Considering your citizenship, is convenient to process a permanent residency visa known as “País Amigo” (Friendly Country). This is a system of permanent immigrant visas, established by the Panamanian government, for citizens or nationals of specific countries. You must establish professional or economic relationship with Panama. This visa category is more flexible than other immigration categories. For your reference, in addition to the passport, you must present the following documents: a criminal history background check. The Panama immigration department requires the applicant to provide an authenticated criminal history report issued by a federal, central or national police force or criminal investigation authority. This document must be apostilled. The criminal history background check has a validity term of 6 months from its issuance date. You need a copy of a second I.D. (other than passport) such as a driver’s license or government-issued photo I.D. This requirement is in addition to the passport to prove residency and citizenship. If you do not possess a second ID from your country of origin you can provide a birth certificate that is apostilled. You need proof of solvency, such as proof from a Panama bank that you have at least $5,000 U.S. dollars deposited. You need documents showing the economic or professional activities to be conducted in Panama. This can be proved by providing documentation that you are a member of the board of directors or shareholder of a Panamanian corporation. This corporation need to be active in business or with a labor contract and the corporate documents of the employeer. You will also need: six photos; proof of address (rent agreement or equivalent in Panama); and a health certificate issued by a Panamanian doctor. The process would take three months approximately and starts at the time that the documentation is completed. You must be in Panama when filing the visa application, for at least 10 business days, plus the time that we’ll take you open the bank account. As soon as the application is submitted, you will be granted with a temporary identification, therefore you can remain legal in Panama, until the entire process is done.
