Panama Immigration
Kraemer & Kraemer answers your questions
The immigration attorneys at Kraemer & Kraemer possess extensive expertise in navigating Panama immigration laws to identify optimal solutions for various immigration needs, including residency visas, work permits, retirement visas, tourist visas, investor visas, the naturalization process, and more.
Do you have doubts about the Panama immigration process?
Contact us today, and one of our Panama immigration attorneys will get back to you as soon as possible to answer your questions and to guide you through the requirements and process that fits your circumstances such as financial conditions, family group, or investor profile. We proudly serve our clients with more than 10 years of legal experience.
Overview
- Most immigration processes require a Panamanian lawyer.
- Main applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Children under 18 will apply for a visa as dependents of their parents.
- All foreign documents submitted for a Panama immigration process needs to be in Spanish and authenticated with the apostille or a Panamanian consulate.
- All documents must be recent, and passports must be valid for at least one year.
- All visa applications require a certificate of good health obtained in Panama.
Visiting Panama as a tourist
Panama may or may not require a tourist visa depending on your citizenship. Find your country of origin from the dropdown below, and verify whether you need a Tourist Visa to visit Panama.
Country selection
Citizens of this country DO NOT require a visa to visit Panama. They must have a passport valid for at least 6 months.
Citizens of this country must have a STAMPED VISA in their passport to visit Panama. Contact your closest Panamanian consulate to to understand the process to obtain this visitor visa.
Citizens of this country must obtain an Authorized Tourist Visa from local Panamanian Authorities. This may require the assistance of a lawyer. Contact Kraemer & Kraemer today or visit our dedicated page about the Authorized Tourist Visa to learn more.
No information available. Find out the procedure that applies to your case – Contact Kraemer & Kraemer.
Programs to obtain residency in Panama
Panama provides different options to obtain permanent residence, whether you apply as a single person, as a family group, or as a dependent of an existing Panamanian resident. Consult each option below to learn more
Work permit eligibility
Panamanian law allows permanent residents to obtain a Work Permit in certain programs. Follow this link to understand the process better and get more details.
Citizenship: Naturalization as a panamanian
Some immigration programs provide a citizenship path to permanent residents. Besides, Panamanian law allows Americans who were born in the Panama Canal (also known as Zonians) to opt-in for Panamanian Citizenship. Access more details below
Foreign documents
Immigration processes in Panama may require documents from your country of origin, residency or citizenship. To be valid in Panama, these documents need to be apostilled or authenticated.
General application process
The application process for immigrating to Panama can vary depending on the type of visa or immigration program you choose. However, there are general steps that you will need to follow:
- Hire a lawyer: All immigration processes in Panama must be handled by a lawyer. This is because Panamanian law requires that all immigration applications be submitted by a a qualified lawyer.
- Gather the required documents: The specific documents you need will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, but some common documents include a passport, birth certificate, police clearance, and medical exam.
- Your lawyer will submit an application: The application would be submitted to the immigration office. You must visit Panama when your application is submitted, because the Immigration office will take your picture for your temporary residency ID.
- Pay the application fee: The application fee for a visa to Panama varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
- Wait for your visa to be processed: The processing time for a visa to Panama can vary, but it typically takes a few weeks up to 6 months for approval.
Immigration benefits of living in Panama
- Economic Opportunities: The country has a rapidly growing economy and offers various business and employment opportunities. The country serves as a regional business hub and has a strong financial services sector. It also has one of the highest GDP growth rates in Latin America.
- Tax Benefits: Panama has a territorial tax system, which means that individuals and businesses are only taxed on income derived from Panamanian sources. Foreign-source income is generally not subject to Panamanian income taxes. This can be advantageous for individuals with international business or retirees with foreign income.
- Residency Incentives: As a resident, you may be eligible for various incentives and benefits. For example, pensioners and retirees may enjoy discounts on entertainment, healthcare, education, transportation, and more.
- Strategic Location: The location offers easy access to both North and South America, making it an attractive base for international travel and business. The country’s modern infrastructure, including the Panama Canal and Tocumen International Airport, facilitates connectivity.
- Quality of Life: You can find a high quality of life, with a warm climate, beautiful natural landscapes, and a diverse culture. The country has a stable political system, a low crime rate compared to some neighboring countries, and a solid healthcare system.
- Welcoming culture: Panama is a welcoming country with a diverse population. Expats are generally treated with respect and there is a strong sense of community.
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Visit our Frequently asked questions section to find answers to some questions you may have.
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