Immigration Services

Migration to Panama

Panama stands out as an attractive destination for foreigners due to its tax benefits, quality of life, and investment opportunities.

At Legalia Panama, we offer a wide range of services to facilitate your immigration and naturalization process in Panama, ensuring a smooth and efficient transition.

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Types of Panama Visa or Residence Permit

Permanent Resident Visas

For economic reasons:

The Panama Forest Investor Visa is a permit for foreigners who invest in reforestation projects, granting permanent residency.

It is a residence permit for foreigners who make significant investments in large companies in the country. This visa is designed to attract substantial investments and encourage economic development.

It is a residence permit for foreigners who make a significant investment in the country, usually in real estate, bank deposits, or Panamanian stock securities.

The Panama Economic Solvency Visa is a residence permit for foreigners who demonstrate that they have a stable and sufficient income to support themselves without the need to work in the country. It is aimed at people with their own financial resources, such as retirees, rentiers or passive investors.

By Special Policies:

This residence permit is aimed at foreigners who wish to retire in Panama and can demonstrate stable income from abroad. It requires a fixed-term deposit in a Panamanian bank that generates monthly interest of at least $850, thus guaranteeing your livelihood without the need to work in the country.

Designed for foreign retirees and pensioners, this program grants permanent residency to those who receive a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 per month from a government or private entity. It offers multiple benefits and discounts on services and activities within Panama.

This permit is aimed at investors who contribute capital in the Panama Pacific Area, a special economic zone with tax and labor incentives. It requires a minimum investment established by the authorities to promote business development in the region.

It allows companies in the Panama Pacific Area to hire foreign workers up to 10% of their ordinary staff. It facilitates the incorporation of international talent in specific projects within this special economic zone.

Intended for those who invest in special zones dedicated to the production of goods for export. It requires a set minimum investment and offers benefits such as tax and customs exemptions to encourage international trade from Panama.

This permit is for investors who establish call centers oriented to the international market. Minimal investment and local job creation are required, taking advantage of government incentives for the service sector.

Aimed at investors who contribute to the development of cinema and audiovisual production in Panama. It requires investment in film projects or related infrastructure, benefiting from government incentives and support for the cultural sector.

For demographic reasons Family reunification:

This permanent residence permit is aimed at foreigners married to Panamanian citizens. It requires proving the legal validity of the marriage and actual cohabitation. It allows the foreign spouse to reside and work in Panama, facilitating family unity and integration into the country.

This program allows immediate family members (spouses, minor children, or dependents) of permanent residents in Panama to obtain residency. It is necessary to prove the family relationship and economic dependence, promoting family reunification and stability in Panamanian territory.

Aimed at foreigners who are parents of Panamanian children. It grants permanent residence by proving filiation and assuming parental responsibilities. This permit seeks to guarantee the well-being of the minor and maintain the family unit, allowing the foreign father or mother to reside and work legally in Panama.

By Special Laws:
Friendly Nations Visa

Foreign Nationals of Specific Countries who maintain Friendly, Professional, Economic and Investment Relations with the Republic of Panama – Known as the “Friendly Countries Program,” this permit grants permanent residency to citizens of countries with close ties to Panama. It requires the opening of a company or investment in real estate, thus promoting foreign investment and national economic development.

This permanent residence permit allows Italian citizens to reside and work in Panama under the benefits of a bilateral treaty. It facilitates the migration process and provides incentives to promote trade, investment, and cultural relations between the two countries.

This permit is intended for foreign professionals with university degrees or specialized technicians. It allows you to obtain temporary residence and practice professionally in Panama in fields not restricted to foreigners. It is necessary to validate the degree before the Panamanian educational authorities and comply with specific legal requirements.

This permit offers temporary residency to foreigners who are unable to return to their home countries due to armed conflict, natural disasters, or other risky situations. It provides humanitarian protection and access to certain basic rights for the duration of the situation that prevents their safe return.

Temporary Resident Visas

For work reasons:
Visa for Personnel of companies with less than 10 workers (Marrakech agreement)

This permit allows Panamanian companies with fewer than 10 employees to hire foreign personnel under the provisions of the Marrakesh Agreement. It facilitates the incorporation of foreign workers in specific sectors, promoting international trade and complying with the guidelines of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Companies in Panama with more than 10 employees can hire foreign workers, as long as they do not exceed 10% of their total ordinary staff. This permit allows foreign employees to work legally in the country, helping companies fill positions that require specific skills not available locally.

This permit is intended for foreign professionals with technical or specialized skills. Companies can hire up to 15% of their specialized staff with foreigners. It facilitates the incorporation of international experts, promoting knowledge transfer and strengthening key sectors in Panama.

Aimed at foreign executives hired by companies operating in the Colon Free Zone, one of the largest free zones in the world. This permit allows executives to reside and work in Panama, encouraging international trade and investment. It helps companies improve their operations by integrating global management talent into their teams.

