Panama Visas for Entry

Immigration and Visas

As of July 21, 2009 there is in effect a new Law regarding tourist visas for entering the Republic of Panama.
Executive Decree #248 states that: 

"Those who hold a valid passport for at least 3 months and a valid visa from ONE of the following countries: USA, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia or any of the member countries of the European Union, which has been used at least one time to enter those countries, may enter the Republic of Panama by purchasing a Tourist Card, regardless of their nationality."

*Immigration officials are accepting as valid the entrance of the holders of a United States permanent resident card under this law. 
*The tourist card is purchased upon arrival at the Panamanian airport and it has a cost of US$30.00.
*The tourist card is valid for 30 days, renewable at the Office of Migration for an extra period of 60 days.
*For further information of the law decree please click here.

Please refer to the following country list to find out what type of visa you require to travel to Panama: Types of visas & countries to which they apply. Alternatively, click here for a quick search on your country’s specific requirements for travel to Panama.

Authorized Visas

Please be advised: for authorized visas, the approval process may take up to 60 working days, depending on the verification of your documents. Do not finalize your travel arrangements until your visa has been granted.Once your application has been processed, to check on the status of an authorized visa request, go to http://www.migracion.gob.pa/eng/consultadas.php

Requirements:

• Fill out Application Form in print or typewritten.
• If applying by mail, you may include your original passport, which must be valid for at least 3 months. Alternatively, you can initially send us photocopies of your passport (first and second page, and make sure there are blank pages available for the Panamanian visa to be stamped) and we will notify you when your visa is granted for you to send in your passport.
• Copy of previous visas or permits approved by Panamanian migration authorities
• 3 Photographs (size: 2x2, with white background)
• Copy of resident card, personal identification document from country of origin or US Permanent Resident card or US Visa, if applicable.
• Flight reservation with itinerary of trip continuation or electronic ticket.
• Hotel reservation (if applicable)
• Proof of economic solvency during stay, depending on trip duration and no less than USD$500.00 per month. This can be verified with any and all of the following:
- Certified bank checks with applicant's name.
- Travelers check with applicant's name.
- Applicant bank statements from previous three months.
- Applicant credit card with statements from previous three months.
- Tax returns from previous fiscal year.
- Any other reasonable proof of income accepted by the National Service for Migration.
• Work requirements:
- If applicant works for a public or private entity: work letter with receipt of last paycheck.
- If applicant is retired or receiving pension: document that indicates pension along with receipt.
- If applicant is a student (at least 18 years old): certification from academic entity indicating field of study and academic period.
- If applicant is economically dependent: declaration or notarized document from family member in which the person states that he or she is responsible for the applicant's expenses during the trip.
• Declaration or notarized document from person that is inviting (if applicable). Can be made by any of the Following:
a) Permanent or temporary Panamanian residents declaring from Panama. In this case this person needs to include the following:
i) Valid copy of cedula.
ii) If person is a foreigner, copy of general information from passport and temporary or permanent resident card or cedula.
iii)Copy of receipt from previous utilities bill that includes resident's address.
b) If person responsible is a public or private entity:
i) Letter of responsibility front entity's legal representative (If a University from Dean or equivalent)
ii) If person responsible is a private entity, it must include:
- Certificate from Public Registry.
- Copy of operation key from Colon Free Zone (if applicable).
- Certification of existence of University, education center, or City of Knowledge (if applicable).
- Copy of receipt from previous utilities bill that includes entity's address.
c) In case of point (ii) whoever is inviting and assuming responsibility must prove economic solvency with one of the following documents:
- Bank certification valid for at least three (3) months.
- Work letter and Social Security Number.
- If covering applicant's expenses, must present a declaration or notarized document in which they assume the responsibility.
• If the application is for a person under 18 years of age, it must be submitted by one of the parents or whoever has custody and this person must include the following:
- Birth certificate authenticated by Panamanian Consul and by the Foreign Relations Ministry if applied from Panama and for visas approved directly by the National Service for Migration.
- Authorization by one of the parents for leaving the country if the minor is not traveling with both parents or person that has custody, detailing length of stay, person responsible in Panama and their address, phone number and source for covering minor's expenses.
• Certified check or money order for US$135.00 made out to The Consulate of Panama.
• Self-addressed prepaid envelope for return of documents.

