I have temporary residency in the United Kingdom, which is considered a Friendly Nation under the Panama investor visa program. However, I am not a U.K. citizen. I am a citizen of a country that is not a Friendly Nation under the Panama program. Can I use my U.K. residency to become a new resident of Panama, or will only my country of birth apply to me?
Answers
Unfortunately, in order to apply under the Friendly Nations residency program, the applicant must be a citizen of the country, either by being born there or by acquiring such citizenship under its laws.
Only citizens of the countries listed in the program can apply for the Friendly Nations visa, which is a residency created in 2012 by the government of Panama and grants permanent status in a period totaling six months. For any residency application, though, the passport is required and it is what determines the applicant's nationality.
In order to apply to the Friendly Nation visa you must be a citizen of a country listed as a Friendly Nation under the program. Having residency is not enough.