The Reforestation Visa is a great option for citizens of countries who are NOT on the Friendly Nations List. This immigration program first grants a 2-year provisional residency permit, prior to applying for and obtaining the permanent residency permit. In general, it takes 3 years to obtain permanent residency.

This visa requires a minimum investment of USD $100,000 in an approved reforestation project. Such investment must be maintained for at least 5 years after obtaining permanent residency. Kraemer & Kraemer works with companies approved for this program.

The USD$100,000 investment is utilized as follows:

  • $90,000 for the land. The area depends on the project of your choice from our list of partners.
  • $10,000 for maintenance, and management for a period of up to 8 years.

These are the requirements to obtain permanent residency in Panama with the Reforestation Visa:

Main applicant

  • Valid passport
  • Valid second form photo ID (such as a driver’s license)
  • 5 photos (approx. 1.5 x 2 inches)
  • Recently issued and apostilled/authenticated national criminal background certificate – valid for 6 months. Learn details of the Apostille/Authentication process
  • Power of Attorney, sworn declaration and registration forms (can be provided by K&K)
  • Proof of direct investment in reforestation project of at least USD $100,000. Learn More: What is Proof of Direct Investment?
  • Evidence of funds wired from abroad for the investment

Spouse (applying as a dependent)

  • Valid passport
  • 5 photos (approx. 1.5 x 2 inches)
  • Recently issued and apostilled/authenticated national criminal background certificate – valid for 6 months. Learn details of the Apostille/Authentication process
  • Recently issued and apostilled/authenticated marriage certificate – valid for 6 months.
  • Letter of responsibility from main applicant (can be provided by K&K
  • Power of Attorney, sworn declaration and registration forms (provided by K&K)
  • Additional USD $2,000 in Reforestation investment (funds will be credited to your account for yearly maintenance fees)

Children (less than 18 years old)

  • Valid passport
  • 5 photos (approx. 1.5 x 2 inches)
  • Recently issued and apostilled/authenticated national certificate – valid for 6 months. Learn details of the Apostille/Authentication process
  • Letter of responsibility from main applicant (can be provided by K&K)
  • Power of Attorney, sworn declaration and registration forms (provided by K&K)
  • Additional USD $2,000 per person in Reforestation investment (funds will be credited to your account for yearly maintenance fees)

Children (18-25 years old)

  • Valid passport
  • 5 photos (approx. 1.5 x 2 inches)
  • Recently issued and apostilled/authenticated national criminal background certificate – valid for 6 months. Learn details of the Apostille/Authentication process
  • Recently issued and apostilled/authenticated birth certificate – valid for 6 months
  • Recently issued and apostilled/authenticated certificate of singleness (or apostilled sworn affidavit signed at a notary) – valid for 6 months
  • Proof of full-time studies in university/college as well as providing a list of subjects taken
  • Letter of responsibility from main applicant (can be provided by K&K)
  • Power of Attorney, sworn declaration and registration forms (provided by K&K)
  • Addition USD $2,000 per person in Reforestation investment (funds will be credited to your account for yearly maintenance fees)

These are the steps to get a permanent residency in Panama through the Reforestation Visa. During this process, the applicant can choose to stay in Panama or go back to their country of origin, granted they have obtained the multi-entry visas

Prior to your trip

  • Invest in an approved reforestation project (coordinate with K&K from abroad)
  • Obtain required paperwork, keeping in mind the validity of each document
  • Email copies to Kraemer & Kraemer team for review
  • Apostille/authenticate documents – Learn details of the Apostille/Authentication process
  • Email copies of apostilles to Kraemer & Kraemer team for review
  • Initiate Kraemer & Kraemer services

At least 4 weeks prior to your trip:

  • Kraemer & Kraemer final review for residency paperwork
  • Plan your trip
  • Kraemer & Kraemer will translate documentation and ensure your file is complete and correct

Step 1 – submitting your application

We highly recommend planning a trip of 10 business days to account for any delays such as the notary office being closed or the government systems being down

Once you have received the temporary ID, you can travel around Panama domestically and/reside in Panama.