Visa Exemption

If you are a citizen from a country on the following list (see Types of visas & countries to which they apply) you do not require a visa to travel to Panama. However, make sure you are traveling with your original passport, and that it is valid for at least 3 months.
• If you are traveling by land, private boat or plane, we recommend that you obtain a stamped visa in your passport to avoid any inconveniences.

Stamped Visas

If you are a permanent resident of the United States but have a passport from another country (see Types of visas & countries to which they apply) you may require a stamped visa to travel to Panama. Without a permanent residence card, the requirements will be the same as the authorized visa. The stamped Visa takes approximately 2 to 3 working days to be processed by the Consular Office.

Requirements:

• Fill out Application Form in print or typewritten.
• Original passport, valid for at least 3 months.
• 3 Photographs (size: 2x2, with white background)
• Copy of resident card, personal identification document from country of origin or US Permanent Resident card or US Visa, if applicable.
• Flight reservation with itinerary of trip continuation or electronic ticket.
• Hotel reservation (if applicable)
• Proof of economic solvency during stay, depending on trip duration and no less than USD$500.00 per month. This can be verified with any and all of the following:
- Certified bank checks with applicant's name.
- Travelers check with applicant's name.
- Applicant bank statements from previous three months.
- Applicant credit card with statements from previous three months.
- Tax returns from previous fiscal year.
- Any other reasonable proof of income accepted by the National Service for Migration.
• Work requirements:
- If applicant works for a public or private entity: work letter with receipt of last paycheck.
- If applicant is retired or receiving pension: document that indicates pension along with receipt.
- If applicant is a student (at least 18 years old): certification from academic entity indicating field of study and academic period.
- If applicant is economically dependent: declaration or notarized document from family member in which the person states that he or she is responsible for the applicant's expenses during the trip.
• Declaration or notarized document from person that is inviting (if applicable). Can be made by any of the Following:
a) Permanent or temporary Panamanian residents declaring from Panama. In this case this person needs to include the following:
i) Valid copy of cedula.
ii) If person is a foreigner, copy of general information from passport and temporary or permanent resident card or cedula.
iii)Copy of receipt from previous utilities bill that includes resident's address.
b) If person responsible is a public or private entity:
i) Letter of responsibility front entity's legal representative (If a University from Dean or equivalent)
ii) If person responsible is a private entity, it must include:
- Certificate from Public Registry.
- Copy of operation key from Colon Free Zone (if applicable).
- Certification of existence of University, education center, or City of Knowledge (if applicable).
- Copy of receipt from previous utilities bill that includes entity's address.
c) In case of point (ii) whoever is inviting and assuming responsibility must prove economic solvency with one of the following documents:
- Bank certification valid for at least three (3) months.
- Work letter and Social Security Number.
- If covering applicant's expenses, must present a declaration or notarized document in which they assume the responsibility.
• If the application is for a person under 18 years of age, it must be submitted by one of the parents or whoever has custody and this person must include the following:
- Birth certificate authenticated by Panamanian Consul and by the Foreign Relations Ministry if applied from Panama and for visas approved directly by the National Service for Migration.
- Authorization by one of the parents for leaving the country if the minor is not traveling with both parents or person that has custody, detailing length of stay, person responsible in Panama and their address, phone number and source for covering minor's expenses.
• Certified check or money order for US$135.00 made out to The Consulate of Panama.
• Self-addressed prepaid envelope for return of documents.
Note: The Consul General has the right to ask for additional information or documents and request a personal interview with the applicant.

Stamped Visa/Tourist Card

If you are a citizen of the United States or of a country on the corresponding list (see Types of visas & countries to which they apply) you may request a stamped visa in your passport from the Consular Office, for a US$135 fee. This is a multiple entry visa valid for 5 years, with each entry allowing stay of up to 90 days. Or you may simply purchase a US$30 tourist card upon your arrival at the Tocumen International Airport in Panama, which is valid for a single entry of 90 days. If you request a stamped visa, please:

• Fill out Application Form in print or typewritten.
• Present your original passport, valid for at least 3 months.
• If you are traveling by land, private boat or plane, we recommend that you obtain a stamped visa in your passport to avoid any inconveniences. 

Source: Embassy of Panama, Washington, DC

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.

