Panama is recognized as one of the most attractive destinations for emigrants, thanks to its hospitality, modern infrastructure, and economic growth. To accommodate those seeking permanent residency, the country has implemented well-structured immigration programs. However, many applicants wonder what potential obstacles could arise during their Panama residency process.
In this article, we share the most common inconveniences that may occur when processing visas, such as the Friendly Nations Visa and the Retired and Pensioners Visa. By knowing these scenarios, you can be better prepared and prevent possible complications in the Panama residency process.
Common Problems During Application Submission
Failing to properly submit all required documents
Each visa has specific requirements, and if these are not fully met, the applicant will face setbacks even before submission. A common issue in the Panama residency process is not having all the required documentation. Without all necessary paperwork—such as a criminal record certificate or photos—the application cannot proceed, bringing the process to a halt until everything is submitted.
The Panamanian National Migration Office also strictly verifies any financial requirements. For example, on the Retiree and Pensioner Visa, the applicant must follow the minimum monthly income requirement of $1,000 USD. Likewise, we cannot submit a Friend Nations Visa application if the applicant does not fulfill one of the economic capacity requirements.
Making mistakes in the translation of documents
Not all problems that may arise in the Panama residency process are related to missing documentation or unmet requirements. Simpler mistakes such as typos, can prevent filing of an application with the Immigration Office.
If an original document contains a typographical error, it must be reapplied for, as both the original document and its Spanish translation must be submitted. In lengthy or complex documents, the translator might make errors, such as mistyping a word or number, which, though correctable, can lead to minor delays in your application.
Failing to meet the established submission deadlines
If applicants do not remain in Panama long enough to complete the residency process, they may be unable to submit their file and could even incur fines. For instance, we advise clients to plan for at least a 10-business-day stay to complete a Friendly Nations Visa application. Although it’s sometimes possible to finish the process in fewer days, leaving early carries considerable risk.
Any delay at Migration or other government offices could require a flight change or could expose the client to fines. For instance, if the client leaves the Panamanian territory without having obtained a Multiple Entry Visa during his Panama residency process, he could face fines of USD 2,000 or more.
Challenges during the final stages of the application
Once an application is submitted, an attorney at the National Migration Service evaluates your case. Next, they will issue a decision, and (in most cases) grant permanent residency to the applicants.
Inaccuracies in the Migration-issued resolution
Once your application is approved, the National Migration Service will issue a document known as the resolution. This document confirms whether the permanent residency was granted or not.
Either way, the resolution can have typos – for example, a typo in your birthdate. When this happens, Migration must issue another resolution with the corrected spelling.
When this happens, the client will not be permitted to obtain the permanent residency ID. Instead, the client will have to wait until the resolution is corrected. Resolutions are typically corrected within 1-3 months depending on Migration. We estimate that 6-8% of clients have an error in their resolution.
File archived due to lack of follow-up
Alternately, the Migration resolution can be archived. This happens if the application is approved, and the applicant does not return soon enough to obtain the permanent residency ID. We generally recommend that clients return within one to two months.
To obtain a document from the archive, our legal team must submit a formal, written, request to the National Migration Service. Once Migration receives the request, they will retrieve the application from their archive. It usually takes Migration 3-4 days to retrieve a document from the archive.
As a result, we always recommend booking your appointment with our office one to two weeks prior to your arrival so that we can verify the status of your file and Panama residency process.
Can there be other problems?
Government system failures during processing
The residency process in Panama, particularly the application stage, though generally efficient, may experience temporary interruptions due to technical failures or upgrades in the government system. These interruptions may slow the process, as pending procedures cannot be completed until the system is operational again.
While advance notice isn’t provided, these suspensions are typically brief, with the system often restored to normal operation by the following day to keep delays minimal.
Delays due to holidays at government offices
We recommend consulting our team about Panamanian holidays that may impact your residency process. During these dates the National Migration Service, banks, and government institutions will close. It is also important to keep in mind that in the days leading up to a holiday, many offices may be understaffed.
At Kraemer & Kraemer we work diligently to eliminate errors from our side and provide you the best customer experience. Request a free quote for your immigration process or contact us today to discuss your case.
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