Visa Exemption:  There is a Law in effect regarding tourist visas for entering the Republic of Panama; EXECUTIVE DECREE # 521 states that:

Article 1: "Any person of nationality who requires a visa to enter the Republic of Panama, who has a valid Visa or Residence, duly issued by Canada, the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Australia, the Republic of Korea, the State of Japan, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Republic of Singapore and any of the States that make up the European Union, may enter the national territory "

Article 2: The visa granted by the countries mentioned in the previous article must be a multiple entry visa, has been used previously in the territory of the granting State and its validity shall not be less than six (6) months at the time of entering Panamanian territory. . If you meet the following requirements, you will qualify for the aforementioned decree:

• Has a valid passport with a minimum of three months validity.

• Has a multiple entry visa with six (6) months of remaining validity from ONE of the following countries: Canada, United States of America, Commonwealth of Australia, Republic of Korea, State of Japan, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland North, Republic of Singapore and any of the States that make up the European Union

• You must have used this visa to enter the country. For example, if you have a visa from the United States, you must have entered the United States with that visa in order to qualify for the exemption.

• Migration Officers are accepting the visa exemption of Executive Decree # 521, if the holder has a valid permanent residence card of the United States.

• You must also show proof of economic solvency for a minimum of US $ 500.00 upon entering. NOTE: Make sure you have a minimum of three months of validity in your passport and a round trip ticket.

• The maximum amount of time that you can stay in Panama is 30 days.

For further information please access the following link which contains a copy of the law decree :

https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/pdfTemp/28586_A/68706.pdf

No one, regardless of their nationality, can travel to Panama with an expired passport.

Panama has a relatively easy and straightforward process when it comes to becoming a resident, and Panama citizenship can be obtained after only 5 years. You can get started with your Panama residency by making a bank deposit, and opening a business or making an investment.

In order to enter Panama, the individual must have a valid passport and be able to prove economic solvency, hence, the importance of the migration classification made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some individuals belonging to countries that can enter Panama without prior permission (i.e a visa stamp on arrival).

• Valid Passport
• Police Report
• Medical certificate
• Bank reference letter
• Passport sized photos
• Birth Certificate (for children under 18 if applying as dependents)
• Marriage Certificate (for spouse if applying as a dependent)

A Panamanian attorney is required to process the documents, and will require that you sign a power of attorney to represent you in the immigration process. Please note that all documentation originating from outside of Panama must be original documents, dated no more than three months old, and must be authenticated either through the consulate or embassy of Panama, in the country of issue, or by apostil (an internationally recognized form of authentication, normally obtained through the Department of State or Ministry of Foreign Relations).

Once you fully understand the various residency and visa options, and have identified a match for your needs, then begin preparing the required documents, and try to be as organized as possible, otherwise, you may find yourself spending lots of time and money on repeated ( expired) documentation. As always, be sure to research this subject in depth with a qualified and experienced attorney, one who clearly understands your language as well as, your personal situation and goals.