Panama immigration focuses on foreigners who wish to take up permanent residence in Panama. Immigration in Panama is to be done by a Panamanian lawyer or a Panamanian law firm. Migration to Panama is guided by Panama immigration laws and regulations.
Immigrant visas are issued for a period of one year for provisional residency in Panama. On the expiry of the provisional permit an immigrant is issued a 'cedula' or identity card. The 'cedula' is issued by the Civil Registry of Panama or the Electoral Tribunal. A 'cedula' holder enjoys more benefits than an ordinary immigrant.
Panama immigration can have different classifications, viz.: Immigrant with Work Permit, Agricultural immigrant, Immigrant investor, Immigrant investor in Small Enterprise, Immigrant with personal income, Immigrants to City of Knowledge, Immigrant married to a Panamanian, and Immigrant dependent on a Panamanian resident.
Immigrant with Work Permit
Based on the work permit an immigrant has to apply for an immigrant visa to the Ministry of Labor in Panama. On receiving the application the immigrant will be issued a temporary permit with three months validity. After the expiry of three months another temporary permit is issued for an additional three months, if the application remains unapproved. On approval of the application, the immigrant is provided with an immigration card with one year validity based on the work permit.
After one year an immigrant needs to apply for Permanent Residency. The right to 'cedula' automatically comes with permanent residency. It is also possible to obtain permanent residency in Panama if an immigrant works consecutively for 10 years with a valid immigrant visa.
Immigrant with personal income
- In this category an immigrant can become a permanent resident in either of the three following ways:
- Invest at least US $ 200,000 for a minimum period of two years in a Panama bank
- Invest a minimum of US $ 200,000 in Panama real estate. The real estate must be in the immigrants name.
- A minimum deposit of US $120,000 for at least 2 years in a Panama bank and an investment of US $ 80,000 in a property in Panama.
In addition to either of the above, an applicant needs to furnish details of his financial strength to support himself and his/her dependents for a period of at least two years.
Panama immigration details are available at the closest Panamanian Embassy or Consulate.
