Visa by Investment in Export Processing Zones
Panama offers an ideal setting for business growth, allowing foreign entrepreneurs to establish their presence in the region and obtain legal residence. The visa by investment in export processing zones is a program that allows these individuals to live lawfully in the country, work within a regulated setting, and obtain certain immigration benefits.
This permit targets individuals who make a substantial financial contribution to authorized companies located within these special zones. With assistance from Kraemer & Kraemer, applicants can organize their file properly, gather the required records, and move forward with the procedure with legal certainty and professional backing.
Overview
Law No. 25 of 1992 governs the visa by investment in export processing zones and provides foreign nationals and their families with a lawful means to obtain permanent residence in Panama. This option allows investors to settle in the country while taking advantage of operational and tax incentives available in these economic areas, which authorities created with the specific purpose of promoting international trade.
Application for Permanent Residence
To obtain the visa by investment in export processing zones, applicants must meet specific administrative requirements and clearly demonstrate the invested capital. To avoid mistakes and delays, many candidates choose to receive specialized legal guidance, although individuals may complete the procedure on their own.
Panama Investor Visa requirements
- Demonstrate a minimum investment of 250,000 balboas (USD 250,000) from foreign sources in an authorized company located within an Export Processing Zone.
- Submit a notarized power of attorney together with the official application form.
- Provide three recent passport-size photographs.
- Present a certified copy of a valid passport.
- Submit a criminal background certificate.
- Provide a medical certificate that confirms good health.
- Submit a check for 250 balboas (USD 250) payable to the National Treasury.
- Submit a check for 800 balboas (USD 800) payable to the National Immigration Service.
- Present a certification issued by the competent authority that validates the contributed capital.
- Provide a bank letter that identifies the source of the funds used.
The immigration authority may request additional documentation for the visa by investment in export processing zones, depending on the particular characteristics of the applicant or the business initiative.
Additional Considerations
Before starting the immigration procedure, the applicant must verify that the investment takes place in a company that holds the proper authorization to operate within an Export Processing Zone. This entity may be an existing corporation or one formed by the investor, as long as it appears duly registered and holds approval from the competent authorities to operate in that area.
In addition, the invested capital must remain in place according to current regulations. A reduction, removal, or loss of the financial contribution may lead authorities to reassess the granted immigration status.
Start Your Application Today
If you wish to know more details or begin your application for the visa by investment in export processing zones in Panama, you may contact our team to receive personalized guidance. Our attorneys can help you assess whether this option fits your profile and explain the steps and requirements applicable to your case.
FAQs about the Visa by Investment in Export Processing Zones
Yes. The visa by investment in export processing zones allows the spouse and children to join the application, provided that they meet immigration conditions. Each dependent must submit personal documentation, and their status will link to the main applicant.
Yes. This immigration program grants permanent residence, as long as the conditions under which authorities approved it remain in place.
Yes, although with certain limitations. The holder may perform duties that directly relate to the company that received the financial contribution. In most cases, it does not allow employment for third parties without an additional permit.
Because it grants permanent residence, it does not have a specific expiration date. However, the status depends on continuous compliance with legal requirements.
If the capital no longer meets the parameters required by law, the National Immigration Service may review the granted immigration condition. In such situations, it remains advisable to review any change with legal guidance before making decisions remains advisable.