投資簽證新條例

投資簽證新條例
初到巴拿馬的人大多數都渴望取得永久居留, 漸
而入籍。 根據2008年第三條法令, 被喩為永久居民
的人是透過經濟和投資動機、特殊政策、人口統計
分佈和其他附屬類而入境巴拿馬, 及按國家採納之
特殊政策而有意願於本國安居置業的外國人。
在取得永久居留權之前必須先申請為期兩年的臨
時居留。臨時或永久居留都必須通過律師來申請。
根據簽證或許可證所擬定的條件, 申請書應包含以
下文件：
1. 經巴拿馬裔公証員鑑證過的護照影印本。
2. 附有批語或經鑑實過在原籍國家或居住
國家無犯罪紀錄之證明書, 又或者由申請
人之原籍國家駐巴拿馬大使館發出無犯
罪紀錄證明書. 此證明書需附加經公證過
的個人申誓表 (declaración jurada) 。
3. 由巴拿馬裔醫生核發之衛生證書, 證書必
須於遞交申請表前三個月有效。
4. 於國家財政局繳付$250元之移民費權利
申請, 另外須於國家移民事務局繳付$800
元作為遣返回國費用之保證金。
5. 個人申誓表 (declaración jurada), 可於
http://www.migracion.gob.pa 的網址內
下載。
移民事務局必須在六十天之內給予臨時居留或永
久居留申請者一個答覆。 如移民事務局發現申請人
所遞交之文件不全或有錯誤之處, 從通知的那一刻
算起, 給予申請人十五個工作日讓其補件和改正。從
2009年起, 若移民事務局於六十天的期限內未能給
申請人一個答覆, 將理解為申請人已通過審核。
資本投資者簽證類別
自本文截稿為止, 尚在修定最底投資金額法條。
根據法案, 將核發以下的永久居留簽証或經濟簽
証：
❖❖ 資本投資者許可證
❖❖ 個人財務許可證
❖❖ 領養老金者或退休者許可證
❖❖ 已退休之領年金者許可證
所謂投資者是那些應用外來個人資金投資的人
士, 除了被法律限制只有國民可從事之活動的例子
以外, 外來資金投資者可投資於生態、商業、工廠等
活動,或者投資於巴拿馬註冊之公司。 投資許可證
可於下列附屬類目取得：
❖❖ 以造林投資資格獲取許可證： 投資八萬元
於重新造林活動, 種植由國家環保局批核之森
林種類。
❖❖ 以開設大規模公司的資格獲取許可證： 投
資十六萬元只能獲許一個移民申請為自然人或
法人(每家公司只許有一個申請者), 如企圖違
法或侵法將導致被拒絕申請或者遣返回國之
後果。 同時必須遞交有關文件和收入或申請
者之外匯資金的銀行報表, 以及直接投資和必
須支付之最低社會資金來向移民局證明資金來
源。申請這種許可證的外國人必須是最低股份
投資顯示的唯一持有者。
公司可以是工廠或批發性質的又或者是
服務性質的, 只能是 “A”或工廠類別, 不是
“B” 零售業的就可。 同時必須達到以下要
求：
1. 至少雇用五個巴拿馬裔的全職員工, 薪水不
能底於法定數目. 書寫清楚每位職員的工作
崗位以及職責。
2. 按法申報繳納職員的社會保險金 (長生會)。
其他經濟動機簽證
❖❖ 以個人財政資格獲許可證： 這是為那些有
足夠的錢財來支付於巴拿馬停留時間之費用的
移民和其家人而核發。 為此, 必須證明有開至
少三年不動, 且有存額三十萬元的巴拿馬銀行
定存帳戶, 又或者證明有三十萬元的不動產, 也
可以證明前兩者加起來的總額有三十萬元。
❖❖ 以領養老金者或退休者資格獲許可證： 這
是為那些一個月最少可以領取一千元退休金的
退休人仕而核發。
❖❖ 以退休領息者(食利者)資格獲許可證：這是
為了那些入境巴拿馬而又已經從活躍生活退出
來的人士而核發。 該人士必須證明每月至少有
兩千元入息收入, 此收入的來源必須是因為在
巴拿馬國家銀行開了五年定期存款而獲得的純
粹月息。
特殊政治簽證
❖❖ 投資者也可通過於特殊法律保護地區之內
投資而獲取永久居留簽證。
❖❖ 於巴拿馬-太平洋特別經濟地區投資二十五
萬元開設公司的移民者可獲許可證。.
❖❖ 於出口加工區投資二十五萬元開設促銷廠或
工廠, 或者在其地區開設其他性質的公司之移
民可獲許可證。
❖❖ 投資客戶服務中心之移民可獲許可證。
❖❖ 投資十五萬於電影業之移民可獲許可證。
值得慎重強調的是有關的最底投資金額隨時
都有變動或上漲的可能性。
儘管這些簽證種類要求補充手續以及公司文
件必須遞交齊全, 然而這卻代表著一個更加安穩
的機會使新移民取得永久居留。
本文作者Álvaro Aguilar Alfú是中巴職業
協會會長及Lombardi Aguilar Group法律
事務所合夥人兼律師。 www.laglex.com
作者是 Alvaro Agular Alfu, 是Lombardi
Aguilar Group 法律事務所合夥人兼律
師 www.laglex.com

