FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW TO APOSTILE A DOCUMENT?
Panama requires all foreign documents such as police report ( FBI report for US citizens), pension benefits certificates, marriage certificates and birth certificates to be apostiled by International Apostile Agency abroad. However if you are a US citizen, you may apostile all your documents via Panama embassy in Washington DC, USA. Their website: www.embassyofpanama.org
Also you may contact us for apostile services anywhere in the world.
The Panama Embassy contact information is as follows;
Location:
2862 McGill Terrace, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
Phone number: (202) 483.1407
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 9AM – 5PM
Please note you can only visit the Embassy with an appointment.
General Inquiries
info@embassyofpanama.org
NOTE: The US Embassy in Panama does not provide apostile services.
BLOG
PANAMA LEGAL CENTER
Author: Ray Vahab Nov. 29, 2024
HOW TO IMMIGRATE TO PANAMA FROM USA?
US citizens can easily immigrate to Panama and obtain permanent residency visa. Friendly Nations Visa program is designed for Americans who wish to relocate to Panama and obtain residency. Americans are welcomed to reside and work in Panama via Friendly Nations Visa program.
American citizens do not need to apply for a visa to enter and stay in Panama. Americans can enter Panama and stay for 90 days as a tourist and also can extend their stay for another 90 days.
Another advantage of Being US citizen is to take advantage of Friendly Nations Visa program and become Panama residents. One of the requirements of Friendly Nations Visa program is to invest sum of $200,000. in Panama real estate or a bank deposit. However, American citizens can bypass this requirement and still obtain Panama residency. Panama Legal Center expert immigration attorneys can assist American citizens to get their Panama residency without having to invest $200,000. We are experienced immigration lawyers in Panama and know how to get residency for Americans without any investment. Our attorneys would set up a Panama company for US citizens and obtain residency for American citizens in Panama. Contact our trusted immigration lawyers today and benefit from our expertise.
CAN RETIRED AMERICANS RELOCATE TO PANAMA?
The answer is yes. Americans who receive social security checks or have private pension can retire in Panama and obtain Panama residency via Pensionada visa program. Panama makes it very easy for retired individuals to become Panama residents and the only requirement is to receive pension of $1,000. per month. Panama Legal Center immigration attorneys also offer a special discount of 10% for American retirees who wish to immigrate to Panama. So we recommend that retired Americans contact us today by Email: customer@panamalegalcenter.com or by calling us at +(507) 6404-0388 and take advantage of our special discount rate for American retirees.
PANAMA TRUSTED IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS FOR AMERICANS
If you are looking to relocate to Panama and looking for a trusted immigration lawyer to process your residency, we are here to help. At Panama Legal Center, we care about our clients and with more than 15 years of immigration experience, we make sure a successful residency visa outcome. We are happy to answer all your questions and guide you through the PANAMA residency process. We are your trusted lawyers in Panama and you can consult with our immigration attorneys FREE OF CHARGE.
WHAT IF YOUR FBI REPORT SHOWS MULTIPLE ARRESTS?
In order to immigrate to Panama, immigration laws require that American citizens can obtain residency when their FBI report is clean and no arrest or charges appear on their report. In spite of this requirement, our trusted immigration attorneys can obtain Panama residency for Americans that have prior arrests or convictions of certain charges.
Since our immigration lawyers have expedited many residency visas for many Americans, we have the know how and knowledge of immigration laws and how to get around certain elements in order to obtain Panama residency visa. Based on our experience whether you are retired and looking to pensionada residency visa or redy to relocate to Panama via Friendly Nations Visa program, our trusted immigration attorneys are here to help you.
CAN AMERICANS OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT IN PANAMA?
Opening a bank account in Panama is a big deal due to many factors such as money laundry or narco activities. Generally foreigners would not be able to open a bank account in Panama. In spite of this strict banking regulation in Panama, Panama Legal Center attorneys can assist their clients to open a bank account in Panama. Having an offshore bank accounts is a plus for businessmen who are doing international trading such as import and export.
In addition to the above, we assist American citizens to open a bank account in Panama so when you are immigrating to Panama, we take you to a local reputable bank in Panama such as Banco General, Banistmo, Banesco, to open a bank account. Our service oriented firm is here to assist you to make you feel at home. Get in touch with us by email at: customer@panamalegalcenter.com and we fill you in all the details.
