The Panama Friendly Nations Visa Program: Your Path to Permanent Residency
About the Panama Friendly Nations Visa
The Panama Friendly Nations Visa is an exclusive immigration initiative designed for citizens of select countries with professional or economic ties to Panama. It offers the opportunity to obtain permanent residency and, subsequently, a Panamanian ID (Cédula) and a work permit. This residency initially starts as provisional, lasting for two years, after which applicants can apply for permanent residency upon meeting the requirements. The program allows the inclusion of the main applicant and optional dependents like spouses, parents, and children up to 25 years old. To achieve an indefinite work permit, individuals must become naturalized Panamanians with at least ten years of residency.
Professional and Economic Ties to Panama
Applicants can demonstrate their economic connections to Panama in three ways:
1. Contract for Employment:
- Present a Job Offer from a Panamanian Company, including a Certificate of Public Registry and Business License.
- Work permit application should be submitted at the start of provisional residency application, taking six to nine months for approval.
2. Property Ownership:
- Own Panamanian property with a registered value of at least USD $200,000, which can be locally financed.
3. Corrective Deposit Certificate:
- Maintain a fixed-term deposit of at least $200,000 in a Panamanian national bank.
- The deposit should include title, value, and term, free from encumbrances, with a minimum validity of three years.
- This investment can be made in the applicant's name or in the name of a legal entity where the applicant is the natural person beneficiary.
Provisional Residency Requirements
As part of the Panama Friendly Nations Visa application, each applicant—main and dependents—must fulfill specific requirements:
Main Applicant:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months from application date).
- Valid 2nd ID (minimum 6 months from application date).
- Five passport-sized photos (2 inches by 2 inches).
- Recent criminal background certificate Apostilled/authenticated by the Panamanian Consulate (valid for six months).
- Options for economic solvency:
- Job offer from a Panamanian company, including certificates of public registry and business license.
- Property ownership with a minimum value of $200,000.
- Three-year fixed deposit of at least USD $200,000 in a Panamanian bank.
- Health certificate from a local doctor.
- Notarized power of attorney.
- Repatriation fee of USD $800.00 (certified check).
- Application fee of USD $250.00 (certified check).
- Statement of sworn truth.
Dependents:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months from application date).
- Two passport-sized photos (2 inches by 2 inches).
- Certified checks for fees as required.
- Marriage certificate (if applicable).
- National criminal background certificate Apostilled/authenticated by the Panamanian Consulate (valid for six months).
- Additional requirements for children aged 18 or older.
Permanent Residency
After two years of provisional residency, applicants can apply for permanent residency, which must be initiated before the provisional residency card expires. Requirements mirror those for provisional residency. E-Cédula (National ID) application is advisable but not mandatory.
Work Permit
Applicants can apply for a work permit after obtaining provisional residency. This process is separate from the residency process and requires additional time, taking 6-9 months for approval in Panama City and 9-10 months in David.
Panamanian Driving Laws
Permanent residents can obtain a Panamanian Driver's License, but it requires authentication of the foreign license and a blood type test, among other steps.
Panamanian Taxes for Expats
Panama's tax system is territorial, taxing income generated within the country. Tax rates vary based on income levels.
Tax Residency
To establish tax residency, you need to spend 183 days or more in Panama in a year and meet specific documentation requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Partners can't apply together without a marriage certificate.
- Dependents can be added through a Family Regrouping Visa.
- Multiple entry visas are needed when leaving Panama before residency is approved.
- Document validity periods vary; check each document's timeframe.
- Work permits are separate and take time to process.
- Permanent residency can be lost due to prolonged absence or criminal convictions.
- The E-Cédula is a recommended ID.
- Citizenship can be applied for after five years of permanent residency.
- Eligible dependents include spouses and children up to 25.
- Tax ID numbers are obtainable for permanent residents and those in Panama for over 183 days.
List of Countries Eligible for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel,
