Panama Visas, Residency and Citizenship   by Jean Bouttet

Panama is now positioning itself as the "New Costa Rica". It has put together the most appealing program of special benefits for foreign residents and retirees you'll find anywhere in the world today. We can refer you to a law firm in Panama that has an attorney who does nothing but Immigration Law in Panama. Below are some of the Visas available.

Panama Visa Qualifications All visa applications must be made through a Panamanian lawyer. There is no age limit required for applying for any of these visas, save for the minimum legal age of 18 years. Youngsters under 18 will qualify for a visa as dependents of their parents. All overseas documents to be presented to the authorities in Panama must be authenticated by a Notary and by the Panamanian consulate nearest you, or by a notary and 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 United States) or through the Foreign Office (in Britain). For Canada, please check with the Panamanian Embassy or consulate nearest to your home city. All documents must be fresh (within two months of visa application) and passports must have at least one year to run. Dependents: Bring a marriage certificate. However, original marriage certificates are not acceptable if over two months old, so you'll need to request fresh ones. If your children under 18 are to be covered by your visa, you'll need to bring fresh birth certificates (not originals). None of these visas grant work permits. All visa applications require that you obtain a health certificate and HIV test in Panama. Types of Visas in Panama The Tourist Pensioner Visa (Turista Pensionado) This visa is designed for persons whose pension from a government entity or private corporation is $500 or more ($600 or more for a couple per month). You will have to prove this under scrutiny. Usually a pension statement from the government or private pension will suffice but backup bank deposit records could not hurt. The Pensionado Visa is granted indefinitely but it is necessary to prove to the Immigration Departmenton on an annual basis that the income is still flowing from your pension. The benefits include one-time exemption of duties for the importation of household goods (up to $10,000) and an exemption every two years of duties for the importation of a car. There is also a basket of other benefits and discounts available to those holding this Visa. However, please note that under this visa you cannot qualify to acquire Panamanian nationality.

Private Income Retiree Visa (Rentista Retirado) This visa is for persons who don't have a monthly pension, are no longer working, and have received a retirement lump sum. As a visa requirement, that money is to be deposited on a five-year certificate of deposit with the National Bank of Panama, to yield at least $750 a month (at current rates the face value of the CD would need to be approximately $260,000). The visa is renewable every five years, as long as the CD is renewed. The Private Income Retiree Visa includes such benefits as a travelling Panamanian passport (that however does NOT grant nationality), a one-time exemption of duties for the importation of household goods (up to $10,000), and an exemption every two years of duties for the importation of a car.

Person of Means Visa (Solvencia Económica Propia) Designed for those who wish to live in Panama off their own means, without the need or desire to work or start a business. The person must have a one-year certificate of deposit in any local bank of at least $200,000. $80,000 of the $200,000 can be in the form of a home purchase. Upon applying for the first, provisional renewal of this visa, the certificate of deposit must also be renewed for one more year. After renewal, the visa is granted permanently with the right to a cedula (local identity card). Five years after obtaining the permanent visa, holders will be eligible to apply for Panamanian nationality.

Investor Visa (Inversionista) Designed for those who wish to establish a business in Panama (note, though, that some retail businesses and some professions are reserved to Panamanians). There must be a minimum investment of $150,000 and minimum of three, permanent Panamanian employees hired. It is granted provisionally for one year and after renewal is granted permanently with the right to be issued a cedula. Five years after obtaining the permanent visa, holders will be eligible to apply for Panamanian nationality.

Small Business Investor Visa (Inversionista de Pequeña Empresa) Designed for those who wish to establish a small business in Panama (note that retail businesses and some professions are reserved to Panamanians). There must be a minimum investment of $40,000 and minimum of three permanent Panamanian employees hired. It is granted provisionally for one year, and needs to be renewed three more times before it is granted permanently with the right to a cedula. Five years after obtaining the permanent visa, holders will be eligible to obtain Panamanian nationality.

Immediate Panama Passport This program allows foreigners to obtain immediate Panamanian Passport under the condition that they make a 5 year certificate of deposit (CD), at the Banco Nacional de Panama, which earns a minimum of US $750 per month in interest income.

Panamaexpertos.com Call us -- 561-210-5832

About the Author

The author is a Real Estate expert.