Skip to content Skip to footer

New Panamanian migration laws for investorsNew Panamanian migration laws for investors

President Juan Carlos Varela and Minister of Public Security, Rodolfo Aguilera signed Executive Order No. 535 of October 3, 2014. This Executive Decree allows 30 calendar days to apply for one of the new migration categories, also to apply if they have a job offer or plan to invest in Panama. These restricted nationalities are as follows: Dominican, Haitian, Arab, Asian, Cuban and Hindu. The period governs from the date of entry into the country.

Previously, the Executive Decree 414 of June 2012, repealed by Executive Decree 535, granted a period of 90 days to apply for entry visa or temporary residence.

This document applies to the Special Economic Area Panama-Pacific (Howard), to the establishment and operation of multinational companies and free zones.

Executive Decree 535 also stipulates that foreigners may apply for stay through a suitable guardian.

Furthermore, the Executive Decree 534 of October 3, 2014, grants ‘permanent residence’ to investors in free zones, which shall have an investment of $250,000.00 or more, from abroad.

Executive Decree 534 makes clear that after two years of stay in the country, foreigners are entitled to acquire a Panamanian identity card (cedula), provided they show that their personal income and business are in good standing.

The other categories mentioned in this Executive Decree are as follows:

  • Temporary Permit for Special Political Mission (extended to 6 years) as a teacher/professor at a higher education center in a free zone
  • Temporary Permit for Special Political Mission (extended to 6 years) as a student at a higher education center in a free zone
  • Temporary Permit for Special Political Mission (extended to 6 years) as an researcher at a higher education center in a free zone
  • Short Stay Visa (9 months – not renewable) for investors visiting the country to evaluate to start a business
  • Dependents of the Temporary Residents (extended to 6 years)

President Juan Carlos Varela and Minister of Public Security, Rodolfo Aguilera signed Executive Order No. 535 of October 3, 2014. This Executive Decree allows 30 calendar days to apply for one of the new migration categories, also to apply if they have a job offer or plan to invest in Panama. These restricted nationalities are as follows: Dominican, Haitian, Arab, Asian, Cuban and Hindu. The period governs from the date of entry into the country.

Previously, the Executive Decree 414 of June 2012, repealed by Executive Decree 535, granted a period of 90 days to apply for entry visa or temporary residence.

This document applies to the Special Economic Area Panama-Pacific (Howard), to the establishment and operation of multinational companies and free zones.

Executive Decree 535 also stipulates that foreigners may apply for stay through a suitable guardian.

Furthermore, the Executive Decree 534 of October 3, 2014, grants ‘permanent residence’ to investors in free zones, which shall have an investment of $250,000.00 or more, from abroad.

Executive Decree 534 makes clear that after two years of stay in the country, foreigners are entitled to acquire a Panamanian identity card (cedula), provided they show that their personal income and business are in good standing.

The other categories mentioned in this Executive Decree are as follows:

  • Temporary Permit for Special Political Mission (extended to 6 years) as a teacher/professor at a higher education center in a free zone
  • Temporary Permit for Special Political Mission (extended to 6 years) as a student at a higher education center in a free zone
  • Temporary Permit for Special Political Mission (extended to 6 years) as an researcher at a higher education center in a free zone
  • Short Stay Visa (9 months – not renewable) for investors visiting the country to evaluate to start a business
  • Dependents of the Temporary Residents (extended to 6 years)

Leave a comment

0.0/5

en_US