Meet Kraemer & Kraemer team in the morning

Register passport at immigration with Kraemer & Kraemer associate in the morning (presence required)

Kraemer & Kraemer associate will submit your residency application

Take photo and receive temporary ID valid for 6 months (presence required)

This process can be completed in one business day depending on how busy immigration is. In the case that the photo stage is not completed on the 3rd business day, it will be completed on the morning of the 4th business day.

Kraemer & Kraemer associate will apply for your multi-entry visa (presence not required)

Immigration typically holds onto your passport for 2-3 business days.

Passports are ready for pick up at Kraemer & Kraemer offices.

Wait period:

Immigration will notify us of approval of your application within 6 months of submission. Once approved, you can plan your second trip to Panama.

Step 2 – obtaining your provision resident ID

  • Obtain a 2-year provisional ID at immigration
  • Obtain utility bill and apply for RUC (tax ID number)
  • Begin filing taxes yearly
  • Investment maintenance (included in cost)

Please plan 3-4 business days to complete this step of the process. If you are not residing in Panama, we can assist with obtaining a rental contract and utility bill. The upfront annual cost for the rental contract is USD $300 and the set up cost for the utility bill is USD $200 and the upfront annual cost is USD $200, thus making a total of USD $700.

Wait period:

3 months prior to the expiration of the provisional ID, we will help you obtain the tax clearance certificate. If you are investing with Kraemer & Kraemer´s Green project, we will provide updated paperwork with proof of direct investment. If investing with a different reforestation project, you will be responsible for obtaining the updated paperwork to show proof of direct investment in a reforestation project.

1 month prior to the expiration provisional ID, please plan your 3rd trip to Panama.

Step 3 – submitting updated residency application

If you cannot coordinate a trip to Panama to complete this step in the process, Kraemer & Kraemer can resubmit the application on your behalf. We will require your original passports and temporary IDs (we will arrange to courier your passport back). In this case, you will not receive the temporary ID, however, upon your next trip to Panama, the permanent ID will be issued.

Kraemer & Kraemer associate will submit your residency application

Take photo and receive temporary ID valid for 6 months (presence required)

This process can be completed in one business day depending on how busy immigration is. In the case that the photo stage is not completed on the 1st business day, it will be completed on the morning of the 2nd business day.

Kraemer & Kraemer associate will apply for your multi-entry visa (presence not required)

Immigration typically holds onto your passport for 2-3 business days.

Passports are ready for pick up at Kraemer & Kraemer offices.

Wait period:

Once immigration has reviewed your updated file and confirmed your investment is still in place, they will approve your application 3-6 months. Once approved, you can plan your fourth trip to Panama to obtain the permanent ID

Step 4 – obtaining your permanent resident ID

  • Obtain a permanent resident ID at immigration

Please plan for a trip of 2-3 business days.

Panama is the fastest growing economy in the Americas and is an international hub for business and living. The territorial tax system attracts expats from around the world seeking a tax haven as well as international entrepreneurs eager to capitalize on these opportunities.

Residents have found the comfort, safety and warm climate of Panama irresistible and with Panama´s open borders approach, cities and towns alike are bursting with multicultural vibes. There´s much to do and explore, from beaches and mountains to rainforests and cosmopolitan cities, whatever your desire is, Panama is sure to have it.

What is proof of direct investment?

In order to confirm the investment in a Reforestation Project, the applicant of a Reforestation Visa must provide:

  • CPA certificate detailing the total investment directly related to reforestation projects and the percentage of such investment attributed to the capital invested by the applicant.
  • Authenticated copy of the applicant ́s shares certificate.
  • Latest income tax return, detailing the capital invested in reforestation projects. If such does not exist because the entity has not completed its first fiscal year, then copy of RUC inscription and copy of annual tax (Tasa Unica) payment.
  • Entity ́s original public registry inscription certificate.
  • Copy of resolution issued by the National Environmental Authority of Panama.
  • A sworn declaration from the Treasurer or Secretary, stating the activity of the entity, share percentage of the applicant, and the capital invested for these shares.
  • Copy of investment certificate issued by MiAmbiente with proof of minimum investment of USD $80,000 in reforestation activities with an additional USD $2,000 per dependent.
    • Bank certification of paymen.t
    • Financial audited statements.
    • Invoices of purchases and sales.

