 submitted to the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
6. The company good standing of the Social Security

Pensioner: This residency permit is designed for persons who are receiving a pension from a Government entity or private corporation of $1,000 or more.

Private Income Retiree: This residency permit requires that you open a 5-year fixed term deposit with the National Bank of Panama or the Caja de Ahorros, yielding at least $2,000 a month.

*An evaluation of your individual case may be necessary to determine the permit most suited to your circumstances.