Real world list of Pensionado Visa requirements

Applying for a Pensionado Visa on behalf of a retiree receiving income above US$1000 monthly from Social Security involves filing the following:

1) Power of attorney and request by the attorney.  Power of attorney must include the information about the applicant (exact address, telephone number...) and full name of parents and nationality.  All the information about the attorney must be specified (Office address, telephone and fax number), complete information of cheques that are provided (number of checks, name of bank, date and amount) of all documents enclosed and the legal basis.  We cannot draft the Power of Attorney without the information requested in that form

2) Police record from the country of origin (only when the applicant has less than two years of continuous residence in Panama) of the applicant (for US citizens, only FBI Criminal History http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/criminal-history-summary-checks is admitted).

3) "Duly authenticated document, which certifies the following:

 -The applicant's condition as retired or pensioner from a foreign government, international organization or private entities.

 -That the applicant receives a monthly pension of no less than US$1000 or its equivalent in foreign currency, plus US$250 for each dependant

 -In the case of persons retired or receiving a pension from private entities, a document from the corresponding authority certifying the existence of said entity must be submitted" and a Panama bank statement showing the deposits made into the account.

4) Sworn statement about Personal Background signed by the applicant .

A) All documents issued abroad, should be submitted duly apostilled or authenticated by the Embassy or Consulate of Panama in the country that issued it and by the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Panama.

B) All documents issued abroad in language besides Spanish, must be translated by a certified interpreter recognized by the Minister of Government.

Once you arrive to Panama, you must provide :

a) Good Health Certificate from a Panama doctor, issued within the three months before the date of the application (must have date, signature and stamp with the name, signature and registered number of the physician)

b) Two (2) sets of photocopies of the entire passport, to authenticate before a Notary Public.

c) Five (5) recent passport-size pictures.

d) Two sets of copies of all documents submitted, except for the passport.

In addition, the following are required:

C) Every foreigner must be duly registered in Immigration Movement Section for which the following must be submitted:

* Two (2) passport-size pictures

* Copy of the page of general information in the passport and that which contains the last seal of entry into the country

* US$1 for registration

* Answer the registration questionnaire.

D) Once the application is filed and your picture has been taken at Immigration offices, your passport will be surrendered 2 business days for a Return Permit to be stamped.   This will allow you to travel outside of Panama and not have to wait in Panama for approval of your Pensionado visa.

When planning your trip, keep in mind it takes 2 weeks to prepare and translate all documents from the time they are received until you can go to Immigration to have your picture taken as part of the application process.

Upon filing of application, a 12-month application card is granted.   Delays of up to 12 months are taking place with the granting of all residence applications, depending on the nationality.

All applications are subject to the regulatory bodies' approval.  While serious law firms are diligent in following regulations in force, government officials may arbitrarily change rules and demand additional documents at any time during the application process.  Therefore, they cannot guarantee the outcome of each application.  Although Law 38 of 2000 forbids public officials from demanding documents outside those listed in a decree published in the Official Gazette, Immigration officials may demand the following items not listed in the Executive Decree related to Immigration:

a) Responsibility letter by applicant when a dependent is involved, authenticated by Notary,

b) Banking letter from a Panama bank where the pension installments are received.

c) Notarized letter by landlord - or notarized copy of public deed of property owned - showing domicile in Panama,

d) Copy of landlord identification, authenticated by Electoral Tribunal,

e) Notarized copy of utility bill showing domicile in Panama.

Based on applications filed as of June, 2013, and subject to changes

Permanent Resident Visa for 47 countries of US, EU and OECD

Citizens of 47 countries qualify for the Permanent Residence Visa for university graduates holding $5,000 in a Panama bank account and their dependents.  Applicants must start a new business, purchase an existing business or be hired to work for a Panama company.  The countries until now are:

Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States of America, Uruguay, United Kingdom (Great Britain & Northern Ireland).

A separate work permit is granted by the Labor Ministry which is valid for the duration of the visa.

See also New Permanent Resident Visa for US, EU and OECD countries

New Permanent Resident Visa for US, EU and OECD countries

Executive Order 343 of 16 May 2012 was published in the Official Gazette, "which creates the sub-category of Permanent Resident in the form of foreign nationals from specific countries which maintain friendly, professional, economic, and investment relationships with the Republic of Panama within the immigration category of Permanent Resident."   Citizens of the following countries may apply for this visa:

•Germany

•Argentina

•Australia

•Austria

•Brazil

•Belgium

•Canada

•Spain

•United States

•Slovakia

•France

•Finland

•Netherlands

•Ireland

•Japan

•Norway

•Czech Republic

•Switzerland

•Singapore

•Uruguay

•Chile

•Sweden

 

Applicants must provide bank statement showing at least 4 middle digits "or another which shows their income and is acceptable to the National Immigration Service", as well as police record with Apostille and all other general documents required from immigrants.   Immigration takes currently around 9 months for approval of applications.  All applications must be filed by a lawyer.

 

However, work permits are still granted separately by the Ministry of Labor under the usual categories, with applicants requiring a Panama company or spouse to sponsor their application filed through a lawyer.

Abuses by Panama Immigration Directors reach Inter-American Courts

Abuses by Panama Immigration Directors against migrants now have resulted in a decision against the Republic of Panama by the Inter-American Court of Human Rights. Ecuadorian citizen Jesús Vélez Loor entered Panama in November 2002, when he was detained by the National Police border post in Tupiza, Darien. A detention order was issued by the then Director of Immigration - at the time Ilka de Barés, unnamed in the decision - and Vélez was mixed with the criminal population at La Palma jail. This was the 2nd time Vélez entered Panama without a permit, so he was convicted without due process under an administrative order to 2 years of imprisonment at La Joyita Detention Center.

Why are Panama taxpayers saddled with having to pay the penalties ordered against the Republic for abuses by unelected public officials ?

