Silverstar
10/22/2016 13:30 EST
I am writing this to inform everyone what my experience was in getting my Friendly Nations Visa. Since I am getting multiple messages asking for the same advice, I thought it would be best to lay it out in detail for everyone to read.
The first thing you have to do is to get your FBI background done. This can take many weeks so get his done first. I paid extra to expedite it. So get your fingerprints done at your police station first. Only a few of them do it so you have to call around. I then sent that to Accuratebiometrics.com to do the FBI check.
While I was waiting for my report to come in, I went to my banks and got reference letters. Make sure they have their contact info including email addresses as the banks in Panama will verify. Get at least 2 letters. I then sent copies to my attorney in Panama so he can start working with them at banks there.
When I got my FBI background report, I immediately sent that to get it Apostille. I used US Apostille as they were the cheapest I could find. Again I expedited it so I paid extra for next day shipping.
My attorney gave me a choice on which route I could take. Option 1 was to stay in Panama for at least 10 to 15 business days. Option 2 was to come to Panama for 1 business day to start the bank application. And then come back again 2 weeks later for 7 business days. I chose option 2.
On my first trip, I spend the morning with the bank. Make sure you bring the bank reference originals. I left Panama and returned to find that my Apostille had arrived.
I waited 2 weeks to return to Panama again this time with the original Apostille.
On my 2nd trip, I was in the immigration office on my first business day. My attorney made it convenient by having his assistant, Ana to wait in long lines there before she called me to join her later. This saved me 5-6 hours to do what I wanted to enjoy the city. The immigration office is always filled with hundreds of immigrants all waiting for their turn since they do not take appointments. It was warm though it was air conditioned. Believe me; you do not want to spend much of your time there. I got my pictures taken there too and when my turn came I was done in a few minutes. She is there the whole way to help you.
The next trip to the immigration office was 2 business days later. Again long lines so the assistant did all the waiting for me before she texted me to come in to the immigration office. I avoided another 6 hours of waiting. When my turn came, I was done in a few minutes and I received my picture ID temporary visa card right way.
Now comes the process of getting your multiple entry visa which is a necessity. I gave my passport to the attorney who gave it to her assistant for another trip to the immigration office the next day. They keep your passport for 2 business days. She went back to the immigration office to retrieve it. My passport was stamped with a multiple entry stamp. I got my passport back and I was DONE! I flew back to US the next day.
I have to say that everything my attorney said including the number of days involved was on the mark. He speaks fluent English too so communication was a breeze. He does all kinds of visa applications and also provides info on your stay there too. I was told not to advertise and provide names in the forum so if anyone wants his contact info, PM me.
Be also aware that in the month of November, Panama has numerous holidays which will delay the process. Also download the free whats app on your phone so you can talk for free to the attorney before and during your stay there.
Good luck in you quest for residency in Panama!
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annabanana
10/22/2016 16:16 EST
An attorney that I spoke with said I had to be their first to start the process. Is this correct?
Or can I get the finger prints and FBI report started now while I am still in the US? We plan to go to Panama by New Years and start the residency process.
Also what did your attorney charge if you do not mind me asking for the whole process?
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ranadelnorte
10/23/2016 11:00 EST
Sounds like you need another lawyer. Consult 2-3 online (first consultation is free) to see how accurate their info is, how responsive they are, their fees, and if you think you could work comfortably with them.
Yes, you should definitely get all your paperwork completed BEFORE you leave your home country. It is much harder and more expensive (courier fees) to do long distance when in Panama. There is a time limit on your paperwork, usually 6 months for the FBI report, and 30-60 days for bank references, so keep the deadlines in mind.
Again, get another lawyer who can give you accurate info.
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venturecare
10/23/2016 15:15 EST
The papers date and apostille are valid for a certain period of time the Attorneys dont give you important and detaill info until you sing an agreement with them..
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SunsetSteve
10/23/2016 16:18 EST
My attorney gave me clear and complete detailed instructions for what I needed before arriving there (and before paying a dime). She had me send all copies to her in advance and as a result I was able to complete the process in PC in one day. As Ranadelnorte said: get another lawyer!
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freebreezin
10/23/2016 20:56 EST
SunsetSteve, why not tell us the lawyer. It's like you are holding out over the heads of those less fortunate. I am looking to Panama (or Costa Rica)as my retirement haven and future home country. If you really want to help will you provide the specifics of your lawyer please?
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volcan357
10/24/2016 01:44 EST
You know there is an immigration office in David in the Chiriqui Mall and it never has long lines. In addition there are plenty of parking spaces. If you live in Chiriqui you don't need to do it in Panama City.
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SunsetSteve
10/24/2016 07:33 EST
She has been recommended by quite a few here and elsewhere. You can google her - Mayra de Ruzzi Lamboglia.
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Silverstar
10/24/2016 12:34 EST
To answer Annnabanana's question, please call the attorney. He provides free consultation. He has also got great reviews from others and that is how I got his name.
