The Panama Friendly Nations Visa is a unique program initiated by the Panamanian government to boost immigration from certain “friendly nations”.This program focuses on attracting foreign investors, professionals, and workers from designated countries, boosting Panama’s economic growth and progress.
Applicants for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa initially receive a temporary residence valid for 2 yearsThis application must be accompanied by proof of continued compliance with the requirements for eligibility for permanent residence. This visa application covers the principal applicant and allows for the inclusion of optional dependents, such as a spouse, parents, and children up to age 25.
People from eligible countries can apply for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa, which gives them the opportunity to live and work in Panama. Requirements include proof of financial solvency, a clean criminal record, and economic or professional ties to Panama.
All about friendly nations visa
| Program Type | Friendly Nations Visa Panama |
| Time for citizenship | Up to 5 Years |
| Time to Permanent Residency | 2 years |
| Minimal Investment | US$200,000 |
| Requirement for Physical Presence | Not specified |
| Timeframe for Application Processing | 1-2 Months |
| Visa-free Travel with Granted Citizenship | Yes, to 120+ countries |
| Investment Options | Real estate, business, etc. |
Get Residence in Panama
Apply for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa
The visa application must be submitted upon arrival in the country. The initial status you will receive upon applying for a friendly nation visa will be temporary residency for six months.
How long does it usually take for the immigration authority to process your application and grant temporary residency for 2 years?
Friendly Nations Visa Cost
AAs part of Panama’s Friendly Nations Investment Visa Program, certain government fees apply. These include:
- Certified bank check for B/.250.00, made payable to the National Treasury of Panama.
- Certified Check for B/.800.00 in favor of the National Migration Service.
In addition to government fees, applicants should also consider mandatory legal and notarial costs required by the Panamanian authorities. Consult with a legal advisor for a complete cost assessment.Disclaimer: Besides government fees, applicants must also consider mandatory legal and notary costs required by Panamanian authorities. Consult a legal advisor for a full cost assessment.
Panama friendly nations visa countries
Quickly find out if your country is on the list of 50 nations that qualify for Panama’s special visa program. Simply select your country and see if you can apply!
Friendly nations visa panama requirements
Under the Panama Friendly Nations Visa Program, the Panamanian National Migration Service can offer a Temporary Residence Permit, valid for two years. This is available to individuals from certain nations with strong and beneficial relations with Panama who wish to pursue professional or economic activities in the country.
- Notarial Power of Attorney and Application, which must include the name and nationality of the applicant’s parents.
- Six (6photographs.
- A duly certified copy of the passport (notarized or authenticated accordingly).
- Criminal Record Certificate from your country of origin, duly apostilled or authenticated by the Panamanian embassy in your country
- Health Certificate.
- Certified Check for B/.250.00 in favor of the National Treasury.
- Certified Check for B/.800.00 in favor of National Migration Service.
- Personal Background Affidavit Form.
For work reasons:
- Employment letter on company letterhead (notarized).
- Certificate of Public Registry of Panama of the employing company.
- Copy of the Employer’s Business Operating Notice (Notarized).
- Copy of the power of attorney and permit application submitted to MITRADEL, signed by the legal representative and the applicant.
For reasons of investment in real estate:
- Certificate from the Public Registry of Panama proving ownership of a property with a minimum value of 200,000.00. The acquisition of the property can be financed through a local bank.
For reasons of fixed term deposit:
- Certificate from a general license bank operating in the national territory stating the existence of a fixed term deposit for an amount of 200,000.00, for at least three (3) years.
For dependents:
- Letter of responsibility from the resident or national.
- Proof of kinship, marriage certificate for the spouse or birth certificate for the children.
- For applicants between 18 and 25 years of age: Certification from an educational institution that accredits the status of regular full-time student and a sworn statement of single status.
- Proof of the resident’s financial solvency.
- Copy of the income tax return, with its peace and save and it must comply with the minimum income of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) per month plus one hundred balboas (B/.100.00), additional for each dependent.
- Updated work letter with its respective payroll or Social Security Fund card and copy of the work permit.
The Process / Timeline
If you go with the first one the steps will be
- Start a business
- Register with the Social Security of Panama
- Register the company with the Panamanian Social Security Administration
- Open a personal bank account and then a business bank account.
To establish a company in Panama, you need 3 people to be part of the company’s board of directors.
To open a bank account, at least two people listed in the directory must be residents, as banks have restrictions for tourists. If you don’t have this person listed, you can contact us and we will help you.
You can get a driver’s license with just your first ID. You must go to the Canadian embassy with this ID and obtain a driver’s license application package.
The visa application must be submitted upon arrival in the country. The initial status you will receive upon applying for a friendly nation visa will be temporary residency for six months.
How long does it usually take for the immigration authority to process your application and grant you temporary residency for 2 years?
From the moment you have your documents ready and the company is registered in the Public Registry, we need 7 to 8 days to obtain your first ID.
For any questions, please feel free to contact us.
FAQ
Panama Friendly Nations Visa scheme covers a select list of countries with which Panama maintains strong diplomatic and economic bonds. Citizens from these countries are welcomed to apply for the visa, provided they can demonstrate financial stability, a clean criminal record, and a viable plan for economic or professional activity in Panama.
Here’s a list of countries whose citizens may be eligible for Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa: United States, Canada, Italy… see more.
The cost of permanent residency in Panama varies depending on the visa option chosen. For example, the Visa de Países Amigos can start from $5000 and upwards, considering legal fees and government expenses.
If you hold a Friendly Nations visa in Panama, you can be absent from the country for up to 2 years without losing your residency. However, if you’re unable to return within that time frame, you’ll need to start the process anew.
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