Panama Expat Forum

Silverstar
Joined 2016
Posts: 37

7 years ago

My experience in Panama Residency.

7 years ago

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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Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
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Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

Allianz Care

Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
Get Quote

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Help others in Panama by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Panama.