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UPDATES FROM THE REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEMS UPDATES FROM THE REGIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS SYSTEMS

Inter-American court of human rights rules against Panama for torture and wrongful detention of Ecuadorian migrant

In November 2010, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (Court) ruled against Panama in its first case addressing the vulnerability of irregular and undocumented migrants. The decision in Vélez Loor v. Panama came seven years after the Court issued an advisory opinion on the rights of undocumented migrants. The opinion concluded that all migrants, irrespective of migratory status, must be guaranteed due process of law and full “enjoyment and exercise of human rights.” The advisory opinion also stipulated that states must affirmatively act to avoid limiting or infringing on the fundamental rights of migrants.

In November 2002, Panamanian police arrested Jesús Vélez Loor, an Ecuadorian national, for entering the country without appropriate documentation. He was subsequently transferred to a detention facility and sentenced, without legal representation or awareness of the proceedings against him, to two years imprisonment for entering Panama illegally multiple times. Vélez Loor testified to the Court that while imprisoned, he was subjected to tear gas, burns, sexual abuse, and beatings resulting in a cracked skull. Desperate to ameliorate his situation, Vélez Loor started a hunger strike and partially sewed his mouth shut. After Vélez Loor had endured deplorable conditions and abusive treatment for ten months, the Ecuadorian Consulate and Panamanian immigration authorities arranged his deportation, sending him back to Ecuador in September 2003. Although he reported his torture and the Panamanian Office of Foreign Affairs initiated an investigation, Panama made no further efforts to investigate Vélez Loor’s abuse. Vélez Loor, still suffering medical and psychological trauma as a result of his torture and prolonged detention, continues to speak out about the severe violation of his rights in the hopes that what happened to him “never happens to anyone else again.” More information on his story can be found on his blog at http://jessloor.wordpress.com//.

In Vélez Loor, the Court found that Panama violated the petitioner’s rights to humane treatment (Article 5), personal liberty (Article 7), judicial protection (Article 25), and fair trial (Article 8) under the Inter-American Convention on Human Rights (Convention). It also found that Panama violated Vélez Loor’s rights under the Inter-American Convention to Prevent and Punish Torture. Additionally, the Court ruled that Article 67 of Panama’s 1960 Decree Law No. 16, which allows punitive sanctions for violations of migration laws, is incompatible with the Convention when used as a basis for arbitrary incarceration. Rather, the Court held that states should only detain migrants sparingly and on an exceptional basis, for the shortest time and least restrictive means possible. Moreover, if an administrative body orders detention, a judge or tribunal must be able to review the decision and the detained migrant must be able to contact and receive help from his country’s consulate.

The decision indicates the Inter- American System’s intolerance of discriminatory, abusive, and punitive treatment of undocumented migrants as part of states’ broader attempts to curb illegal migration. With more than 214 million migrants worldwide and estimates of upwards of 400 million in the year 2050, increased attention to treatment of migrants and reform of broken immigration systems will be crucial. In Vélez Loor, the Court ordered Panama to pay monetary reparations to Vélez Loor, further investigate his allegations of torture, implement capacity- building measures for officials to enhance the investigation of torture claims, and provide appropriate detention facilities for those migrants it determines require state custody.

Full text in http://www.wcl.american.edu/hrbrief/18/3hrsystems.pdf?rd=1

July 15-21 Panama Immigration Moratorium Fair

The Panama Immigration Service is having on July 15 to 18 a fair at Atlapa. Illegal aliens being in Panama more than 2 years and not having applied for any visa category may apply for a 2-year special permit. The catch:
- Applicants must pay all fines for overstaying their original tourist visa at $50 a month
- Benefits of the amnesty for "Restricted nationalities" (Chinese, Cubans and others deemed "security risks" by the local government) are subject to approval by the "public force".

The requirements are listed in:
http://www.docstoc.com/docs/47048765/Moratoria-de-Migracion-en-Panama-2010

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http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2010/07/07/hoy/panorama/2255412.asp
Realizarán jornada para legalizar a extranjeros
Rafael Luna Noguera
rluna @prensa.com

El Servicio Nacional de Migración efectuará entre el jueves 15 y el domingo 18 de julio un proceso extraordinario de legalización, con miras a regularizar la situación migratoria de unos 25 mil extranjeros.

La jornada se realizará entre las 6:00 a.m. y las 12:00 de medianoche en el Centro de Convenciones Atlapa, y podrán aplicar los extranjeros que tengan dos años o más de vivir en el país y no hayan empezado los trámites de legalización.

Migración informó que los extranjeros deberán presentar el pasaporte con los sellos que den constancia de su ingreso, y en caso de no tener pasaporte acudir con un testigo que, a su vez, deberá presentar el carné de residente o su cédula.

Tras cumplir con los trámites, y luego de que Migración apruebe cada caso por separado, se les expedirá a los extranjeros un permiso de permanencia provisional, válido por dos años.

Los casos de los ciudadanos chinos, indios, árabes, cubanos, haitianos y peruanos deberán ser aprobados por la fuerza pública.

Los extranjeros que estén en situación ilegal y no la regularicen en estas jornadas, tendrán un plazo máximo de cuatro meses para hacerlo o, de lo contrario, si son detenidos, serán deportados.

En Atlapa eran extensas las colas de extranjeros. LA PRENSA/Jihan Rodríguez

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The immigration moratorium has been extended to July 21.

Up to 15 hours in line for residence visas in Panama

The article by Eliana Morales Gil is a revealing expose about the backlog in residence visas applications in Panama. The new administration inherited 15,000 applications filed more than one year ago. However, bad habits die hard: users complain about a limited number of applications received per day and of "privileged" users gaining entry without standing in line.

In an age when passport information is entered at airports by scanning a barcode, current applicants (including spouses and children) are ordered to have their picture taken every 3 months IN PERSON before an aging Polaroid camera at Immigration offices with no air conditioner and insufficient seating, which involves losing half a day of work or school. Holders of expired 3-month cards - and even permanent residents with "E-" cedulas - are subject to detention without probable cause at jail cells in Curundu and at Immigration offices. Pensionados only endure this uncertainty for a limited period because they are granted an indefinite visa but spouses and dependants who cannot live as perpetual tourists have to spend mornings at Immigration offices every 3 months, along with another day at Motor Vehicle offices IN PERSON to renew a driving license for the same period.

