Panama
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Panama for a while?
We asked expats what residency documents or visas they need when settling in Panama. They wrote...
"If you plan to stay in Panama for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a residency visa, also known as a visa de residencia. You must first fulfill certain requirements such as having proof of sufficient economic resources, a police record, and a current passport. You can apply for the visa in your home country before travelling to Panama, or at any Panamanian consulate abroad. Alternatively, you can apply for the visa upon entering Panama at any Immigration offices, through the National Migration Network or at the Immigration office at Tocumen International Airport," said another expat in Panama.
"We needed a number of documents, all apostilled, which I had never even heard of apostilled before. All that means is notarized and presented to the correct authority to certify the notary is valid and current. We needed an FBI report which was the most difficult to obtain. I highly recommend using an expediter. Well worth the extra $$ to get it back in a couple of weeks instead of months. The rest was easy. Copies of bank statements, marriage certificate, letter proving monthly income for life (social security or pension as we got residency through the pensionado program). Everything notarized and apostilled," wrote a member who made the move to Nueva Gorgona, Panama.
Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaConnect
Kovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
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Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in PanamaKovalenko & Vera is a Panamanian law firm that specializes in immigration law, corporate law, real estate law, banking, contract negotiation, taxes and flag registry. With more than 20 years of professional practice, Kovalenko & Vera builds lasting relationships with our clients to ensure your interests are safeguarded.
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What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Panama for a while?
If you live in Panama, newcomers to Panama would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and serves as Co-President of Expat Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