For Investment Reasons:
Temporary Forestry Investor Visa

This permit is aimed at foreigners who invest in reforestation projects in Panama. The permit allows foreigners to invest a minimum of B/.80,000.00 in reforestation or forest plantation activities authorized by the Ministry of Environment. To include dependents, an additional investment of B/.2,000.00 is required for each one.

Intended for foreigners who invest in the Panamanian agricultural sector, this permit grants residency to those who contribute capital to approved agricultural projects. A minimum investment is required in activities such as agricultural production, livestock or agribusiness. The program seeks to boost agricultural growth, improve food security, and encourage rural development through foreign investment.

By Special Policies:
Panama Pacific Area Workers' Permit for Companies with less than 10 workers

This permit allows companies located in the Panama Pacific Area with less than 10 employees to hire foreign workers. It facilitates the incorporation of international talent in small companies, promoting economic development and competitiveness in this special area.

Aimed at foreigners in key positions within companies in Export Processing Zones. This permit allows executives, experts, and technicians to work legally, bringing specialized knowledge and strengthening export-focused operations.

This permit allows foreign executives of international companies to reside in Panama while performing functions that impact abroad. It facilitates international management from Panama, benefiting global companies and positioning the country as a strategic business center.

This permit is for foreign employees of regional headquarters of multinational companies established in Panama. It grants residency and authorization to work legally, encouraging the attraction of global corporations and consolidating Panama as a business and logistics hub in the region.

For Educational Reasons:
Student Visa

It allows foreigners to reside temporarily in Panama to study at educational institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education or Panamanian universities. The student must be enrolled in a full-time program and meet the immigration requirements, thus facilitating their academic training in the country.

Aimed at foreigners who carry out research activities or scientific projects in collaboration with Panamanian institutions. It requires an invitation or contract with a recognized entity in Panama. This permit facilitates temporary residence to contribute to the scientific and technological development of the country.

For religious reasons:
Visa for Religious Reasons

This permit allows members of recognized religious organizations to temporarily reside in Panama to carry out religious activities, missions, or pastoral work. It is necessary to present a certification from the religious entity and comply with the established immigration requirements, thus facilitating their spiritual work in the country.

For humanitarian reasons:
International Humanitarian Assistance Visa

Aimed at foreigners who require special protection due to situations such as natural disasters, armed conflicts or human rights violations in their countries of origin. This permit grants temporary residence, providing assistance and guaranteeing basic rights as long as the conditions that prevent their safe return persist.

For Family Reunification:
Family Reunification Visa

This permit allows foreigners to reunite with immediate family members who are legal residents or Panamanian citizens. It includes spouses, minor or dependent children, and parents of Panamanian citizens. It seeks to promote family unity, allowing legal residence in Panama and facilitating the social and economic integration of the family.

Do you need professional advice?

To learn more about our immigration or naturalization services in Panama, or to discuss your specific needs, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Non-Resident Visas

It allows visitors to enjoy short stays in Panama for tourism.

For temporary workers who perform temporary work in Panama.

For temporary workers who perform temporary work in Panama.

Aimed at crew members of vessels operating in Panamanian waters.

For artists and entertainment personnel who hold events in the country.

Naturalization

Becoming a Panamanian citizen offers multiple benefits, such as the right to vote, the possibility of holding public office, and access to a full range of services and rights that Panama offers its citizens.

  1. Submission of Documentation
  2. Applicant Interview
  3. Sending the File to the Electoral Tribunal
  4. Knowledge Exam
  5. Request for Approval
  6. Analysis of the File by the Ministry of Security
  7. Signature of the President of the Republic
  8. Formal Swearing-in Act
  9. Registration with the Electoral Tribunal
  • Certificate of Immigration Status
  • Authenticated Copy of Permanent Resident Card
  • Panamanian Type E Identification Certification
  • Proof of Economic Solvency
  • DGI Income Tax Return
  • Authenticated Passport Copy
  • Certificate of Good Health
  • Affidavit
  • Panama’s Police Record and Country of Origin

Migration Advisory and Consulting

  • Visa and Permit
    ProcessingWe take care of managing all types of visas and residence permits, ensuring compliance with all legal requirements.
  • Legal Representation in Immigration Proceedings
    We provide legal representation in all aspects of your immigration process, defending your rights and interests.
  • Advice on Immigration
    ComplianceWe offer guidance to comply with all immigration rules and regulations, avoiding legal inconveniences.
  • Migration Dispute
    ResolutionWe intervene in the resolution of any migratory conflict, providing quick and effective solutions.

Reasons to choose Legalia Panama

Experience and Professionalism:

We have a team of lawyers specialized in various areas of immigration law, with extensive experience in resolving complex cases.

Personalized Attention:

We provide legal advice tailored to the specific needs of each client, ensuring effective and timely solutions.

International Network:

We collaborate with a network of professionals in multiple jurisdictions, offering a comprehensive approach to migration issues.

Looking for Legal Advice?
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Looking for Legal Advice?
You will be redirected to Whatsapp
If you do not redirect we will contact you as soon as possible
Hello, thank you for contacting Legalia Panama
If you would like more information on any other topic, please fill out the form below and you will be redirected to whatsapp.