This is rarely disclosed to prospective investors at road shows abroad or "Invest in Panama" seminars.

See also:

Immigration the setting for complaints of racial discrimination http://www.thepanamanews.com/pn/v_15/issue_15/news_04.html

Immigration reform group on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=162007622227

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LA CRÓNICA DE UNA LARGA ESPERA PARA REALIZAR UN TRÁMITE MIGRATORIO
Esperan hasta 15 horas por un turno en Migración
La administración se defiende alegando que se heredaron 15 mil expedientes con más de un año de retraso.



TRÁMITE. El Servicio Nacional de Migración atiende a unas 200 personas por día. 1298703
Eliana Morales Gil mailto:emorales@

El pasado viernes 20 de noviembre es una fecha que, difícilmente, Rosario Pérez* podrá olvidar. Ese día tuvo que esperar 15 horas para que le llegara el turno de ser atendida por funcionarios del Servicio Nacional de Migración.
Había llegado a la sede de esa entidad en la Ricardo J. Alfaro a las 4:30 a.m., pero no fue hasta las 6:19 p.m. cuando fue atendida. Ella, al igual que otros abogados panameños y extranjeros, esperó de pie y sin probar alimentos para que le admitieran su expediente.
Y pasó de todo. Al filo de las 4:00 p.m., todos los que allí estaban se quedaron boquiabiertos cuando los turnos fueron interrumpidos para recibir los papeles de una persona que no había hecho fila. Un funcionario de la entidad les explicó que la dirección había dado la orden de recibir los expedientes del recién llegado.
En ese momento el sistema se cayó, lo que provocó más retraso. Ese viernes, Pérez pudo presentar sus papeles a las 6:19 p.m., pero otros usuarios, narró, se quedaron hasta más tarde.
La larga espera no es de lo único que se quejan los usuarios en Migración.
Un abogado, que pidió el anonimato, contó que por estos días tramita el caso de un extranjero que prefirió vender sus propiedades y sacar una suma importante de dinero del Banco Nacional, porque su esposa fue víctima de malos tratos en esa entidad, cuando hacía diligencias para sacar un carné.
Otros tachan de groseros a los funcionarios y agentes de seguridad que trabajan cerca de la Dirección General. “Uno de los encargados de anunciar a las personas que van a ser atendidas por la dirección, no contesta ni los buenos días”, dijo una mujer visiblemente molesta.
HABLA MIGRACIÓN
Eduardo Peñaloza, subdirector de Migración, dijo que no comprende cómo las personas pueden llegar en la madrugada, cuando la entidad abre sus puertas a las 7:30 a.m., y pese a que cierra a las 2:00 p.m., los funcionarios siguen atendiendo a las personas que están en la institución a esa hora. “A veces se quedan hasta las 8:00 p.m. atendiendo a los usuarios”, dijo. Aseguró, además, que hay algunos abogados que presentan hasta 20 expedientes al mismo tiempo, y eso les quita horas a los que reciben los documentos.
Y es que, según Peñaloza, esta administración heredó unos 15 mil expedientes migratorios con más de un año de retraso. Por ejemplo, explicó que hasta la fecha han logrado ponerse al día con papeles que llegaron a la entidad en mayo de este año.
Migración también emitió un comunicado de prensa para informar que los funcionarios de esa institución no pueden otorgar boletos numéricos a los solicitantes de trámites. Indican que se atenderá de acuerdo con el orden de llegada.
Peñaloza también informó que actualmente se trabaja en cambios a la Ley 3 del 22 de febrero de 2008 (ley de Migración), para lo cual ya se han empezado a reunir con abogados y la Cámara Marítima, la cual debe atender trámites relacionados con los marinos que llegan a los puertos panameños, entre otros grupos.
El Servicio Nacional de Migración atiende diariamente a unas 200 personas. Según estadísticas divulgadas por su oficina de Relaciones Públicas, hasta la fecha han entrado al país un millón 212 mil 995 extranjeros, y han salido un millón 22 mil 892 . Los estadounidenses y colombianos lideran la lista de extranjeros con más entradas a Panamá: 196 mil 428 y 164 mil 826, respectivamente.
(*El nombre fue cambiado a solicitud de la fuente por temor a represalias en Migración).

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DRAFT TRANSLATION

THE CHRONICLE OF A LONG WAIT FOR AN IMMIGRATION PROCESSING
They wait until 15 hours by a shift in migration The administration defends the ground that it inherited more than 15 thousand cases a year late. STEP. The National Immigration Service caters for about 200 people per day. 1298703 Eliana Morales Gil emorales@prensa.com On Friday November 20 is a date that hard, Rosario Perez * will forget. That day he had to wait 15 hours for his turn came to be attended by officials of the National Immigration Service.
He arrived at the headquarters of that entity in the Richard J. Alfaro at 4:30 am, but it was not until 6:19 pm when it was served. She, like other Panamanians and foreign lawyers, stood and waited without food for which they admitted their application.
And everything happened. At exactly 4:00 pm, all those present gasped when shifts were interrupted to receive the papers of a person who had been queuing. An agency official explained that the management had given the order to receive the files of the newcomer.
At that time the system crashed, causing further delay. That Friday, Perez was able to present their papers at 6:19 pm, but other users, narrated, stayed up later.
The long wait is not the only thing users complain Migration.
One lawyer, who requested anonymity, said that these days handles the case of an alien who preferred to sell their properties and get a large sum of money the National Bank because his wife was abused in that state when he made inquiries to draw a card.
Others accused of being rude to staff and security officers who work near the DG. "One of the managers to advertise to people who are going to be addressed by management, not answer nor good morning," said a visibly upset woman.
MIGRATION TALKS
Eduardo Penaloza, assistant director of Immigration, said he does not understand how people can arrive at dawn, when the institution opens its doors at 7:30 am, and although close at 2:00 pm, officers continue to serve people who are in the institution at that time. "Sometimes they stay until 8:00 p.m. light users, "he said. It added that there are some lawyers who have up to 20 files at the same time, and that takes away hours to receive documents.
Because, according Peñaloza, this administration inherited some 15 thousand cases of migrants over a year late. For example, he explained that to date have been catching up with papers that came to the institution in May this year.
Migration has also issued a press release reporting that the officials of that institution can not give tickets to applicants numerical procedures. They state that will be addressed according to the order of arrival.
Penaloza also reported currently working on changes to Law No. 3 of 22 February 2008 (Migration Act), for which have already begun to meet with lawyers and the Chamber of Shipping, which must meet procedures related to marine arriving in Panamanian ports, among other groups.
The National Immigration Service serves about 200 people daily. According to statistics published by the Public Relations office to date have entered the country 995 million 212 thousand foreigners, have left one million 22 thousand 892. The U.S. and Colombian topping the list of foreigners with more tickets to Panama: 196 thousand 428 and 164 thousand 826, respectively.
(* The name was changed at the request of the source for fear of reprisals from Migration).
.

