Friendly Nations Visa

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any foreigners interested in living in Panama long term have been looking for a way to obtain their Permanent Residency status and make Bocas del Toro their new home.

The Friendly Nations Visa program came into existence when the Panamanian Government passed a new migration law in June of 2012, creating a new sub-category of permanent residency for foreigners of specific countries that maintain a personal, professional or investment type relationship with the Republic of Panama, allowing citizens from 50 different nationalities to obtain “Permanent Residency” in Panama (check out the qualifying countries here).

Now these Foreigners will be able to apply and obtain Permanent Residency Permits providing that they can prove that they will continue to exercise professional or economic activities within the territory of Panama. Their spouses, children and or dependents are also eligible for permanent residency under this Law.

How to obtain the Friendly Nations Visa

These are the general requirements mentioned in Article 28 of the Law Decree No. 3 of February 22nd, 2010 in which all foreign applicants must comply with:

1. Notarized copy of Passport (all pages of the passport, including cover, validity min 6 months).

2. A second identification card, which could be a copy of the applicant’s driver’s license or a government-issued photo Identification Card.

3. Original Police Record. If the applicant is a US citizen, then a Background Check from FBI (Finger Prints) is required, if the application is from any other nationality then a Police Check Report from the Local Police is enough.

Note: This Document needs to be Authenticated through an Apostille of the Hague Convention from October 1961

4. Certificate of Good Health, issued by a licensed Panamanian hospital or clinic, signed by a licensed doctor who indicates that the applicant (and dependents – if applicable) is/are in good mental and physical condition.

5. Proof of payment of Repatriation deposit ($ 800.00) and payment to the National Treasury ($250.00) for each application.

6. A Personal Sworn Affidavit explaining the purpose for seeking permanent residency and attesting to the applicant’s ability to provide for family and dependents. We provide the form for this affidavit and we will assist you to complete.

If you need professional advice on the Friendly Nations Visa as part of your plan to settle in Bocas del Toro, get in touch now for a free case analysis!

Or either book an appointment here.