About Silverstar

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Panama: My experience in Panama Residency.:

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!

Panama: Residency:

Hello everyone, Great news! I just received my temporary residency last week. I am thrilled! Initially, I thought the process was too complicated so I hesitated applying for it but after learning the process, including applying for FBI background check and getting the Apostille, everything else was a breeze. I owe this all to my well informed, American educated attorney in Panama. His fees were reasonable and helped me not only to get my visa but directed and advised me on other aspects of Panama life including real estate and business. If anyone is interested in doing the same, I am glad to share his contact info. ( I am not sure if I should mention his name on this forum? Can someone advice if it is ok to do so?) Anyway, if it is not, you can PM me and I will be glad to help anyone here with the info, including what needs to be done before you make the journey to Panama. Also be aware that November has many govt holidays which will delay the process.

Panama: spanish meetups:

I will be in Panama city for a couple weeks starting Oct 3rd. I would be very interested to join in any group that are meeting up to practice their Spanish. I am an intermediate speaker currently. Are there any meetups on a regular basis in Panama City that expats go to? Thank you all.

Panama: Local phone #:

I think my phone is GSM capable and I am able to change the SIM card. If so, will it be easy to get a SIM card with a local #.

Panama: Panama Farming opportunites:

I am so glad I came across this website. I learned a lot from it already. I plan to move to Panama in the near future. I write this message because I am interested in farming opportunities in Panama and came across a company called Simply Natural Investments. Has anyone in the forum have any experience with them? Are they legit? If there is any one here who is in the farming business and is looking for an investment to expand their business, I would be interested too. Also, if anyone here is in any farming

Panama: Attorney rates for residency paperwork:

Randy, You can call Pedro Penalver +507 227-5545. His cell # is 507 6030 7335 so if you can get whats app on your phone you can call him for free. I wrote an article under my experience in Panama residency. You will understand the process more after you read that. I recommend this lawyer because he is not only reasonable but very helpful in may other aspects too. He also uses Whats App so you can contact him for free wherever you are! You can mention my name and tell him you like to receive the same service. Best of luck on your quest! www.panama-offshore-services.com Sal

Date Joined:

7/15/2016

Total Posts:

18

Posts/Day:

0.07