Alvaro Aguilar Alfú, Presidente de
la Asociación de Profesionales Chino
Panameño (APROCHIPA),
y abogado socio de la firma
Lombardi Aguilar Group
www.laglex.com

http://www.dbcstudio.com/pdf/oct-dic08web.pdf

Can I obtain a turista pensionado visa and not relocate to Panama?

Objet: Question Date: Dimanche 20 Décembre 2009, 7h33 Is it possible to obtain a turista pensionado visa and not relocate to Panama? I have herad you can do this with a multiple entry permit. Also,is there a major backlog to receive these visas and how long is the time for these visas to be issued? Thanks Yes, you can. However, one visit has to be made for the actual application of the visa and then no more than 1 year after actual approval to be served of the approval. A multiple-entry permit must be requested when leaving the country after filing. However, you have to budget a $25 monthly fine if you do not return to Panama after the 3-month multiple-entry permit expires to have it renewed. Backlog of applications has reached new records with the new Administration, with delays going into 14 months from the time of filing.

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

.

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

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.

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.

Panama green card has another color

Unlike the US where a single application results in a work permit and a visa, Panama requires two separate applications for a work permit (issued by the Directorate of Employment of the Labor Ministry) and a visa (issued by the Directorate of Immigration of the Government Ministry).

The number of work permits is of 6, which requirements are listed in the Labor Ministry website. As a general rule, a foreign worker can apply for a permit if the company which sponsors him/her would have no more than 1 foreign worker for every 10 Panamanian workers if the application was approved. The ratio is raised to 1 foreign worker for every 15 workers if the foreign worker has a technician permit.

Foreign spouses of Panamanians are exempt from this requirement.

Every year the permit must be renewed and proof of the immigration visa renewal must be included.

Immigrant Visa and Residence Permit granted to foreigners married to a Panamanian citizen

Immigrant Visa and Residence Permit granted to aliens married to a Panamanian citizen.
Visa Code VI-2

Who may apply to this visa?

This visa is granted to those foreigners that are married to a Panamanian citizen and live normally together, stably and continuously with their spouse. The interested party must prove to the National Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization, that it is a real marriage and not one of “convenience” neither a “false” marriage arranged in order to obtain the migratory status. The person that by means of a false marriage tries to obtain a migratory status can be subject of penal actions, furthermore, the request will be denied or the granted permit will be revoked, and the immediate departure of the country by the foreigner will be requested. In addition, it is informed that the omission or act of providing false information in the Sworn Background Declaration can have legal implications, and the verification of this issue is a reason for denying the visa requested as well as the resident permit.

Processing time frame: 2 to 4 months until it is granted, depending on the date and the results of the marriage interview, and other necessary admissible evidence.


REQUIREMENTS:

Foreigner

At the presentation of the documents, a three months temporary carnet is issued and at the time of the approval of the request a provisional one year permanent carnet is issued. The costs of the carnets will be paid by the interest party as well as the B/10.00 fiscal stamp for those foreigners’ citizens that require visa.