HOW AMERICANS CAN APOSTILE THEIR DOCUMENTS?
Panama immigration laws require that all foreign documents to be apostiled (authenticated) in order to be accepted by the Panama immigration residency process. For example documents such as FBI report, pension letter, marriage certificate, birth certificate, divorce certificate, diplomas, etc. must be Apostiled in the USA in order to be recognized in Panama.
There are two ways that you can apostile any documents:
1. Apostiling it By Panama Consulate or embassy in the USA
2. Apostiling it By the secretary of State
So before traveling to Panama to obtain your residency, you need to collect all documents necessary and send them to Panama embassy / consulate to be apostiled.
Panama embassy located in Washington DC and you can FEDEX your documents to them to have it apostiled. In addition, there are many Panama consulates in many states such as California, Florida, Texas, New York, etc. that can apostile your documents. Panama consulates charge $30. per documents for apostiling a documents and you need to buy a money order made out to Panama Consulate to attach with your documents. Panama consulate do not accept personal checks.
Here we list Panama Embassy link and contact information for your reference. Visit this link to see related information about apostiling a documents and list of Panama consulates in certain states. https://www.embassyofpanama.org/
EMBASSY OF PANAMA
2862 McGill Terrace, N.W.
Washington, DC 20008
Phone number: (202) 483.1407
Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday: 9AM – 5PM
Please note you can only visit the Embassy with an appointment.
General Inquiries
info@embassyofpanama.org
FBI Background Check * Corporate Documents * Standard Background Checks *
HOW TO OBTAIN A PANAMANIAN DRIVER’S LICENSE
Getting Panama driver license is fairly easy if you have a valid driver license from your home country. No need to take a new driver license test. However you need to pass eye and ear exam. Tourists can drive in Panama with a valid drivers license for a period of 90 days. SERTRACEN is the authorized agency in Panama that issues Panama driver’s licenses.
Please follow guidance from SERTRACEN on how to obtain a driver’s license in Panama for the first time.
HOW TO VALIDATE IF YOU HAVE A US DRIVER’S LICENSE:
Make an appointment with U.S. embassy (pa.usembassy.gov) in Panama for notary services.
Bring your valid U.S driver license to US embassy in Clayton for verification.
Pay the required fee at the U.S. embassy and receive the affidavit from Consulate.
Take the U.S. Embassy affidavit along with your valid driver license to SERTRACEN office.
You will be receiving your Panama license.
HOW TO BUY A PROPERTY IN PANAMA? FEW IMPORTANT TIPS
In case you are considering to purchase a property in Panama, we recommend to contract a trusted attorney to represent you. Before entering a contract to purchase a land, condo or home, the trusted attorney would perform his due diligence to make sure there is no pending litigation or any other claims against the property.
Once everything is clear, you may enter into a contract to purchase a property. Moreover, we do not recommend to purchase properties that have no title. Contact us today and let us make sure the property you are purchasing is titled and is free of any kind of debt.
Titles Property or Concession property?
A great deal of the land outside Panama City, coastal areas and on islands do not have titles. . Rights of possession and concessions on untitled land increases the risk of ownership disputes and lawsuits in Panama court system. It is recommended that buyers understand the type of property they are purchasing and proceed with caution. Panama’s Registro Publico (Public Registry) is the source of information on all property ownership.
Panamanian Judicial System
disputes takes a long time ( up to 10 years ) and is subject to corruption. The World Economic Forum ranks Panama’s level of judicial independence to be 133 out of 142 countries in the world.
For more information, please read the Department of State’s Investment Climate Statement .
BENEFITS OF LIVING IN PANAMA
Security: Panama is a secure country and crime rate is very low.
Residency Discounts: As a Panama resident, Retirees enjoy up to 50% discounts on airline tickets, entertainment, healthcare, transportation, and more.
Investment Opportunities: Panama is a financial hub of Latin America and there are a great deal of investmennt opportunities.
Asset Protection: Panama considered the best TAX HAVEN JURISDICTION in the world.
Tax Exemption: Foreign investors enjoy tax empemtion and do not pay income tax.
Proximity to USA: Panama is only 3 hours away from Miami, Florida.
Easy- Going Lifestyle: Panama lifestyle is different than North America and Europe. Easy going people of Panama welcome you to their country.
Tropical Weather: Panama has tropical climate all year around.
