The first thing to know about Panamanian immigration law is that it’s not found in just one section of the law. Many laws having little to do with immigration have been passed to promote farming, reforestation, tourism, scientific research and other worthy goals, and many of these laws contain provisions to attract immigrants who will invest in these sectors. Read the rest of this entry →

After having permanent residency in Panama (for 3 years if you a married to a Panamanian or 5 years otherwise), you may request naturalization by presenting the following:

1. Power of Attorney and Application through a duly qualified lawyer or law firm
2. Five (5) sworn declarations before a Civil Circuit Judge, in the district in which you are a resident. Read the rest of this entry →

The Temporary Visitor Visa is granted to those foreigners entering to Panama with a specific purpose allowed in any of these categories.  The length of these Visas varies from 180 days to 1 year extendable to a maximum of 5 years, according to the type of Visa granted.

A Special Temporary Visitor Visa is granted to Executives of foreign companies who earn a minimum monthly salary of US$1,000.00 per month.

There are also special visas for pensioners or persons with their own source of income who wish to have Permanent Residency in Panama, but without being immigrants and entitled to apply for future naturalisation and citizenship.  Law No. 9 of 1987 established two types of special visas for retired or pensioned individuals:  Income Earner Retiree Visa (which we have labeled as the Retired Investor visa with the right to a 2nd Passport) and the Tourist Pensioner Visa. Read the rest of this entry →