Power of Attorney and requests through a lawyer [Power of Attorney must include the general information of the interested party company (exact address, name, nationality, name and parent’s nationality, telephone numbers and e-mail address. The general information related to the lawyer must be specified (office’s address, telephone’s numbers, fax’s number and e-mail address). The general information of the attached checks (check number, bank name, date and amount) listing and identification of the attached documents and expounded the real and legal facts of the request. The Power of Attorney must be personally presented before the National Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization officer or with an authenticated note before a Public Notary. The power of attorney, as well as the request must have a B/4.00 per page legal stamp or postage (Four Balboas per page)

Certified or cashier’s check in the amount of B/ 100.00 in favour of “Tesoro Nacional” (National Treasury).

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’s name, including the code and registration number of the physician.]

Penal and police record issued by the previous country of residence of the petitioner 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 issued by country of origin [... with a minimum of six months validity time]

Complete copy of passport

Two (2) carnet size photos [...updated (no hats or veils and front face)

Marriage certificate issued by the Civil Registry [... this must be issued within the previous six months before the date of presentation of the document and must include the proper fiscal stamps. If the marriage occurred abroad it must be properly registered at the Civil Register of Panama]

Birth certificate of the Panamanian spouse issued by the Civil Registry [... this must be issued within the previous six months before the date of presentation of the document and must bear the proper fiscal stamps.]

Birth certificate of children [...Panamanians, if there are, with their proper fiscal stamp.]

Present personal identification card of the spouse [...Panamanian, authenticated by Civil Register . . .]

Letter of responsibility from the spouse [...Panamanian, signed, where he/her is obligated to cover all the foreigner expenses and of the repatriation, if needed . . .]

For the male, resolution issued by the Ministry of Labour and Labour Development (MITRADEL) where it authorizes the interested party to work in the national territory with a status of married to a Panamanian. In case of not having it at the time of the presentation of the permit of residency request at Immigration, certifications stating that the negotiation of this permission is in process at MITRADEL can be presented, or a simple copy of the Power of Attorney and a request issued by the lawyer addressed to MITRADEL. In this case, the work permit remains pending in order to continue the visa procedure. If the work permit is denied the visa permit also will be denied. [...if the foreigner is retired or a pensioner and proves such condition with the correspondent certification, the labour permit is not required . . .]

For the female, a document that proves her source of income is sufficient to fund her expenses within the territory of Panama, such as payroll check vouchers, social security vouchers from her husband or another source that proves how she can fund her expenses. [.if she works to support herself, she must presents her labour permit or copy of the request presented to MITRADEL.]

Marital interview [. . . the day of the request presentation before the Legal Department, you will be informed about the date in which you must appear with your spouse for an interview. In the case of not showing up at the given date, another interview won’t be granted. ]

Legal Base:
Articles 14, 25, and 35 of the Law-Decree No.16 June 30 of 1960, Law-Decree No.13 of September 20 of 1965, 6th Law of March 5 of 1980 and Executive Decree No.52 of February 19 of 2003.

Comments:
In case that the request includes dependents (if the foreigner has dependent children or parents, that are within the familiar nucleus) the requirements for Immigrant’s Visa within the Resident’s Dependent Status must be included, proving the relationship and that the resident has the proper economic solvency as stated on the Executive Decree No. 52 of February of 2003 (a B/ 500.00 monthly income plus B/75.00 per each dependent). It Should be considered that the petitioner included as a dependent of a resident, will not be qualified for a work permit.

In the case in which the spouses or one of them is abroad and belongs to a nationality that for any migratory policy reason is requested to comply with the Authorized or Consulted Visa, the petitioner must comply with Article 11 of Executive Decree 52 of February 19 of 2003, which requires a minimum of six months living together after the marriage celebration and with other applicable dispositions related to restricted visas.

Opening hours to the public:
Monday through Friday 7:30 am – 1:30 p.m.

Address:
29th Street and Cuba Avenue
Central Phone Numbers: (507) 507-1800


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 2007. National Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization. All rights reserved.

When in doubt, get an Apostille

Panama Immigration clearly says it:
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 Justice.

The Apostille is demanded in Panama for foreign Police Records (even if you are an angel and have never been convicted), Birth certificates, Marriage certificates, Social Security letters, and lately even letters of reference from banks.