Panama grants naturalization after 10 years...

5 years as permanent resident, 5 years later for the application to be approved.

The past Torrijos administation was happy to announce it has the largest number of ships registered, corporations formed, dollars taxed, tourists received. However, when it comes to naturalizations, 97 new Panamanians a year is good enough.

Will the new Martinelli change things around and arrange to have a backlog of hundreds of naturalization applications resolved?

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Panamá, domingo 17 de febrero de 2008
EN 2007 SOLO 97 PERSONAS SE NACIONALIZARON.

El lento proceso para una naturalización

Obtener la nacionalidad panameña debe demorar seis meses, pero a veces tarda hasta cinco años.
José Somarriba Hernández
jsomarriba@prensa.com

Cuando *Jessica llegó a Panamá, desde Cantón, en China Continental, tenía cuatro años de edad. Para entonces, su familia no imaginaba que esta tierra sería, 21 años después, su segunda patria.

"Estudié kínder, primaria y secundaria, me gradué con el primer puesto de honor. Me fui a estudiar medicina a Cuba, me recibí de doctora con el segundo lugar en la Facultad de Ciencias Médicas Ciego De Ávila", contó.

Hace dos años, Jessica, quien para entonces tenía 23 años de edad, empezó con los procesos de naturalización, pero no imaginó que sería un trámite "tan engorroso, lento y burocrático".

Explicó que todo ese tiempo, su abogada hizo lo imposible porque le entregaran la carta de naturaleza; sin embargo, siempre tropezó con el "poco importa de las autoridades vinculada al tema".

Jessica dice que al final se cansó y le hizo la petición al presidente Martín Torrijos, personalmente y fue así como consiguió su cometido.

La joven fue juramentada en la Gobernación de Panamá como panameña en enero pasado, aunque solo junto a cinco personas más. Las juramentaciones se hacen los últimos jueves de cada mes. Los trámites de Jessica comenzaron en 2006.

La representante legal de Jessica indicó que, al igual que este caso, tiene un cliente que pasa por el mismo problema: "Es un muchacho que llegó desde China con tres años de edad y estudió toda la escuela aquí, incluso se está graduando de arquitectura en la Universidad de Panamá. De no obtener su naturalización no podrá trabajar de arquitecto".

LOS COSTOS

La jurista explicó que el trámite de la carta de naturaleza tiene un costo de unos 2 mil 300 a 2 mil 500 dólares.

Cuando entra la solicitud de naturalización a la Dirección de Migración, se debe pagar 20 dólares.

Luego, 50 dólares más en el Tribunal Electoral, para hacer un examen de geografía, historia y política de Panamá.

Haber estudiado la escuela secundaria en Panamá exime de esta prueba, pero igual debe pagar los 50 dólares.

Después la solicitud es enviada al Ministerio de Gobierno y Justicia y, de allí, al Consejo de Seguridad para, a través de Interpol, conocer si el peticionario ha cometido algún delito.

"Lo malo es que si le hallan alguna falta, por mínima que sea [incluso, una infracción de tránsito] le niegan la naturalización", sostuvo.

Luego de esto, el consejo manda una nota en que recomienda aprobar o negar la carta de naturaleza. Tras lo cual el Presidente debe firmarla.

Ya con la firma, la carta de naturaleza –un documento en forma de diploma– se deben pagar 300 dólares en Migración por el timbre que lleva y 10 dólares más por la caligrafía.

La persona puede juramentarse luego en la Gobernación de Panamá, proceso que es gratuito. Un abogado, por la tramitación, cobra entre mil dólares y 2 mil dólares.

MUY BUROCRÁTICO

Otro abogado, que prefirió no ser identificado, explicó que el proceso es "muy burocrático", pues debe durar unos seis meses, pero en algunos casos tarda hasta cinco años.

"Tengo clientes desde el gobierno pasado y algunos tienen casi cinco años de estar esperando la naturalización. De hecho, cuando el documento llega al Consejo [de Seguridad] se siente una alegría, pero el Presidente [Martín Torrijos] no los firma. Ni a las notas ni a los impulsos procesales le hacen caso", explicó.

El jurista comentó que tiene poco más de 200 clientes que todavía están a la espera, algunos desde hace cuatro años. De hecho, desde que llegó el actual gobierno, se han aprobado solo tres cartas de naturaleza.

"Una porque la persona se le plantó al Presidente, y las otras dos porque se trata de dos hermanas que tienen un conocido en el Partido Revolucionario Democrático", indicó.

Tayra Barsallo, subdirectora de Migración, dijo que el proceso de las naturalizaciones está contenido en el artículo 10 de la Constitución que sirve de base a su solicitud, la Ley 7 de 14 de marzo de 1980 y el Decreto 59 de 4 de agosto de 1988.

"Quienes aspiran a nacionalizarse deben cumplir con los requisitos de la Constitución y las instituciones", añadió.

Se trató de tener una versión de la Presidencia, pero se nos comunicó que se encontraban en una reunión extraordinaria. *Nombre ficticio

Full text in http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2008/02/17/hoy/panorama/1267383.html



DRAFT TRANSLATION
Panama, Sunday February 17, 2008

In 2007 only 97 people were naturalized.
The slow process of naturalization
Obtaining the Panamanian nationality should take six months, but sometimes takes up to five years.