PM me and I will get you his contact info.
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stgibson
10/24/2016 13:49 EST
Yes, there is a Migracion office in David and I have never been in there for more than 1/2 hour. This also saves expensive trips to PC. You will have to make one final trip to PC to pick up your permanent residency card and Cedula which usually can be done in 1 day, You will also have to go there to have your driver's license apostilled at the US Embassy to receive your Panamanian license. But this can be handled all in one trip. Most of the reputable attorneys in David/Boquete area have an assistant in PC that will meet you and help you with everything. One trip to Migracion in PC will tell you why applying in David is much preferred.
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dunnee
10/24/2016 19:21 EST
When you have your Res Card take your currant Drv Lic to apply for your Panama Drv Lic. Easy, just a visual test, $45, and a bad d. photo.
You keep you home country Drv. Lic. Renew your Panama Drv. Lic. every 4 years.
In Chiriqui, David both Imagration office and Drv. Lic. office are just next door as others have said.
If you are over 70 or 80? years old you will need a doctors clearance. And will need to renew every 2 years.
Regards.
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SunsetSteve
10/24/2016 19:29 EST
Does one need the e-cedula as well? And how long to get the DL? Do you need a Panama address I assume?
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dunnee
10/26/2016 19:24 EST
Well my Res Card is 12 yrs. old and is a 'lifetime" card.
Because you have a valid Driv Lic from your home country the test, some audio/visual, your blood type, {there is a lab @ Chiriqui Mall also} all said takes two hours if the place is not jammed packed. Now they line up your car title(s) with your D Lic, I forget if a copy or the original is what they want. Anyone? This plus the other info above.
Regards.
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Silverstar
11/15/2016 12:16 EST
Since I do not visit this site as frequently as I am able to, I am providing my email address if anyone needs the attorney reference:
goog6543@yahoo.com
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Travelfree
1/12/2017 12:46 EST
Great information! Thank you for taking the time to share your experience.
BTW, what's the cost of the attorney?
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StanleySankey
1/12/2017 19:39 EST
You don't need an e-cedula but it will make you life much easier, when having to deal with any government and government regulated busineses.
Also to get your drivers licence you must get a blod test BEFORE going to the licencing office or they will just send you away. Also it must be from one of the listed clinics or it won't be valid.
http://www.sertracen.com.pa/laboratorios-clinicos
From walking in the door to walking out with my licence was less than hour in PC, the longest part of that time was getting registered at the front desk then the vision and test and photo and pay the fees and collect the finished licence was about 30 minutes.
Panama address for cedula yes, drivers licence they never asked but you do need to prove residency. Also I had to go into the city for the cedula for the application, but when it came time to pick it up they will forward to the Tribunal Electoral office closest to your home upon request when you file the application, so you don't have to go back to the city a second time.
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JonG
1/31/2017 13:09 EST
Thanks for the contact info Silverstar.
I called this office and they were very informative and helpful. When I'm ready to start the process I will definitely use their services.
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SAY
2/1/2017 09:09 EST
You do have to give the drivers license agency a copy of your passport in addition to having your passport.
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JonG
2/10/2017 12:14 EST
I was just wondering if you were able to negotiate a lower price for his services.
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stevesawyer1895
2/11/2017 15:57 EST
We live in Panama and this year our Banco General informed us we had to have an E-Cedula to have a bank account here for the SSA direct deposit unless you own land or a business not just a visa of any kind. You can get better attorney pricing shopping around but make sure you use one that other expats have used so you don't get burned. It takes 6 months on average to get the Pensionado Visa here even if you use David like we did but you do have to go to PC for the visa and E-Cedula cards.
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Silverstar
3/10/2017 12:28 EST
I wanted to give you all an update on my process of receiving a permanent residency.
I got a message from my lawyer last month that he needed my passport. This was his message. " For the notification once the resolution has been signed. This will enbale us to see the resolution and confirm if there are any errors and if there are we will submit a correction which takes 1 month. If you come to Panama without doing this and if there would have been an error on the resolution, you would have wasted a trip.
So I Fed EX my passport to him from Dallas. He did what he needed to do with it and sent it back immediately.
This saved me a lot of hassle. I will be now going back to Panama in May just to get my picture taken and to pick up my PERMANENT residency. card! So thrilled!
Any way, I just wanted to share the extremely easy process I went through to get my residency with this lawyer. If anyone wants a hassle free process too, email me and I will send you his contact info!
Best of luck in your ventures!
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JonG
3/20/2017 13:58 EST
Thanks for the update.
I would think it would be kind of risky to send a passport overseas. But since you did it with a reputable co. like Fed Ex the chances of the package going missing would be low.
Congrats on your residency!
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StanleySankey
3/20/2017 16:03 EST
I used a different lawyer, but she told me the same thing. I sent my passport from Ottawa via Purolator without issue. So it is not as unusual as it sounds.
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