U.S. State Department explains:
Documents issued in one country which need to be used in another country must be "authenticated" or "legalized" before they can be recognized as valid in the foreign country. This is a process in which various seals are placed on the document. Such documents range from powers of attorney, affidavits, birth, death and marriages records, incorporation papers, deeds, patent applications, home studies and other legal papers. The number and type of authentication certificates you will need to obtain depend on the nature of the document and whether or not the foreign country is a party to the multilateral treaty on "legalization" of documents. (A) If your document is intended for use in a country which is a party to a treaty called the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents ("Hague Legalization Convention") (countries listed below), obtaining a special "apostille" certificate is generally all that is required.

US federal documents (such as a Social Security letter) may be authenticated only by the US State Department. However, other documents which a have a notary signature are authenticated by the Department of State of each individual state. The same may apply in federal nations like Canada, Australia and Germany.*

You can get the Apostille by yourself using a self-addressed stamped envelope and paying by check, or a privately-owned notary service.

Once you are in Panama, the Embassy of your country cannot issue an Apostille for your document. This has to be done BEFORE you arrive to Panama.

For more information, see:
US State Department Authentication of Federal documents
US State Department List of State Authentication Authorities*
Wikipedia Guide to Apostille

If you want to just forget about the whole Apostille thing, you can take your chances with the list of Panama consuls in Panamatramita.gob.pa. Call them up first to figure out if it is better to deliver the document yourself in person, or if they can handle return postage. If they lose your document, there is no authority you can complain to!

*If there is a country you would like us to cover, email us and we will post the link to its Apostille instructions.

Reforestation visa requirements

After many expats were left in a Kafkian limbo with the abrogation of Reforestation visas, they made a comeback under a special version of the US$40K Micro-Business Investor visa and now somewhat - official rules are in force.

However, 3 renewals of the first 1-year visa are still necessary to apply for a permanent residence (or 4 renewals if you want to be straightforward). This is something the Immigration English site does not clarify, but is published in the Spanish version of the e-government site and in our blog comments. Only when the investment exceeds US$80K can permanent residency be applied for at the end of the 1st immigrant visa. The investment must be made directly, and not by buying stock in a reforestation company.

Immigrant visa and Residence permit granting a Forest Investor of a Micro Business. VIFOR. 1

Who may apply to this immigrant visa?

Foreigners may apply to this immigrant visa and the corresponding permission of residence, who invest in direct form in the activities of reforestation as natural persons or through a legal person when the investment is no less than 40.000.00 (Forty Thousand “Balboas”).

The foreign applicant must prove to the National Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization the source of founds that he has effectively invested in the plantation of forest species for commercial, environmental, tourist aims or others. When the Immigrant visa has been approved, the foreigner receives a permission of residency for one year and when the same is expiring, the petitioner can request for a definitive permanency.

Only a single foreigner and its employees by company will be admitted and the attempt of violation or the violation of this requirement will bring as a consequence the refusal of the request and the obligation to leave the country.

Note:

• All foreign citizens, that approaches the Directorate of Immigration to perform any procedure, must be previously registered in the Migratory Movement’s Section, whereto has to fulfil the following requirements:
  1. Present two (2) carnet size photos
  2. Present a copy of the page of the passport that containing the general information about him or (her) and copy of the page that shows the seal of the last entry to our country.
  3. Payment of the registration fee.
  4. Complete the register form of the Sworn Statement

• In the case that the request includes dependents, the requirements for the Immigrant’s Visa as a Resident Dependent must be included.
• All documents issued abroad, must be properly annotated or authenticated by the Republic of Panama Embassy or Consulate at the country that issued them, and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama.
• All documents issued abroad that are not written in the Spanish Language, must be translated by an Official Public Translator certified by the Ministry of Government and Justice.
• All foreign residents, temporary visitors or alien citizens present in the country with an application being processed that wishes to go abroad and re-enter the country, requires from the National Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization a MULTIPLE INCOMING VISA BEFORE LEAVING THE COUNTRY. The omission of this procedure will incur a One Hundred Balboa fine (B/100.00).
• One month before the termination of the one year Residence Permit that is granted with the Immigrant Visa, the petitioner may apply for the Permanent Residence, with the right to apply for a Panamanian Cedula (I.D. Card)
• All those nationalities that require a Consulted Visa must present with any request, a VALID VISA CERTIFICATION TO PROCESS A RESIDENCE, issued by the Consulted Visa Department of the National Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization.
• The Sworn Declaration must be made in the form supplied by the Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization. This form must be signed by the interested party and be completed in full. To furnish false information carries penal and legal responsibilities and the refusal of the requested visa or its cancellation if already granted. Under age foreigners don’t have to complete this form, but parents or tutors must provide the requested information, although not under the gravity of oath.

