Are you a foreigner, and would like to improve your quality of life in Panama?

You're lucky! Thanks to the relations between the States, Panama has had a special interest in giving preferential treatment to the citizens of some countries with which it maintains friendly, professional, economic, and investment relations

The Friendly Nations Residence Permit is one of the most popular in Panama. The entry and its process can be straightforward. Let's review which of these alternative reasons will guarantee your passport entry:

A. Work reasons
B. Investment in real estate
C. Fixed Term Deposit

If you opt for the Provisional Residence Permit as Foreign Nationals of Specific Countries sit will be granted to you for two (2) years. After two (2) years, you can apply for the Permanent Resident Permit.

Request more information about how to apply for this permit

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FAQ about the Friendly Nations Visa in Panama

Cost of the provisional residence permit under the category of friendly nations

The price for the application of the Provisional Residency Permit under the Friendly Countries category is composed of the following: expenses (including notarial fees, certifications, processing and residency ID card, multiple visa, mobilization and transactional costs, etc.) and legal fees.

The total cost amounts to US$ 2,257.00. The breakdown of the price is as follows:

Expenses:
Total expense cost for the applicant without dependents is US$ 657.00. Breakdown below:

- Expenses at the National Immigration Service: US$ 299.00
- Transactional expenses: US$ 60.00
- Ministry of Labor expenses (Work Permit): US$ 298.00

Legal Fees:
Total legal fees cost for the applicant without dependents is US$ 1,600.00.

- Residency Permit: US$ 1,200.00 for applicant without dependents

- Work Permit: US$ 400.00 for applicant without dependents

The total cost does not include the payment of:

- Certified check payable to the National Treasury, per applicant and dependent: US$ 250.00
- Certified check payable to the National Immigration Service, per applicant and dependent: US$ 800.00

NOTE: The check payable to the National Immigration Service (US$ 800.00) shall not be paid if the dependents are under 12 years of age. From age 12 onward, it must be paid.

NOTE: The amount to be paid for visa processing varies depending on whether the applicant has dependents, as each dependent incurs their own expenses. We proceed to calculate the costs using our fee calculator, which takes into consideration the dependents’ ages, family relationship, and other factors.

Requirements to apply for the provisional resident permit as a citizen of friendly nations

The requirements to apply for the Friendly Countries Visa in Panama are as follows:

  1. Power of Attorney and Application Form. Both documents must be notarized and countersigned by a licensed Panamanian attorney.
  2. Three (3) passport-size photographs of the applicant.
  3. Copy of the applicant’s passport (collated before a Panamanian notary or responsible authority).
  4. Criminal Record Certificate from the applicant’s country of origin. It must be no more than 3 months old at the time the documents are submitted.

  5. Health Certificate (we can assist in obtaining it).

  6. Certified Check for B/250.00 payable to the National Treasury.
  7. Certified Check for B/800.00 payable to the National Immigration Service.
  8. Sworn Affidavit of Personal Background (we provide information on this form).
  9. Document proving the purpose of establishing residency in the country. In this case, the documents will depend on the economic activity to be carried out by the applicant:
    1. If the applicant is an entrepreneur, they must attach a written statement indicating the economic activity they are engaged in, as well as documentation proving that they are a member of the management team or Board of Directors of the company for which they work or provide services. If they are a shareholder of a company, this must be demonstrated by means of a certification from the public registry of the country where the company was incorporated. Additionally, said company must have an Operating Notice in the Republic of Panama. The regulations also require requesting a Work Permit for the applicant from the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (MITRADEL).
    2. If the applicant will engage in a strictly professional activity, they must provide evidence of the employment contract, as well as proof that the hiring company is registered with the Panamanian Social Security system and that it holds a Social Security card and a Work Permit in Panama. In other words, the purpose of this declaration is to provide documents supporting the applicant’s income to live or support themselves in the country.
  10. Copy of the applicant’s ID document or national identity card.
  11. Bank certification or bank statement from the last month reflecting a balance of no less than a mid-four-figure amount, or other proof of income acceptable to the National Immigration Service.
  12. Proof of address (water, electricity, or telephone bill, or the applicant’s hotel accommodation receipt).

What are the 50 friendly nations of panama?

The Friendly Countries or Friendly Nations of Panama are those nations that, according to immigration legislation, maintain friendly, professional, economic, and investment relations in the Republic of Panama. This list is updated in response to the modification introduced by Executive Decree No. 226 of July 20, 2021; for more information, click on the following link Friendly Nations of Panama:

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Federal Republic of Germany Argentine Republic Confederation of Australia
Republic of Korea Republic of Austria Federative Republic of Brazil Kingdom of Belgium
Canada Kingdom of Spain United States of America Slovak Republic
French Republic Republic of Finland Kingdom of the Netherlands Republic of Ireland
State of Japan Kingdom of Norway Czech Republic Swiss Confederation
Republic of Singapore Oriental Republic of Uruguay Republic of Chile Kingdom of Sweden
Republic of Poland Hungary Hellenic Republic (Greece) Portuguese Republic
Republic of Croatia Republic of Estonia Republic of Lithuania Republic of Latvia
Republic of Cyprus Republic of Malta Republic of Serbia Montenegro
State of Israel Kingdom of Denmark Republic of South Africa New Zealand
Hong Kong Special Administrative
Region of the People's Republic of China Grand Duchy of Luxembourg Principality of Liechtenstein Principality of Monaco
Principality of Andorra Most Serene Republic of San Marino Republic of Costa Rica Republic of Paraguay
United Mexican States Republic of Peru

How to obtain a multiple visa in panama?

Any foreigner can apply for a Multiple Visa in Panama. This visa is requested before the National Immigration Service in Panama once the corresponding Residence Permit has been requested

Almost immediately, the applicant can take a photo of the Multiple Visa card. The visa will be delivered a few days after the photo is taken.

To apply for the Multiple Visa the following is required:

  • Applicants’ original passport.
  • Copy of the processing ID issued by the National Immigration Service.
  • Copy of the document where the National Immigration Service certifies the receipt of the application for the Residence Permit.

What is a multiple-entry visa?

A Multiple Entry and Exit Visa is granted to a holder and applicant of a Visa or Residence Permit before their entry and exit, allowing them to enter and leave Panama without any type of restriction during its validity. This type of visa is essential since leaving Panama without this stamped visa will cause you a fine of US$ 2,000.00. 

Guaranteed Final Price

$2.257

No hidden fees or unexpected charges

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  • Attorney Fees
  • Repatriation Checks
  • Notarial Fees
  • Immigration Processing