Somarriba José Hernández
jsomarriba@ prensa.com
* When Jessica arrived in Panama, from Canton in mainland China, she was four years old. By then her family could not imagine that this land would, 21 years later, his second home.

"I studied kindergarten, primary and secondary education, I graduated with first place of honor. I went to study medicine to Cuba, I got my doctor for the second place in the Ciego De Ávila School of Medical Sciences" he said.

Two-year-old Jessica, who by then was 23 years old, started with the process of naturalization, but never imagined it would be a formality "as cumbersome, slow and bureaucratic.

He explained that all that time, her attorney did the impossible because he handed the letter to nature, but always ran into the "little matter of the authorities linked to the issue."

Jessica says that eventually grew tired and made a request to President Martín Torrijos, and was personally and got his mission.

She was sworn in the Government of Panama and Panama in January, but only with five others. The oath was made last Thursday of each month. Jessica formalities began in 2006.

Jessica's legal representative said that, like this case, a customer that goes through the same problem: "He's a guy who came from China three years and studied the entire school here, even graduating in architecture at the University of Panama. Due to his failure to obtain naturalization he may not work as an architect. "

COST

The lawyer explained that the pending nature of the letter will cost about 2 thousand 300 a 2 thousand 500 dollars.

When he enters the naturalization application to the Immigration Department, it must pay $ 20.

Then $ 50 more in the Electoral Tribunal to make an examination of geography, history and politics of Panama.

Have studied high school in Panama exempt from this test, but still must pay $ 50.

After the application is sent to the Ministry of Government and Justice and, hence, the Security Council, through Interpol, to know if the person has committed a crime.

"The trouble is that if you find a fault, however minimal [even a traffic violation] denied naturalization," he said.

After this, the council sent a note to recommend approval or deny the certificate of naturalization. After which the President must sign it.

Since the signature, the letter of nature-a document in the form of diploma-$ 300 must be paid by the bell on Migration and carrying $ 10 more for the calligraphy.

The person may then be sworn in the Government of Panama, a process that is free. A lawyer for the processing, charging between thousand and 2 thousand dollars.

Very bureaucratic

Another lawyer, who declined to be identified, explained that the process is "very bureaucratic" because probably take about six months, but sometimes takes up to five years.

"I have customers from government and some have spent almost five years of waiting for naturalization. In fact, when the document is the Council [Security] feel a joy, but President [Martín Torrijos] not the firm. Neither the notes or the process you ignore impulses, "he said.

The lawyer said he has little more than 200 customers are still waiting, some for four years. In fact, since joining the present government has approved only three letters of nature.

"A person because he planted the President and the other two because they are two sisters who have an acquaintance in the Democratic Revolutionary Party," he said.

Tayra Barsallo, Deputy Director of Immigration, said the naturalization process is contained in Article 10 of the Constitution that underlies its application of Law 7 of 14 March 1980 and Decree 59 of August 4, 1988 .

"Those who aspire to become citizens must meet the requirements of the Constitution and the institutions," he added.

We tried to have a version of the Presidency, but we were informed that they were in a special session. * Fictitious name

Decree allows easier entry for EU, US and UK residents

Executive Decree 248 of 2009 has been issued which eliminates the requirement of a visa for any permanent resident of the U.S., Australia, Canada, UK, and any of the European Union members. They will be able to enter the country with a US$30.00 tourist card, just like citizens of said countries currently do.

This decree resumably eliminates the need for citizens from Cuba, Middle East, most of Asia and all of Africa of a visa approved by the National Security Council before their entry.

The final text of the Decree can be downloaded in PDF files* from :

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Live_in_Panama/files/Immigration/Visa_DE248_08ResidentsG7.pdf

---

The full list of countries such as Cuba, Middle East, India, Pakistan, China, most of Asia and all of Africa which citizens require the National Security Council approval when they are not residents of U.S., Australia, Canada, UK, and any of the European Union members, appear in the PDF file* under the section LISTADO DE PAISES QE REQUIEREN VISAS AUTORIZADAS PARA INGRESAR AL TERRITORIO NACIONAL:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Live_in_Panama/files/Immigration/listado_paises_visa.pdf

* (Yahoo registration required)

More changes to Immigration Regulations

Five months after having entered into force the new Immigration Decree regulations of Executive Decree 320 of 2008, the government amended several of its articles, reported Tayra Barsallo, deputy director of the National Immigration Service. For example, it eased the requirements for visas for seafarers, extended the term of visas for temporary workers, and reduced the cost of extending visa for domestic workers, among others. The changes in Executive Decree 26 0f 2009 were published in the Official Gazette No. 26,238, yesterday Wednesday.

See also New Regulations for Immigration Law are enacted

New Regulations for Immigration Law are enacted

Minimum amounts for investment visas are increased

As announced in a previous posting, regulations for Immigration Law were being drafted. Executive Decree 320 of 2008 was published this week and gives the fine print for the Immigration Law enacted in early 2008.

Effective August 26, the main changes from current practice would be:

- Tourists may remain in the country only for 90 days, with only those with an original period under 90 days being able to ask for an extension to complete the 90 days when justified (Art. 21),
- Foreign workers within the 10% maximum must have a salary of US$850 monthly to apply for residency and work permit (Art. 79), up from US$500,
- Foreign executives representing foreign multinationals under the WTO Marrakech-round visas must have a salary of US$1000 monthly to apply for residency and work permit (Art. 92), up from US$500,
- Investor permanent visas may only be granted after having asked for three 2-year temporary visas for a total of 6 years (Art. 95),
- Agricultural visa minimum investment is raised to US$60,000 (Art. 96), up from no minimum,
- Forestry temporary visa minimum investment is raised to US$60,000, up from US$40,000, with an additional requirement of 10 hectares purchased (Art. 100),
- Forestry permanent visa minimum investment is doubled to US$80,000, with an additional requirement of 20 hectares purchased (Art. 180),
- Small-business investor visa is eliminated,
- Macro-business investor visa minimum investment is raised to US$160,000, up from US$100,000, with an additional requirement of 5 Panamanian full-time workers (Art. 185, 188),
- Self-solvency investor visa minimum investment is increased to US$300,000, up from US$100,000, left in Panama bank account for 3 years (Art. 192).
- Self-solvency investor visa minimum investment alternatives include also real estate for which at least US$300,000 is paid for, free of mortgage (Art. 193) or a mixture of a 3-year deposit and mortgage-free real estate up to a combined minimum of US$300,000 (Art. 194),
- Self-solvency investor visa real estate may be held under a Private Foundation which founder or beneficiary is the applicant,
- The minimum return on a Panama National Bank CD for the Rentista visa is increased to US$2,000 monthly, up from US$750 (Art. 196),
- Pensionado minimum income is raised to US$1,000, up from US$500, or a mixture of US$100,000 in directly-held Panama real estate (Art. 200 - it does not specify if the property is free of mortgage),
- Pictures must show the face of the applicant (no full burkha pictures) (Art. 245),
- Tourists must enter with passport having no less than 3 months of duration (Art. 255),
- Multiple-entry permits may be issued for up to 5 years, up form 2 years (Art. 262).

The final text of the 2008 Immigration Regulations and Law can be downloaded in PDF files (Yahoo registration required):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Live_in_Panama/files/ED320_08Migracion.pdf
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Live_in_Panama/files/DLey3_08Migracion.pdf

More about the new Panama Immigration Law in:
"Collapse" at Immigration offices
30-day countdown to new Immigration law requirements
Immigration and Visas
Regulations for Immigration Law are being drafted
2008 Immigration Law finally published

.

"Collapse" at Immigration offices

Long lines are filmed by the TVN News crew at Immigration, with 20 days to go until the entry in force of the new Immigration law. Applicants waited from 5AM until 1PM under 90 degree temperatures to file their paperwork.

This lady complained that "peddling of influences" occurs in the granting of numbers for applicants to be served at Immigration. Only 40 applicants are served for some of the procedures.

Video in http://mypanamalawyer.blogspot.com/2001/01/collapse-at-immigration-offices-videos.html

---

Revulú en Migración 08/06/2008

Castalia Pascual

A mediados de este mes de agosto entrará en vigencia la nueva ley de migracion. . esto ha ocasionado que el numero de tramites se triplique provocando largas filas en la Direccion de Migracion que con el tiempo se han quedado chicas. Ver Video

30-day countdown to new Immigration law requirements

In case you are still thinking about which visa to apply for, the Panama Immigration Spanish version has a handy reminder that "Effective August 26, 2008, [Law] Decree 6 of February 22, 2008, will be in force". The English version has not been updated since early 2007.

This means that in 30 days minimum investment and solvency requirements are likely to have been doubled and several visa categories (including the Rentista second passport) will have been eliminated.

* They forgot to word "Law"

More about the new Panama Immigration Law in:
Immigration and Visas
Regulations for Immigration Law are being drafted
2008 Immigration Law finally published
New draft Panama Immigration Law slows down.

Regulations for Immigration Law are being drafted

Draft regulations for the Immmigration Law Decree 3 of 2008 are being circulated for comments. The regulations are meant to compile our requirements into a single document and avoid differing interpretations by government officials. Among the main changes from current practice would be:

- Applicants only have 10 business days after placing of a notice to remedy any defect in their documents,
- The Immigration Consultive Commission (formerly National Security Commission) is authorized again to impose nationality quotas for residency,
- Tourists deemed "personna non grata" may be denied entry on a non-discriminatory basis,
- Tourists may remain in the country for 90 days, renewable for 60 days when justified,
- Foreign workers must have a salary between US$1,000 and US$1,500 monthly to apply for
residency and work permit, up from US$500,
- Investor visas may only be requested by one applicant per company,
- Forestry visa minimum investment is doubled to US$80,000,
- Small-business investor visa is eliminated,
- Macro-business investor visa minimum investment is doubled to US$200,000,
- Self-solvency investor visa minimum investment is increased to US$350,000 left in deposit for 4 years.

The categories for temporary resident visas are named in Spanish as follows:
1. Por razones laborales
* Permiso de residencia temporal a contratado por el gobierno nacional o entidades autónomas o semiautónomas.
* Permiso de residencia temporal a contratado por empresas contratadas por el gobierno nacional.
* Permiso de residencia temporal bajo Resolución de Ministerio de Trabajo dentro del 10% del
personal panameño contratado por la empresa.
* Permiso de residencia temporal dentro del 15% del personal especializado tales como gerente,
personal de confianza, técnico o experto
* Permiso de residente temporal en calidad de Ejecutivo de Zona Libre
* Permiso de migrante remunerado desde el exterior
* Permiso de residencia temporal miembro de prensa escrita o televisiva internacional
* Permiso de residencia temporal de Acuerdo de Marrakech
2. Por políticas especiales
* Permiso de residencia temporal de productor, actor, técnico de cine y televisión
* Permiso de residencia temporal por Convenio de la Ciudad de Saber
* Permiso de residencia temporal por la Autoridad del Canal de Panamá
* Permiso de residencia temporal del Ärea Económica especial del Panamá-Pacífico
* Permiso de residencia temporal dentro de Zonas Procesadoras para la exportación
* Permiso de residencia temporal por Servicios en Centro de Llamadas (Call Center)
* Permiso de residencia temporal en calidad de ejecutivos de compañías internacionales
* Permiso de residente temporal en calidad de migrantes que laboren en Empresas Multinacionales
3. Por razones de educación, cultura y salud
* Permiso de residencia temporal para en calidad de migrante que se someterán a tratamientos medicos
* Permiso de residencia temporal para en calidad de investigadores y científicos
* Permiso de residencia temporal en calidad de estudiantes
4. Permiso de residencia temporal en calidad de religiosos, misioneros y misiones humanitarias
* Permiso de residente temporal en calidad de misionero, religioso al servicio de la iglesia católica y ortodoxa
* Permiso de residente temporal en calidad de misionero laico al servicio de la iglesia católica y ortodoxa
* Permiso de residente temporal en calidad de estudiante para ser religioso
* Permiso de visitante temporal en calidad de misionero religioso basado en el artículo 35 de la Constitución Nacional
* Permiso de visitante temporal a extranjeros que ingresen por Asistencia Humanitaria Internacional.
5. Permiso de residencia temporal de dependiente de un residente temporal.