HOW TO OBTAIN A PANAMANIAN DRIVER’S LICENSE
Getting Panama driver license is fairly easy if you have a valid driver license from your home country. No need to take a new driver license test. However you need to pass eye and ear exam. Tourists can drive in Panama with a valid drivers license for a period of 90 days. SERTRACEN is the authorized agency in Panama that issues Panama driver’s licenses.
Please follow guidance from SERTRACEN on how to obtain a driver’s license in Panama for the first time.
HOW TO VALIDATE IF YOU HAVE A US DRIVER’S LICENSE:
- Make an appointment with U.S. embassy (pa.usembassy.gov) in Panama for notary services.
- Bring your valid U.S driver license to US embassy in Clayton for verification.
- Pay the required fee at the U.S. embassy and receive the affidavit from Consulate.
- Take the U.S. Embassy affidavit along with your valid driver license to SERTRACEN office.
- You will be receiving your Panama license.
BUYING A PROPERTY IN PANAMA? FEW IMPORTANT TIPS
In case you are considering to purchase a property in Panama, we recommend to contract a trusted attorney to represent you. Before entering a contract to purchase a land, condo or home, the trusted attorney would perform his due diligence to make sure there is no pending litigation or any other claims against the property.
Once everything is clear, you may enter into a contract to purchase a property. Moreover, we do not recommend to purchase properties that have no title. Contact us today and let us make sure the property you are purchasing is titled and is free of any kind of debt.
Titles Property or Concession property?
A great deal of the land outside Panama City, coastal areas and on islands do not have titles. . Rights of possession and concessions on untitled land increases the risk of ownership disputes and lawsuits in Panama court system. It is recommended that buyers understand the type of property they are purchasing and proceed with caution. Panama’s Registro Publico (Public Registry) is the source of information on all property ownership.
Panamanian Judicial System
disputes takes a long time ( up to 10 years ) and is subject to corruption. The World Economic Forum ranks Panama’s level of judicial independence to be 133 out of 142 countries in the world.
For more information, please read the Department of State’s Investment Climate Statement .
BENEFITS OF LIVING IN PANAMA
- Security: Panama is a secure country and crime rate is very low.
- Residency Discounts: As a Panama resident, Retirees enjoy up to 50% discounts on airline tickets, entertainment, healthcare, transportation, and more.
- Investment Opportunities: Panama is a financial hub of Latin America and there are a great deal of investmennt opportunities.
- Asset Protection: Panama considered the best TAX HAVEN JURISDICTION in the world.
- Tax Exemption: Foreign investors enjoy tax empemtion and do not pay income tax.
- Proximity to USA: Panama is only 3 hours away from Miami, Florida.
- Easy- Going Lifestyle: Panama lifestyle is different than North America and Europe. Easy going people of Panama welcome you to their country.
- Tropical Weather: Panama has tropical climate all year around.
[qcld-ilist mode="one" list_id="780" column="2" upvote="on" disable_lightbox="true"]
PANAMA CONSIDERED A “PARADISE”?
Some people call country of Panama ” paradise”. We try to explain pros & cons of Panama living. No doubt Panama is one of the most beautul places to live. Country of Panama is one of Central America’s most Beautiful countries, with beaches, jungles, islands, and rivers, there is always something new to explore. You can organize weekend excursions to explore the diverse landscapes of Panama, including visits to the rain forests of Soberania National Park, home to an abundance of wildlife and stunning waterfalls. You can also plan to visit the Embera Quera community and learn about their unique traditions and way of life. You can explore the fascinating exhibits at the Bio-Museum, delve into the wonders of the Panama Canal at the Mira Flores Locks, or encounter playful monkeys on Monkey Island. The diverse wildlife at the Smithsonian Natural Center is worth a visit and you must experience the heartwarming work of the Sloth Sanctuary. Other adventure activities include ziplining through the rain forest canopy to whitewater rafting on the Chagres
Panama is the home to several Native American peoples, such as the Guaymí, Kuna, and Chocó, Panama became the first Spanish colony on the Pacific. Panama also known for Celebrated as “the door to the seas and key to the universe,” it served in the 1530s as the staging point for the Spanish conquest of the Inca empire and until the 19th century it was a transshipment point for gold and silver destined for Spain. With the independence of Colombia, which once controlled Panama, from Spain, Panama came to serve as another staging point, this time for oceangoing migrants to the gold fields of California.