If you invest directly with Kraemer & Kraemer´s Reforestation Projects, we will provide all required documentation showing proof direct investment.

Do I need it Apostille/authentication for my documents?

Apostille/authentication is the process of legalizing the documents for international use. Clients must apostille their documents at the corresponding governmental authority or authenticate the documents at the nearest Panamanian Consulate in the country which issued the documents.

Please always contact the office responsible for apostilling/authenticating documents directly for additional information. Appointments or additional steps (such as notarizing documents) may be required.

Please keep in mind that immigration requires all original apostilled documents. Police reports, marriage certificates and birth certificates will not be returned.

If applying with a child without one of the child’s biological parents, immigration will require a recently issued and apostilled/authenticated permission letter from the biological parent along with an apostilled/authenticated passport copy.

What should I do if my national background certificate has incidents?

If an applicant has any incidents on their national background certificate, a visto bueno needs to be filed before proceeding with the residency process. The visto bueno is a pre-approval process where immigration will review your police report and determine whether you are eligible to proceed with the residency application. The fee for this service is USD $400 and immigration typically takes 6-8 weeks to respond with their decision.

Can I submit my application documents in my native language?

All documents must be translated into Spanish by an official Panamanian translator. We provide this service as part of our quote for many languages. However, if Panama does not have an official translator, you will be responsible for translating your documents into English by an official translator in the country in which the documents are issued. We will then proceed with the Spanish translations. All documents must be translated into English first and then apostilled with the original document and translation.

What should I do if my police report is not from my country of citizenship?

If using a police report from a country other than your country of citizenship, you will need to provide a valid, photo ID issued more than 2 years ago from the country of residence.

What is the dress code when visiting the immigration offices?

Please pack pants, long skirts, closed toe shoes and non-shoulder baring shirts for immigration. Government offices have a strict dress code and you may be turned away for wearing shorts, tank tops, skirts or dresses shorter than knee length, flip flops, sandals, jeans with rips, off-the-shoulder tops, or athletic wear.

The immigration office also has a reputation for being chilly. We recommend bringing a sweater or jacket just in case.

What are some considerations when traveling with children?

While traveling with minors, please ensure your keep their apostille birth certificates on hand for border control, both in the country of departure as well as for your arrival in Panama. Once in Panama, we will provide you with a copy of the birth certificate (immigration will keep the original) as well as the translation of the birth certificate for your departure out of Panama.

If traveling with minors without their biological parents, please travel with copies of a recently issued and apostilled/authenticated permission letter from the biological parent along with the parent ́s apostilled/authenticated passport copy.

What are some tips to prepare for my trip to Panama?

  • Communication is key to successfully submitting your residency application.
  • Though many restaurants and cafes offer free Wi-Fi, we recommend obtaining a SIM card and purchasing a prepaid plan. SIM cards typically cost USD $2 and plans can range from USD $5 – USD $30 depending on the length of your plan. Cell services providers include Digicel, Movil and Claro.
  • Downloading a few resources on your phone can make your trip much easier. We recommend:
    • Google Translate – for translations, essential for communicating with locals
    • WhatsApp – this is the most popular means of communication in Panama.
    • Google Maps – you can find almost everything here along with useful directions for walking or driving to your desired location.
  • Degusta – search restaurants by various filters, reviews, and special promotions.
  • Cabify & Uber – for reliable, safe and affordable transport in the city.
  • Encuentra24 – for real estate purchases, rentals and vehicles.

What are some affordable accommodation in Panama?

Check out some of our top picks for affordable accommodation in Panama here.

Am I allowed to drive in Panama?

Tourists are legally able to legally drive in Panama for up to 90 days with the current license. However, once you have submitted your residency application and obtain the temporary resident ID, you will be required to obtain a Panamanian license to legally drive in Panama.