The categories for permanent resident visas are named in Spanish as follows:

1. Por razones económicas
* Permisos de Inversionista
* Permiso de Solvencia Económica Propia
* Permiso de Pensionado o Jubilado
* Permiso de Rentista Retirado
2. Por políticas especiales
* Permiso para migrante que inviertan en empresas contratadas por Autoridad del Canal de Panamá
* Permiso para migrante que inviertan empresas que se encuentran en el Área Económica Especial Panamá-Pacífico
* Permiso para migrante de promotoras u operadoras de Zonas Procesadoras para la Exportación o empresas que se encuentran dentro de esas zonas.
* Permiso para migrante que inviertan en Call Center
* Permiso para migrantes que inviertan en la Industria Cinematográfica
3. Por razones demográficas
* Permiso bajo Sistemas de Cuotas
* Permiso de Reunificación Familiar
4. Por Convenios Internacionales

The information comes from a draft, so it is subject to changes before its enactment.

Government under energy-saving schedule

The Panamanian Government has enacted a decree whereby effective May 19 government workers will work non-stop from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Workers of government-owned public utilities will continue with the normal schedule.

For Immigration, this translates into a special schedule:
Visa applications, extensions and multiple-entry filings will be received ONLY on MONDAY, WEDNESDAY and THURSDAYS 7 AM to 11:30 AM
Consultations will only be provided on THURSDAYS.
All entry to the public will end at 12:00 PM.

The usual queue for a limited number of applications will be outside the Immigration office at 6AM.

"Y las sonrisas, esas son gratis!"

No tourist visa extensions

In case nobody believed us...

--- wrote:

Hola,

Spent a few minutes at Migracion this am with a friend doing the tourist visa dance.

Bottom line:

Once your 90 days are up, you leave. No extensions. At least for Americans and Canadians anyway. There were more countries on the listso they are not targeting just a few.

That's what they told us and it's printed on a little sign next to Window number 1.

Cheers,

--- End forwarded message ---

2008 Immigration Law finally published

The 2008 Immigration law was finally published online in the Gaceta Oficial as Law Decree 3 of February 22, 2008, whereby the National Immigration Service, the Immigration Civil Services and other provisions are created.

The final text of the Immigration law can be downloaded in PDF files (Yahoo registration required):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Live_in_Panama/files/DLey3_08Migracion.pdf

Changes to Immigration and Banking laws approved

Just when the media made us think the 2008 Immigration draft law was dead, local dailies announce that the Cabinet indeed approved the Immigration law as well as changes to the 1998 Banking Law Decree.

The text should be posted online next week in the Official Gazette and from that date it will be in force.

It remains to be seen if recommendations sent by the Bar Association and other groups were included in the final approved text. The National Board of Migrants and Refugees (MENAMIRE) wants the President to veto it, but that is not possible with a Law Decree from the Cabinet. MENAMIRE says the law only allows those with a bank account to stay in the country.

The Presidency website provides us picture of the lovely Cabinet meeting with accompanying breakfast.

30-day visa for US citizens is alive and well

As of February 6, the 30-day visa for US tourists entering the country seems to be alive but ailing. After the anti-gang law which reduced the duration of tourist visas and vehement denials by the tourism czar, our clients report that they have are being told upon entry that their tourist visas have a 30-day duration, but when they show up for the Filiacion registration, Immigration turns them away saying that there is "an understanding" that the visa lasts 90 days. The stamp in the right says it all. Go figure!

Visa agreements between Panama and the US are in 2 exchanges of notes:

Reciprocal agreement for gratis nonimmigrant visas.*
Exchange of notes at Panama March 27 and May 22 and 25, 1956. Entered into force June 1, 1956. 7 UST 905; TIAS 3573; 268 UNTS 333.

Agreement modifying the agreement of March 27 and May 22 and 25, 1956 for gratis nonimmigrant visas.*
Exchange of notes at Panama June 14 and 17, 1971. Entered into force June 17, 1971. 22 UST 815; TIAS 7142; 796 UNTS 353.

NOTE * The status of this agreement is under review.

These exchanges of notes allow for granting of multiple-entry tourist visas of up to 48 months. The US government publication "Treaties in Force" lists them as "under review" but the 1977 Panama Canal Treaties ratified their validity. Their text is available in the UN Treaty Series website or by email from this blog.

The 2008 draft Immigration law - if enacted - will provide that tourist visas have a duration of 30 days, renewable for 60 more days.

New draft Panama Immigration Law slows down

After receiving comments from the media, pro-immigration groups, Panama Bar Association and other groups, the Cabinet decided not to change Law Decree 16 of 1960 of Immigration with another Law Decree using the special powers of the President to enact laws without legislative approval.
Instead, the Cabinet asked for comments from the Legislature, which already has buried 3 other Immigration bills in the vault of forgotten bills...
The first text of the Immigration draft can be downloaded in Part 1 and Part 2 of PDF files.

