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Getting a Pensionado Visa

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lgpars
  7/4/2015 13:55 EST

Can anyone tell me if we can come to Panama on just our passports and then get the pensionado Visa once we get there? If so, do you know what documents we will need to bring with us to do this? And do all the documents have to be apostilled and can that be done from Panama? I read somewhere you HAVE to have a lawyer get your Visa for you? Is that true and what would be the cost? We are coming from the U.S. I just cannot find a comprehensive list of what we need to do. They are all so confusing. Would it be better to to do all this from our end and can you even get the Visa from our end? Any info would be so appreciated. We are wanting to get there as soon as possible.

cheryl4209
  7/4/2015 14:35 EST

Yes, a lawyer is required to complete the Panamanian visa process. I can only suggest that you (1) visit for 3 months and decide if Panama is what you want, then return home and begin by (2) hiring a Panamanian attorney while in the states. I can recommend Rainelda Mata-Kelly; American-trained, bilingual and scrupulously honest. She will line you out as to the type of visa, FBI criminal record, fingerprinting, when and where to send all documentation for authentication, etc. It's a process.

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ranadelnorte
  7/4/2015 15:40 EST

Hello and welcome to the forum. Here are a few answers to your questions. I'm sure others will chime in, and you should use the search function for additional info.

Yes, by law a Panamanian lawyer must handle your immigration procedure. Please use the search function for recommendations of reliable, competent immigration lawyers. The cost ranges from approximately $1300 per married couple applying together for pensionado visas to $5,000 and up, depending on what the market will bear and how complicated your personal situation is. These are ballpark figures. Your choice.

You can make the initial contact with a lawyer online; they will tell you exactly what documents you need. The first consultation is usually free. Consult several lawyers to get a feeling about their responsiveness, cost, accuracy of info., etc. You are strongly advised to gather and apostille the necessary documents BEFORE you arrive in Panama, then scan and email them to the lawyer for approval and translation. Some steps can't be taken from Panama.

As for timeframe, it usually takes a minimum of 2 months to gather the documents in your home country, maybe more if you are U.S. citizens because FBI clearance takes quite a lot of time from what I understand. Once your application has been made, count on another 2 months minimum for your visa to be approved. Total 4 months if all goes well, but it could take significantly longer if your situation is complicated and/or if your lawyer is not competent.

Always a good idea to make several trips to Panama to see if it is for you before you go to the expense and hassle of undertaking the immigration process.

Good luck!

lgpars
  7/4/2015 16:01 EST

Chery4209

Where is this lawyer located? We are near Atlanta.

panamajames
  7/4/2015 16:19 EST

Best to have a good qualified lawyer in Panama who specializes in immigration and VISA's tell you that story. Information does seem to change a lot. I can get my lawyer of 10 years to contact you. Reach me at [email protected]

cheryl4209
  7/4/2015 16:34 EST

You will need a Panamanian attorney, located in Panama. She is in Panama City. www.mata-kelly.com

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Inpanama
  7/4/2015 16:51 EST

I wrote a detailed description for obtaining your Pensionado visa several months ago on this forum, and lots of other people replied and provided their responses - you can Search this site for those details.

From our experience, you must make at least one visit to Panama before you get your final visa - the initial application must be made at the ministry in person, either in Panama City or in David. This is the time when you and your attorney provide all those documents you need to obtain in the U.S. (FBI report, apostilled marriage license, proof of income, etc.), so it might be wise to obtain them and e-mail to your attorney in advance since some of the documents must be translated into Spanish.. Your attorney will be there with you - we used an attorney with offices in both PC and David, since we were moving to Boquete. Your attorney should be able to e-mail you step-by-step instructions for what documents you will need, and which need to be apostilled.

The final visa steps must be completed in Panama City, so if you are already living in Panama, it will entail a trip to PC.

lgpars
  7/5/2015 02:28 EST

Thanks everyone for the info. We are still trying to decide between Panama and Ecuador so I will contact you after we decide for sure. I think we are now leaning towards Ecuador as the cost of living is much cheaper there and we have to live on $2100 a month. I have not seen a lot of cheap furnished rentals around Panama. I do appreciate all the info though. It seems that you are saying that if we come to Panama on a tourist Visa that we can get our pensionado Visa while we are still in Panama IF we have all our documents, Apostilles, etc. when we get there from the U.S.

ranadelnorte
  7/5/2015 04:00 EST

Yes, you can apply for your visa from Panama IF you have all your documents and your file is complete. BUT these documents are time-sensitive. Strongly suggest you consult a lawyer at this point to avoid future disappointment.

Rentals are better found on the ground in Panama - you'll find more reasonable prices once you are here.

Most important, it would be prudent to make such an important life decision only after actually visiting Panama and Ecuador. These two countries are very different. To put all the chances of happiness on your side, my friendly advice would be to think about what you're looking for in addition to cost of living. The economic situation in Ecuador might not be as bright as it is in Panama.

Good luck!

Jazzmann
  7/5/2015 09:59 EST

Rainelda Mata-Kelly represented my wife and me for Pensionado visas, driver licenses, etc. We couldn't be happier and recommend her very highly. (I am a retired attorney)

betsytrips
  7/7/2015 16:14 EST

Be aware of the political situation in Ecuador at the moment. Their president is very socialist and has to a major degree shut down free speech by closing newspapers and imprisoning their publishers and attacking people on facebook to get them to shut-up. It is very serious. There are huge protests in the cities of Ecuador against this man at this time. The Pople is in Ecuador now, while exciting, will pass. This situation could become very dangerous. It is to be aware of. Hopefully this situation backs of and the rights of the people is preserved.

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