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Panama Friendly Nations Visa

Panama Friendly Nations Visa is a unique program initiated by Panama’s government to boost immigration from certain ‘friendly nations’. This program focuses on attracting foreign investors, professionals, and workers from the designated countries, driving Panama’s economic growth and progress.



Individuals from eligible countries can apply for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa, providing them with the opportunity to live and work in Panama. Among the necessary requirements are proof of economic solvency, a clean police record, and a proposed economic or professional activity to be undertaken in Panama.

In essence, the Panama Friendly Nations Visa program is a gateway for individuals from friendly nations to establish a life in Panama. Offering temporary residency, it ultimately opens the path towards permanent residency, thus enabling immigrants to contribute to Panama’s thriving economy while enjoying the country’s rich lifestyle and culture

All about friendly nations visa

Program TypeFriendly Nations Visa Panama
Time for citizenshipUp to 5 Years
Time to Permanent Residency2 years
Minimal InvestmentUS$160,000
Requirement for Physical PresenceNot specified
Timeframe for Application Processing1-2 Months
Visa-free Travel with Granted CitizenshipYes, to 120+ countries
Investment OptionsReal estate, business, etc.

How Long you can stay

The National Migration Service can grant a provisional residency permit, valid for two years, under Panama Friendly Nations Visa program. This program targets individuals from select nations that maintain friendly, professional, and economic relations with the Republic of Panama. The goal is to attract individuals looking to engage in professional or economic activities under the auspices of the Panama Friendly Nations Visa, thus fostering mutual growth and development.

When to Apply and how long it takes

Beginning the process for the panama friendly nations visa is possible 60 days before meeting the mandatory residence period in Panama. Normally, these procedures are anticipated to span 1-2 months. Regardless of your location, either in or outside Panama, you can kick-start your application as long as you appoint a legal representative to coordinate with Panama’s Immigration Services Ministry.

Friendly Nations Visa Cost

As part of the Panama friendly nations visa program, certain government fees are applicable. This includes a bank-certified cheque of B/.250.00, earmarked for the National Treasury of Panama.

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

The Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa extends its benefits to individuals from various countries that share strong, friendly ties with Panama. Below is the comprehensive list of these nations:

GermanyAustraliaGreeceMaltaPortugal
AndorraCosta RicaHong KongSan MarinoUnited Kingdom
ArgentinaCroatiaHungaryMexicoCzech Republic
AustriaDenmarkIrelandMonacoSerbia
BelgiumSlovakiaIsraelMontenegroSingapore
BrazilSpainJapanNorwaySouth Africa
CanadaUSALatviaNew ZealandSweden
ChileEstoniaLiechtensteinNetherlandsSwitzerland
CyprusFinlandLithuaniaParaguayTaiwan
South KoreaFranceLuxembourgPolandUruguay

friendly nations visa panama requirements

Under Panama Friendly Nations Visa program, the National Migration Service of Panama can offer a Provisional Residence Permit, valid for two years. This is available to individuals from certain nations with strong, beneficial relationships with Panama, who wish to undertake professional or economic activities in the country.

  1. Notarized Power of Attorney and Application, which must include the name and nationality of the applicant’s parents.
  2. Three (3) photographs.
  3. A properly compared copy of the passport (notarized or corresponding authenticated).
  4. Certificate of Criminal Records.
  5. Health Certificate.
  6. Certified Check for B/.250.00 in favor of the National Treasury.
  7. Certified Check for B/.800.00 in favor of the National Migration Service.
  8. Affidavit of Personal Background Form.

For work reasons:

  1. A work letter on company letterhead, signed by the company’s legal representative, indicating position and salary and repatriation (Notarized).
  2. Certificate of Public Registry of Panama of the employing company.
  3. Copy of the Operation Notice of the employing company.
  4. Copy of the power and application for the permit presented to MITRADEL signed by the legal representative and applicant.

For reasons of investment in real estate:

  1. Certificate of Public Registry of Panama proving property ownership with a minimum value of 200,000.00. The property acquisition operation may be financed through a local bank.

For reasons of fixed term deposit:

  1. Certificate from a general license bank operating in the national territory stating the existence of the fixed term deposit for an amount of 200,000.00.

For dependents:

  1. A Letter of responsibility from the resident or national.
  2. Proof of relationship, marriage certificate for spouse, or birth certificate for children.
  3. For applicants between 18 and 25 years of age: Certification from an educational institution providing full-time regular student status and a sworn declaration of being single.
  4. 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.

References

Constitution of the Republic of Panama, Executive Decree 226 of July 20, 2021, Decree Law 3 of February 22, 2008, regulated by Executive Decree 320 of August 8, 2008. Law 5 of 2007. Law 38 of 2000.

FAQs

Which countries are considered Panama friendly nations?

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.

panama friendly nations list

Here’s a list of countries whose citizens may be eligible for Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa: Germany, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, South Korea, Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark, Slovakia, Spain, United States of America, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, San Marino, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Serbia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, and Uruguay.

How much does permanent residency in Panama cost?

The cost of obtaining permanent residency via Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa varies. The necessary expenses encompass government fees, legal services, and other associated costs. For the Panama Italy Treaty Visa, for example, a bank-certified check of B/.250.00 is required for the National Treasury of Panama.

How long can I be absent from Panama without losing my residency?

The maximum duration a holder of Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa can stay outside Panama without jeopardizing their permanent residency status is subject to specific rules and regulations. For precise details, a consultation with Panama’s Immigration Services Ministry or a qualified immigration lawyer is advised.

How can I procure the necessary documentation in Panama?

To secure the needed paperwork for Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa, a comprehensive understanding of Panamanian immigration procedures is essential. Therefore, it’s advisable to engage the services of a seasoned immigration lawyer or a knowledgeable consultant to aid in the application process.

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