Panama is often regarded as one of the nations with a promising financial stability forecast for investors across the board. The diversity of its enterprises, coupled with the surge in business activities, has made it an appealing destination for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
If you hold citizenship in United Kingdom and are contemplating a foray into the business sector as an investor, securing an entrepreneur visa in Panama is worth considering. However, attaining this visa necessitates assistance from legal professionals. Firms specializing in this field, like Legal Solutions Panama, are equipped with experts ready to guide you through every step of the procedure.
What is the purpose of an investor visa in Panama, and what are its benefits for foreigners?
Panamanian legislation permits foreign entrepreneur investors to enjoy the same rights as locals regarding property and financial assets within the country. Furthermore, holding this visa grants you legal residency in Panama, enabling investment in real estate, businesses, or time deposits, and access to essential services like education and healthcare.
This nation is distinguished by its stable economy and conducive business environment, offering investors ample opportunities to grow their commercial ventures. The simplicity of setting up bank accounts and managing international transactions, attributed to its status as a financial hub, is a significant advantage.
Moreover, this visa enables applicants and their families to experience a high standard of living in a country abundant in culture and biodiversity. The benefits of a political and legal framework supportive of foreign investment, along with the opportunity to gain Panamanian citizenship following a certain residency duration, render this permit an appealing choice for foreigners in Panama.
What are the requirements to obtain an investor visa in Panama from United Kingdom?
As with all legal processes required in the country, to secure an investor visa in Panama, you must submit a collection of documents:
- Power of attorney and application, which corresponds to the notary’s office and their respective tax stamps.
- Four passport-size photographs of the applicant.
- A copy of the applicant’s passport.
- Apostilled criminal record certificate of the applicant.
- Certificate of health by a qualified physician in the Republic of Panama.
- A certified USD 250 check payable to the National Treasury, may be made out by the applicant or his legal representative. In turn, the cost of certification per check is USD 10.70, which must be provided by the holder.
- Check for USD 800 made out to the National Immigration Service, which must also be certified; it can be offered by either the applicant or his/her legal representative. The cost of certification by check is identical to the previous point.
- Personal Background Affidavit Form. To be completed and signed by the applicant.
- Documents to be provided depending on the type of investment:
- In the case of investment in real estate, the following must be provided:
- Public Registry certification verifying the applicant’s personal ownership of the real estate, with a minimum value of USD 300,000, and indicating that the properties are free of liens.
- For opening a time deposit, the applicant needs to provide:
- Bank certification confirming the opening of a time deposit account in the applicant’s name, amounting to USD 300,000, with a minimum term of three (3) years. This can be conducted with any general license bank within the national territory. The deposit must be free of encumbrances.
- Authenticated copy of the fixed-term certificate issued by the bank.
- Two letters of responsibility.
If you have dependents, you’ll need to account for the extra documentation required.
Practical guide to obtaining your investor visa: follow the step-by-step guide
This process is straightforward. By following the steps outlined below, you can ensure a seamless visa application from beginning to end:
- Application Submission: Visit the National Immigration Service in Panama to submit your application. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and complete the appropriate application form.
- Payment of Fees: Pay the administrative fees required for the investor visa. Verify the current fees as they may change by the time you apply.
- Assessment Process: After submitting your application, the National Immigration Service will evaluate your case. This assessment can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months.
- Visa Issuance: If your application is approved, your investor visa will be issued. Carefully review the terms and conditions and ensure there are no mistakes in the document.
Legal Solutions Panama: Skilled Attorneys to Assist You in Obtaining Your Investor Visa
As you have seen, the application for your investor visa is a process that requires several requirements. Having legal advice from experts in the field is a good way to start, and Legal Solutions Panama can help you from the first moment.
This team of lawyers stands out for the breadth of their services and for their years of experience in advising on visa and immigration procedures. If you are interested in knowing more about how to obtain your investor visa with their support, visit their website and get a free 30-minute consultation with one of their experts.