The Panama Friendly Nations Visa is one of the most sought-after programs for those who wish to have permanent residency in Panama. A good number of foreign nationals interested in how to obtain a friendly nations visa are looking for ways through which they can achieve this dream due to the fact that the Panama Friendly Nations Visa Program provides them with the opportunity of gaining residency, doing business, and even citizenship. This, according to the Panama Legal Center – Friendly Nations Visa Guide, can be achieved by employment, investing in property, or a bank deposit.
Friendly Nations Visa Program in Panama
The Friendly Nations Visa Program is a residency scheme that can be obtained by citizens of some selected nations approved by the Panamanian government. Under the Friendly Nations Visa scheme, provisional residency is granted initially to the applicant who thereafter applies for permanent residency in Panama. After being a permanent resident in Panama, one becomes qualified to apply for Panamanian citizenship and a Panamanian passport.
One of the most advantageous aspects of the Friendly Nations Visa Program is that one is not supposed to stay permanently in Panama. Many citizens of other nations conduct business outside Panama while retaining their residency in Panama.
Who is eligible for the Friendly Nations Visa?
The Friendly Nations Visa is open to citizens from certain nations that have been approved by the Panama immigration authorities. These nations are:
- United States
- Canada
- United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Italy
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Japan
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Singapore
- And many more.
However, being a citizen alone is not sufficient. In addition, one must prove having qualifying economic or professional connections with Panama according to Panama immigration laws.
Friendly Nations Visa Requirements
According to the existing immigration requirements in Panama, applicants will be required to show economic linkages with Panama by using any of the following approved methods. Based on the Panama Legal Center – Friendly Nations Visa Guide, applicants will qualify based on:
- Employment with a Panamanian company
- Real estate investments in Panama
- Fixed-term deposits in a Panamanian bank
- Required Documents
Applicants will require:
- Valid passport
- Passport photographs
- Apostilled police clearance certificate
- Documents showing economic linkages
- Panama Medical Certificate
- Immigration forms
- Financially solvent documents
- Dependent documents were necessary
Foreign documents should be apostilled or certified.
Process Steps
1. Hire a Panama Immigration Lawyer
Applicants must hire a licensed Panamanian attorney to file the residency visa application according to Panama Law.
2. Prepare Required Documents
Applicants must prepare all personal, legal, and financial documents for application purposes.
3. Prove Economic Connections
Applicants must prove economic connections to Panama through employment, real estate investment, or bank deposit.
4. File the Application
The immigration lawyer files the residency application at Panama Immigration.
5. Receive Provisional Residency
Applicants will get provisional residency status during application processing.
6. Apply for Permanent Residency
Applicants can apply for permanent residency after the provisional period expires.
Visto Bueno Approval for Americans
As per the Panama Legal Center – Visto Bueno Approval for Americans, Panama immigration requires a clean FBI background check for applicants when applying for residency. However, many American applicants have previous arrests, DUIs, misdemeanors, or dismissed cases reflected on their FBI report.
What Is Visto Bueno?
Visto Bueno is an individual case review by Panama immigration for applicants who have criminal “dings” or any previous violations on their FBI report.
Final Words
The Panama Friendly Nations Visa continues to be one of the most attractive choices for foreigners seeking residence in Panama. Since Panama requires individuals applying for the visa to deal with a licensed immigration attorney, engaging the services of competent immigration attorneys in Panama is crucial in this case.
