I want to apply for a reforestation visa in Panama. I understand that I will get a resident permit through this. When can I become a citizen of Panama? Can I apply for the U.S. E-2 visa after I become a citizen of Panama?
Answers
Indeed, you may achieve the status of permanent resident through the reforestation investment residency program after the first two years of the investment. You may apply for citizenship five years after becoming a permanent resident. As far as we understand, you may apply for any U.S. visa once you’ve become a resident. However, this is left completely at the discretion of U.S. authorities.
The E-2 visa is a USA non-resident program, which has to be processed with a U.S. immigration attorney. By Panama´s RBI program, permanent residency is granted after three years, and citizenship can be requested after five years from being granted permanent residency. Once a Panamanian citizen, the applicant can opt to apply for the E-2 visa in the USA.
The reforestation visa is a resident by investment visa. The process of becoming a citizen of Panama depends on your current citizenship, however, it is a process that can take several years.