Requirements to obtain a Panamanian driver’s license:

  • Original and copy of valid license.
    • Copy of license must be authenticated at the embassy of the country which issued the license (many embassies require an appointment to do so.)
    • After authentication, the copy must then be certified to the Ministry of Foreign.
    • After authentication, the copy must then be certified to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs located at Sun Tower Plaza branch in Panama City (typically takes a few hours).
  • Original and copy of resident card.
  • Original and copy of passport.
  • Blood test report
  • Must be done at a laboratory in Panama.
  • If current license includes your blood type information, this step will not be necessary.

Once you have gathered the required documentation, you can apply for a driver’s license at Sertracen (such as the one located on Av. Jose Agustin Arango in Panama City). You will then have to pass a visual and auditory test. The fee for the driver ́s license is USD $40.

If you are applying for a driver’s license, the license will have the same validity of your temporary ID card. Once your residency has been finalized, you can update your drivers license.

Please note: if you obtain a temporary residency card and drive in Panama without a Panamanian license, you may risk getting fined and having the car towed if pulled over by the police.

How can I keep my residency?

Applicants of Friendly Nations Visa are required to maintain residency by visiting Panama every 2 years for a couple of days. If residency is not maintained, immigration holds the right to suspend your residency.

Once residency has been suspended, you will have to resubmit your file along with updated documents for review including proof of direct investment into the reforestation project. Immigration will then determine whether they will reinstate your residency.

If residency in not maintained for a period of 6 years or more, your residency will be revoked.

What’s an E-Cedula?

Cedulas are nationally issued IDs which are issued to Panamanian citizens. Foreigners with permanent residency can obtain a cedula, however, the cedula will have an “E” located before the cedula number. The E stands for extranjero which means foreigner.

The cedula is an optional ID you can obtain once residency has been finalized. This is not required to obtain but it is recommended as the cedula is more nationally recognized and respected than the permanent resident ID card.

Once residency has been approved, immigration will issue a cedula letter (typically 30-45 days after residency has been finalized). With the cedula letter along with two copies of both your passports and permanent resident ID card, you can head over to the Tribunal Electoral in Panama City to apply for the Cedula.

This process typically takes a few hours and you will have to come pick up your cedula two weeks later or request the cedula to be sent to one of the Tribunal Electoral ́s offices nationwide for pickup.

You do not need a lawyer for this process, but we can assist if needed. Our fee for this process is $200 per e-cedula.

Please note: the cedula fee is not part of the residency fee quoted, however, it does include the cedula letter.

Can I work in Panama?

As Applicants of the reforestation visa are obtaining permanent residency in Panama through an investment program, applicants are immediately eligible to apply for a work permit. The only exception is online work and supervising your own business. Once applicants have been maintained residency for 10 years or obtained citizenship, they can then legally work in Panama.

The cedula is an optional ID you can obtain once residency has been finalized. This is not required to obtain but it is recommended as the cedula is more nationally recognized and respected than the permanent resident ID card.

How can I get Panamanian citizenship?

Permanent residents are eligible to apply for citizenship after maintaining residency in Panama for 5 years.

The process includes an in-person interview as well as a proficiency test in Spanish which covers Panama’s politics, geography and history. This test can only be taken once, and if failed, you will then not be eligible to proceed with the citizenship process.

Once you have successfully completed the interview and test, the file will then be sent to the corresponding ́s office for final approval. Citizenship is up to the discretion of the President and is not guaranteed. In the past, the process typically takes 1-5 years to complete.

Kraemer & Kraemer is equipped with a team of attorneys and legal associates with a vast knowledge of the legal system in Panama. We specialize and offer legal services in business, real estate, tax and immigration law.

Kraemer & Kraemer strives to be the premier choice of law firms in Panama and we pride ourselves in offering customer service that exceeds our clients´ expectations. We serve with experience, trust and excellence since 2008. Checkout our reviews on Lawyers.com.

Do you have questions? Contact Kraemer & Kraemer today.

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