Panama Friendly Nations Visa

No. Panamanian law requires an apostilled / authenticated marriage certificate to be able to apply together. However, you can each file separate applications.

According to Panamanian Law, the multiple entry visa is required whenever a foreigner begins a process to obtain Panamanian residency, and the foreigner travels outside of Panama BEFORE the National Immigration Service provides a resolution to the application.

If the foreigner resides in Panama until the National Immigration Service provides a resolution, then no Multiple Entry Visa is required. However, the foreigner can only have tourist status during that time, and should not work in Panama.

It is also important to consider that a Tourist Visa can expire before the National Immigration Service provides a resolution. In such case, it is possible to request an extension of the Tourist Visa for another term, usually of 30 – 90 days.

The Criminal background check is valid for up to six months, unless the document itself specifically states otherwise. However, this document can also be voided if the foreigner visits Panama and leaves without applying for Residency.

The Health Certificate issued in Panama is valid for ninety days. Bank reference letters are valid for thirty days. Other documents, such as marriage certificate and retirement letters are valid for one year, unless the document states otherwise.

In Panama, the process to obtain a Work Permit is separate from the process to obtain Residency. The Ministry of Labor (Ministerio de Trabajo – MITRADEL) is responsible to answer applications for a Work Permit. This government branch is different and independent from the National Immigration Service.

It may take 1 to 2 months to obtain a work permit.

Permanent Residency can be suspended if you are absent from the country for 2 years or more. Other reasons to have Permanent Residency suspended include to be found guilty of a criminal offense.

The e-cedula is an optional form of ID available to Panamanian Permanent Residents. It is not a mandatory document, but it is highly recommended to have it. Although the Panama Immigration Office issues a Permanent Residency Card to approved applicants, this card requires holders to carry a passport when doing legal transactions (at all times), while with the e-Cedula solely it is sufficient. (will removes the need to carry the PR card and a passport) . Besides, the e-Cedula has a unique identification number and is similar in style to the ID carried by Panamanians.

Yes, those who obtain Panamanian Permanent Residency with the Friendly Nations Visa program are eligible to apply for Panamanian Citizenship after 5 years of Permanent Resident status. The 5-year requirement may become 3 years if you are married to a Panamanian, or if you have children born in Panama. The 5-year requirement can also be reduced in other circumstances. Unlike Permanent Residency, the Citizenship process involves many government offices, and an application can take anywhere from 2 to 5 years to be approved.

Yes. Those who obtain Panamanian Permanent Residency with the Friendly Nations Visa program, who are over 18 years of age, and who bring a Driver’s License from their country of origin, can obtain a Panamanian Driver’s License. The process to obtain the driver’s license is simple, but requires a few steps:

Step 1 – The foreign driver’s license must be authenticated at the consulate of the issuing nation, and then this authentication must be certified at the Panamanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in Panama City.

Step 2 – The permanent resident must obtain a blood-type test from a laboratory authorized by the Autoridad del Transito y Transporte Terrestre (ATTT). This test must include the full name, identity card or passport number, a stamp, and the signature of the doctor. This blood-type test is NOT required if the foreign driver’s license (from Step 1) clearly indicates the blood type.

Step 3 – The permanent resident must visit a SERTRACEN office, and bring the certified copy of the foreign driver’s license (from step 1), the blood-type test (from Step 2), original and copy of permanent residency card, and original and a copy of passport. The application costs $40 and includes visual and auditory tests. If all tests are completed successfully, the applicant receives the Panamanian Driver’s license on the spot.

If older than 70 years of age, the permanent resident must visit a psychologist or geriatric doctor before receiving a driver´s license.

All main applicants must be 18 years of age or more. There is no maximum age to apply. Dependent children must be younger than 18 years old, with the exception that dependent children between 18 and 25 years old can be included in the application as long as they are not married and they are enrolled full time in a Panamanian educational program such as high school or college.

A local tax id can be obtained with the Tax Office (DGI), for any permanent resident, or foreigners with more than 183 days in the country, or foreigners selling real estate acquired in the country.

Once residency is obtained, the Corporation can be dissolved if no longer required for business or asset holdings. The dissolution can be processed within 1 week, by recording a Deed of dissolution into the Public Registry, and publishing a notice for 1 day in a local newspaper.