The Eventual Stay Visa for USA citizens, created by Executive Decree 181 of May 28th 2019, signed by President Varela thirty days before he is due to leave office, is a non-residency visa, with the purpose to study, invest, eventual work, technician or labor transfer, for the term of 1 year, with up to 5 annual renewals.
General requirements
The applicant must file it in person at the National Migration Service’s office in Panama, to be granted a 1 year Visa, and the basic documents to be provided are:
- Original passport with validity of at least 6 months
- Copy of identity card from the country of nationality
- Certified check to the National Treasury of Panama, for $100 USD per applicant.
- Five photos passport size
- Certificate of good health issued in Panama
- Proof of domicile (hotel or rental agreement)
- Proof of the investment, academic or labor reason of the stay
- Sign the sworn declaration and power of attorney prepared by a local attorney
- Nationwide background check
- Birth certificate (for children only)
- Marriage certificate (for couples only)
- All mentioned documents must be recently issued (no more than 6 months) and the last three itemized documents must be properly Apostilled.
Eligibility Requirements
For this residency, are eligible citizens of United States only, as long as they can provide:
- Proof of investment made in the country;
- Proof of enrollment to an educational institution in the country;
- Proof of labor relationship in the country;
Timeframe
The process grants a 1 year Visa, subject to 5 annual renewals upon request.
Driver’s license
With the visa, the foreigner is eligible to obtain a local driver’s license valid for the same timeframe as the visa.
Work permit
N/A or to be regulated.
E-Cedula
Not applicable, as it is a non-residency status visa.
Taxes
Once approved, the applicant is subject to income taxes on locally sourced proceeds.
Citizenship
Not applicable, as it is a non-residency status visa.
