Friendly Nations Visa

The price for applying for a Provisional Residence Permit under the Friendly Countries category consists of the following expenses: (including notary fees, certifications, processing and residence card, multiple-entry visa, transportation and transaction fees, etc.) and legal fees.

The total cost is US$ 2,257.00. Below is a breakdown of the price:

Expenses:

The total cost for applicants without dependents is US$657.00. Breakdown below:

• National Immigration Service fees: US$299.00 (two hundred ninety-nine US dollars).

• Transaction fees: US$60.00 (sixty US dollars).

• Ministry of Labor fees (work permit): US$298.00 (two hundred ninety-eight US dollars).

Legal fees:

The total cost of legal fees for an applicant without dependents is US$ 1,600.00.

• Residence Permit: US$ 1,200.00 (one thousand two hundred US dollars) for applicants without dependents. 

• Work Permit: US$400.00 (four hundred US dollars) per applicant without dependents.

The total cost does not include the following payments:

• Check payable to the National Treasury directly per applicant and dependent: US$250.00 (two hundred and fifty US dollars).

• Check payable to the National Immigration Service per applicant and dependent: US$ 800.00 (eight hundred US dollars).

NOTE: Checks to the National Immigration Service (US$ 800.00) will not be paid if the dependents are under 12 years of age. From 12 years of age onwards, it will have to be paid.

NOTE: The amount to be paid for visa processing varies depending on whether the applicant has dependents, as each dependent has their own expenses to be included. We calculate the expenses using our expense calculator, which takes into account the ages of the dependents, their relationship to the applicant, among other things.

The requirements to apply for the Friendly Nations Visa in Panama may include the following, depending on the applicant’s profile and the applicable regulations: 

1. Power of Attorney and Application. Both documents must be notarized and endorsed by a qualified Panamanian lawyer.

2. Three (3) passport-size photographs of the applicant.

3. Copy of the applicant's passport (certified by a Panamanian notary or responsible authority).

4. Certificate of Criminal Record from the applicant's country of origin. It must not be more than 3 months old at the time the documents are submitted.

5. Health Certificate (we can help you obtain this).

6. Certified check for B/250.00 payable to the National Treasury.

7. Certified check for B/800.00 payable to the National Immigration Service.

8. Affidavit of Personal Background form (we provide information about this).

9. Document proving the purpose of establishing residence in Panama. The documentation will depend on the applicable route and on the economic, labor or investment activity supporting the application:

1. If the applicant for this permit is a business owner, they must attach a written statement indicating the economic activity in which they are engaged, as well as documentation proving that they are a member of the management team or the Board of Directors of the company for which they work or provide services. If they are a shareholder in a company, they must prove this by means of a certificate from the public registry of the country where the company was created. In addition, the company must have a Notice of Operations in the Republic of  Panama. The regulations also require us to apply for a work permit for the applicant from the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (MITRADEL).

2. If the applicant is going to engage in a strictly professional activity, they must present proof of their employment contract, as well as proof that the company hiring them is registered with the Panamanian Social Security system and that they have a Social Security card and Work Permit in Panama. In other words, the purpose of this declaration is to provide documents that support their income in order to live or stay in the country.

10.Copy of the applicant's identity document or ID card.

11.Bank certificate or account statement for the last month showing a balance of no less than four average figures, or other proof of income   acceptable to the National Immigration Service.

12.Proof of address (water, electricity, telephone bill, or hotel accommodation for the applicant).

The Friendly Countries or Friendly Nations of Panama are countries recognized by Panamanian immigration regulations for this category. The list should be verified according to the regulations in force at the time of filing the application.

• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

• Federal Republic of Germany

• Argentine Republic

• Commonwealth of Australia

• Republic of Korea

• Republic of Austria

• Federative Republic of Brazil

• Kingdom of Belgium

• Canada

• Kingdom of Spain

• United States of America

• Slovak Republic

• French Republic

• Republic of Finland

• Kingdom of the Netherlands

• Republic of Ireland

• State of Japan

• Kingdom of Norway

• Czech Republic

• Swiss Confederation

• Republic of Singapore

• Eastern Republic of Uruguay

• Republic of Chile

• Kingdom of Sweden

• Republic of Poland

• Hungary

• Hellenic Republic (Greece)

• Portuguese Republic

• Republic of Croatia

• Republic of Estonia

• Republic of Lithuania

• Republic of Latvia

• Republic of Cyprus

• Republic of Malta

• Republic of Serbia

• Montenegro

• State of Israel

• Kingdom of Denmark

• Republic of South Africa

• New Zealand

• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China

• Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

• Principality of Liechtenstein

• Principality of Monaco

• Principality of Andorra

• Most Serene Republic of San Marino

• Republic of Costa Rica

• Republic of Paraguay

• United Mexican States

• Republic of Peru

The Multiple Visa may be requested before the National Immigration Service when applicable within the corresponding immigration process and according to the applicant’s situation.

The timing for taking the photograph, issuing the card or delivering the visa may vary according to the administrative review and the operation of the National Immigration Service.

To apply for the Multiple Entry Visa, the following is required:

• The applicant's original passport.

• A copy of the application card issued by the National Immigration Service.

• A copy of the document in which the SNM acknowledges receipt of the Residence Permit application.

The Multiple Entry and Exit Visa allows the applicant to enter and leave Panama during its validity period, according to the conditions approved by the immigration authority. Leaving the country without the corresponding authorization may result in immigration penalties.