Panama Friendly Nations Visa – Residence and Work Permit

No. Panamanian law requires an apostilled / authenticated marriage certificate to be able to apply together. However, you can each file separate applications.

According to Panamanian Law, the multiple entry visa is required whenever a foreigner begins a process to obtain Panamanian residence, and the foreigner travels outside of Panama BEFORE the National Immigration Service provides a resolution to the application.

If the foreigner resides in Panama until the National Immigration Service provides a resolution, then no Multiple Entry Visa is required. However, the foreigner can only have tourist status during that time, and should not work in Panama.

It is also important to consider that a Tourist Visa can expire before the National Immigration Service provides a resolution. In such case, it is possible to request an extension of the Tourist Visa for another term, usually of 30 – 90 days.

The Criminal background check is valid for up to 3 months, unless the document itself specifically states otherwise. However, this document can also be voided if the foreigner visits Panama and leaves without applying for Residence.

The Health Certificate issued in Panama is valid for ninety days. Bank reference letters are valid for thirty days. Other documents, such as marriage certificate and retirement letters are valid for 4 months, unless the document states otherwise.

Permanent Residence can be suspended if you are absent from the country for 2 years or more. Other reasons to have Permanent Residence suspended include to be found guilty of a criminal offense.

Yes, those who obtain Panamanian Permanent Residency with the Friendly Nations Visa program are eligible to apply for Panamanian Citizenship after 5 years of Permanent Residency status. The 5-year requirement may become 3 years if you are married to a Panamanian, or if you have children born in Panama. The 5-year requirement can also be reduced in other circumstances. Unlike Permanent Residency, the Citizenship process involves many government offices, and an application can take anywhere from 2 to 5 years to be approved.

Yes. Those who obtain Panamanian Permanent Residency with the Friendly Nations Visa program, who are over 18 years of age, and who bring a Driver’s License from their country of origin, can obtain a Panamanian Driver’s License. The process to obtain the driver’s license is simple, but requires a few steps:

Step 1 – The foreign driver’s license must be authenticated at the consulate of the issuing nation, and then this authentication must be certified at the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Panama City.

Step 2 – The permanent resident must obtain a blood-type test from a laboratory authorized by the Autoridad del Transito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT). This test must include the full name, identity card or passport number, a stamp, and the signature of the doctor. This blood-type test is NOT required if the foreign driver’s license (from Step 1) clearly indicates the blood type.

Step 3 – The permanent resident must visit a SERTRACEN office, and bring the certified copy of the foreign driver’s license (from step 1), the blood-type test (from Step 2), original and copy of permanent residence card, and original and a copy of passport. The application costs $40 and includes visual and auditory tests. If all tests are completed successfully, the applicant receives the Panamanian Driver’s license on the spot.

If older than 70 years of age, the permanent residence must visit a psychologist or geriatric doctor before receiving a driver's license.

A local tax id can be obtained with the Tax Office (DGI), for any permanent resident, or foreigners with more than 183 days in the country, or foreigners selling real estate acquired in the country.

Once residence is obtained, the Corporation can be dissolved if no longer required for business or asset holdings. The dissolution can be processed within 1 week, by recording a Deed of dissolution into the Public Registry, and publishing a notice for 1 day in a local newspaper.

There is usually a 3-6 month wait period between phases, and applicants usually travel back to their home country. This requires a Multiple-Entry Visa; otherwise, the applicant will be fined USD $2,000 upon his return to Panama to complete the residence process.

In Phase 2, the applicant and his dependents obtain the Permanent Residence card.

The date of return depends on the approval of the application by Immigration.

Upon arrival, it takes one to two days to complete the Friendly Nations Visa process and receive the Permanent Residence Card. This requires one more visit to the Panama Immigration Office.

Optionally, you can apply for the E-Cédula (National ID). This can be completed at any time after the Friendly Nations Visa application is approved. This ID is not mandatory, but is highly recommended.

Approved applicants have 3 months to return to Panama and complete the residence process,