Immigration Law
The general directorate of immigrations is a department within the Ministry of Government. The existing laws and procedures are being modernized and to that effect, new legislations has already been proposed to the Congress which is pending to be aproved. The best known laws or immigration regulations are:
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Investors Visa which requires among others an investment of no less than US$150,000.00. |
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Small Business Visa requires an investment of no less than US$40,000.00. |
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Reforestation Visa, requires a working permit no less than US$40,000.00. |
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Free Zone business Visa, requires a working permit. |
| City of Knowledge Visa, requires a working permit. |
| Immigrant Visa under our financial funds. |
Pensioned Tourist Visa is without a doubt, Panama's "law for pensioned or retired persons" is the best deal going for retirees.
Qualifying for the Pensioned visa is relatively simple. The interested person must:
I. Be in good health and free of AIDs (blood test at a local lab costs US$25.00 and doctors exam is US$30.00).
II. Have an up-to-date passport from your country.
III. Have a minimum monthly retirement income or pension, from a private or public entity of US$500.00. For dependants (such as a spouse or children under the age of 25), you must show an additional US$100.00 of income per month for each.
IV. Have a clear police record for the past five years.
V. All of the above to be submitted by a local Attorney
Once a person qualifies and obtains from the Immigration Office the Visa, the discounts from Doctor's visits to transportation, restaurant tabs, to utility bills, will be applicable as approved by Law No. 6 of 1987. To Women over 55 years of age and Men over 60 years of age will have the right for a discount on:
| - Movies, recreational, and sports events: 50% off |
| - Public buses and trains: 30% off |
| - Boat and ship transportation: 30% off |
| - National airline flights: 25% off |
| - Hotels: Mon. - Thurs.: 50%; Fri.- Sun: 30% off |
| - Regular restaurants: 25% off |
| - Fast food: 15% off |
| - Hospitals (without insurance): 15% off |
| - Prescription drugs: 10% off |
| - Doctor visits and surgery: 20% off |
| - Dental work: 15% off |
| - Optometrist visits: 15% off |
| - Electricity (if under $50 per month): 25% off |
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- Telephone/water: 25%off |