The documentation must be COMPLETE at the time of presentation, and in the expressed following order. Small documents such as, birth certificates, health certificates, receipts, etc, must be added to a legal size paper and both faces of the abovementioned documents must be clearly seen, in order to be properly received.

REQUIREMENTS:

Foreigner

At the time of the document presentation, a temporary valid carnet for three months is issued and when the petition is approved a temporary resident carnet for one year is issued. At due time of the previous mentioned carnet, two successive extends can be requested, and if they are approved then a carnet for a validity of two years is issued. The costs of the carnets will be paid by the interested party as well as a B/10.00 fiscal stamp for those foreigners citizens that require visa.

Power of attorney and petition by means of a lawyer [ ... The power of attorney must be presented personally before a Public Notary or at the Receipt of documents for immigrants Section at the Directorate of Migration. It must include the general information of the foreign petitioner (full name, nationality, passport exact address, telephone numbers) as well as the parents full name, nationality and exact address. Also, all the general information of the lawyer must be given (office’s address, fax number, telephone number, e mail address) Within the request, in addition to the complete general information of the principal and the empowered, the complete information of attached check must be stated (check number, drawing bank’s name, date and amount), all the attached supporting documents must be listed, and quote the legal bases that support the request and explain the type of commercial activity that the company will develop. The power of attorney, as well as the request must have a stamp or seal for B/. 4.00 per page. ]

Certified or cashier’s check in the amount of B/. 100.00 in favour of the “Tesoro Nacional” (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]

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

Penal and police record issued by the previous country of residence of the petitioner 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 issued by country origin [ .. with a minimum of six months validity time]

Complete copy of passport.

Two (2) carnet size photos [..updated (no hats or veils and front face)

Public Registry Certification: [: in which the legal representation, authorized share capital and the way the shares are divided is shown (shares must be nominative), the physical address and dignitaries and directors names must appear, to which the petitioner must belong. At the same time, the legal representative name and empowered, if any, has to be included.

Certification of the Secretary or Treasurer of the company, whereby the title of the shares issued in favour of the foreign applicant are credited and stating that the shares are released and properly paid (the shares must be of a minimum value of B/.40,000.00). The certification must be signed before Public Notary and it does not have to be subscribed by the interested party.

Certification of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), where the total direct invested amount in the forestal activity by the petitioner is detailed, certifying that the investor owns the capital. The C.P.A. must attach copy of his or her identification card and the C.P.A.´s carnet.

Copy of the share certificate or certificates issued to the forestal investor.

Authenticated copy by the Ministry of Economy and Finance [.. of the Income tax form along with its payment receipts. If a yearly fiscal period has not concluded since the starting of operations of the company, instead of the income tax form, a copy of the Taxpayer Registry (Registro Unico) along with the original receipt must be supplied to be compared. ]

Authenticated photocopy [.. of the National Authority of Environment’s resolution where the legal entity or the foreigner was approved to be registered in the Forest Registry. ]

Proof of the investment made [... in a direct form in reforestation activities, by a minimum of B/. 40,000.00 (forty thousand B/ 80.000.00 “Balboas”) which can be demonstrated with documents such as: certificate of the Public Registry issued in the name of the interested party, in which the inscription of the property that will be destined to the reforestation is registered, authenticated photocopy of the checks that were made as investment in reforestation, with paid seal of the Bank and the corresponding invoice, customs liquidations of machinery to be used in the reforestation project or another document that certainly proves the investment made in reforestation ]

Complete the form of Sworn Declaration of Personal Background

Legal Basis:

Articles 23^rd. and 26^th of the Law-Decree 16 of June 30 of 1960.

National Directorate of Migration and Naturalization’s Resolution Nº 039 of April 27^th. of 2006. Official Newspaper No. 2555. (Gaceta Oficial)

Comments:

If the petition includes dependants, the investment should be an additional B/4,000.00 per dependant and must comply with the conditions of Resident’s Dependent Visa.