URLs (Yahoo registration required):
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Live_in_Panama/files/ProyectoDLey_Migracion_1.zip
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Live_in_Panama/files/ProyectoDLey_Migracion_2.zip


The long road of the Immigration bill:

http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2006/11/29/hoy/panorama/811333.html
More foreigners but a modern Immigration law is needed (November 29, 2006)

http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2006/11/29/hoy/panorama/812448.html
Bill stagnant after approval by Cabinet

http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2007/09/12/hoy/panorama/1111256.html
Immigration Law in Limbo. Bills 79 and 150 meant to replace the current Immigration law remain unapproved since 2005.

http://mensual.prensa.com/mensual/contenido/2008/01/04/hoy/panorama/1225734.html
Better tratement for migrants is being demanded. Bill called xenophobic by Legislator Wigberto Quintero

http://www.prensa.com/HOY/panorama/1245806.html
Consultations requested by NGOs on Immigration draft law

Requirements for the Solvency Visa

Before buying that expensive real estate hoping to get a Self-Solvency visa, the foreigner must comply with one of the following options:

1) a time deposit account, in his name, with a minimum of two years extendible time deposit in a local bank and a minimum amount of Two Hundred Thousand American dollars (US$200,000.00). This time deposit must be mortgage free. The fulfilment of this requirement must be verified by means of a letter issued by the bank where the time deposit is registered, and the time deposit number must be certified; also the time period of the deposit must be specified. Additional to the above, an authenticated copy of the time deposit certificate or agreement by the bank, must be attached or

2). The ownership, within the national territory of a mortgage free real state property in the amount of Two Hundred thousands (B/200,000.00), or

3). The ownership, within the national territory, of a real state property in the amount of Eight Thousand Dollars (B/80,000.00), plus a two year time deposit in a local bank, with the minimum amount of One Hundred Twenty Thousands (B/120.000.00). This will be proved by the means of a Public Register Certification of the property in behalf of the petitioner and a letter issued by the bank where the time deposit is stating that it is pledge free, the time deposit number, and length of time. Additional to an authenticated copy of the time deposit, a certificate or agreement by the bank must be attached.

Owning a property through a corporation, private foundation or other entity - or buying any property with a mortgage - does not qualify for a Self-Solvency Visa.

This is the official list of requirements, as posted in http://www.migracion.gob.pa/eng/service_popup.php?id=3 on January 15, 2008:

Immigrant Visa and Residence Permit due to Personal Economic Solvency

To grant an Immigrant Visa and Residence Permit due to Personal Economic Solvency for a foreigner or family group that wants to immigrate. CODE: VISEP.

This immigrant’s visa and the corresponding resident permit can be requested by a family group that wants to immigrate all together and establish their permanent residence at the Republic of Panama. The family group must prove that they have, and bring along with them into the country, the proper economic means to support the family expenses such as housing, food, education, health, transportation and so on. This visa can only be requested by a family composed by: a) a couple (formally married and with a marriage registered in the Republic of Panama). b) The parents of the principal requester. c) Under age children; d) Single children over 18 years old but under 25 years, regular students attending high school or university studies can’t apply to this visa, brothers or sisters, over legal age married children, nor brother or sister in law or cousins.

Important: If any of the members of the family group is going to arrive to Panama afterwards, then this individual has to do it after the request of immigrant’s visa was granted to the family. In this case, the person must request an Immigrant visa as a dependent of a family resident.

Processing time frame: 2 to 4 months

REQUIREMENTS:

Foreigner
The costs of the carnets will be paid by the interested party as well as the B/10.00 fiscal stamp for those foreign citizens that require a visa.

Power of attorney and request by means of a lawyer: The Power of Attorney must be presented before a Public Notary or personally before the Directorate of Migration and Naturalization by the visa’s applicant (if it is only one person) or by all the components of the family group over 18 years old (head of family and dependents). This must show the complete general information of the interested parties, including full name and parent’s nationality. In addition, the petitioner must specify all the general information of the lawyer of the applicant and dependents, including office’s address, domicile at the Republic of Panama, telephone numbers and e-mail. Also the complete information of the attached checks must be given (check number, drawing bank’s name, date and amount), list and enumerate the attached documents and quote the facts and legal fundaments that sustain the request. The power of attorney, as well as the request must be stamped or sealed with B/. 4.00 per page. ]

Certified or cashier’s check in the amount of B/ 100.00 in favour of the National Treasury.

Certified or cashier’s check in the amount of B/. 500.00 in favour of the “Ministerio de Gobierno y Justicia” (Ministry of Government and Justice) as a repatriation’s deposit [applicable to persons older than 12 years]

Good Health Medical Certificate [: issued within the three (3) months prior to the presentation date (it must have date, signature and seal with the doctor name, including the code and register number of the physician.]

Penal history and police record issued by the previous country or residence country within the last two years, ( if the interested party has been in Panama for the last two or more years on a consecutive time, this document will not be necessary).

Passport of the country of origin [... with a minimum of six months validity time]

Complete copy of the passport [.of all the applicants]

Two (2) Carnet size photo [...of every one pertaining to the family group dated (no hats or veils and front face and up dated]

Relationship’s evidence [.Marriage certificate and /or Birth Certificate of every children to whom the visa is requested, according to the case]

Letter of responsibility from the married couple: [... or the spouse that claims to be the head of the family and income provider, which will allow the members of the family to support their basic needs such as a home, food, education, transportation, health expenses and so on. ]

Visa Request: [... To apply for this visa, the foreigner must comply with one of the following options: 1. a time deposit account, in his name, with a minimum of two years extendible time deposit in a local bank and a minimum amount of Two Hundred Thousands American dollars (US$200,000.00). This time deposit must be mortgage free. The fulfilment of this requirement must be verified by means of a letter issued by the bank where the time deposit is registered, and the time deposit number must be certified; also the time period of the deposit must be specified. Additional to the above, an authenticated copy of the time deposit certificate or agreement by the bank, must be attached or 2). The ownership, within the national territory of a mortgage free real state property in the amount of Two Hundred thousands (B/200,000.00), or 3). The ownership, within the national territory, of a real state property in the amount of Eight Thousand Dollars (B/80,000.00), plus a two year time deposit in a local bank, with the minimum amount of One Hundred Twenty Thousands (B/120.000.00). This will be proved by the means of a Public Register Certification of the property in behalf of the petitioner and a letter issued by the bank where the time deposit is stating that it is mortgage free, the time deposit number, and length of time. Additional to an authenticated copy of the time deposit, a certificate or agreement by the bank must be attached.]

Provide proof of the amount and source of income that will support the petitioner’s general expenses and of his dependent(s).

Legal Base:
Article 1, paragraph 6, articles 24, 25, and 26 of the Law Decree No.16 of 30 of June of 1960, and Executive Decree No.52 of February 19 of 2003.