Frequent Answered Questions

The information below is just informative and the latest or updated addition.,  but due to regular changes it could be that there have been changes to it already.

Jan. 2004 - Retirement in Panama


Nov.2002 - U.S. Embassy in Panama Consular reports of birth, death, and marriage on file with the Department of State


Jul.2002 - Doing business in Panama


Jul.2002 - If you lose your I-94 form


Jul.2002 - Civil certificates


Jun.2002 - Shipping animals to Panama


Jun.2002 - Police records in Panama


May.2002 - Birth certificates from the Panama Canal Zone


Apr.2002 - Steps to import arms/handguns


Apr.2002 - Valid documents to enter Panama


Apr.2002 - Migration


Mar.2002 - MINING GENERAL FRAMEWORK


Mar.2002 - Renounce to the panamanian citizenship


Mar.2002 - FINDING LOST PEOPLE


Mar.2002 - traveling by ground in panama


Mar.2002 - Requesting a Panamanian Birth Certificate


Mar.2002 - REQUIREMENTS FOR SENDING REMAINS TO PANAMA


Jan.2002 - Adoptions


Dec.2001 - How to establish a Panamanian corporation


Nov.2001 - NO OBJECTION LETTER PROCEDURES


Nov.2001 - VERIFYING A COMPANY IN PANAMA


Jul.2001 - Information for us Citizens if arrested in panama


Jan.2001 - Requirements for Foreigners - Civilian Matrimony in Panama

Jan.2004 - Retirement in Panama

Pensioned Tourist Visa
May receive this type of visa the persons retired or pensioned by a foreign government, international organizations or private companies, as well as his dependent relatives. Will be necessary that they count with a minimum pension of US$500.00, plus the amount of US$100.00 for each dependent and its spouse. This visa is authorized to residence indefinitely in Panama and grants the following benefits:
1. Total tax exemption for the import of articles for domestic or personal use., up to US$10,000.00.
2. Total tax exemption every two (2) years for the import of a motor vehicle for his personal or family use.
3. Exemption of the payment of any deposit, tax or migratory right in relation for obtaining the visa.

NOV.2002 - Documents issued by U.S. Consulate in Panama

For information about these documents download the following MS-Word file.

JUL.2002 - Doing business in Panama

Question: I would like to find out if it is true that an American company in order to do business with the Government of Panama, or with foreign company working in Panama, that the American company has to have a local company representing their interest? 

Answer: In order to do business in Panama you need to register the company under Panamanian Laws as a foreign company and you need to have a resident agent (Panamanian law firm) to do all the paperwork of the company. (taxes and all that) You can look at Law 32 of 1928, which regulates companies in Panama at www.legalinfo-panama.com and you can look for a list of attorneys in Panama at www.panamainfo.com

JUL.2002 - If you loose your I-94 form

If you lose your I-94 form, please contact the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) or your airline for further assistance.

JUL.2002 - Civil certificates

Birth, dead, marriage and single certificates

You can request these certificates by yourself or through the Consulate.

1. If requesting the certificates by yourself, send a letter to “Registro Civil – Departamento de panameños en el exterior” with your contact information and list of requirements to the following address:

Registro Civil
Depto. de panameños en el exterior
Apartado 5281
Panamá 5, Panamá
 

2. If using the Consulate, send a letter to “Consulate of Panama in Houston” with your contact information and include the list of requirements.

3. $100.00 for International courier service (DHL, Fedex, UPS). Make money order to "Freight Savers Express"

4. $50.00 for Consular services. Make money order to "Consulate of Panama"

List of requirements:

1. Full first and last name of the person on the certificate i.e. Luis Alberto Pérez Gonzáles

2. Identification number (I.D. card number) of the person on the certificate

3. Date of birth of the person on the certificate

4. If you don't have the Identification number (I.D. card number) of the person on the certificate, include:

• First and last name of both parents of the person on the certificate
• Identification number (I.D. card number) of both parents of the person on the certificate
• Date of birth of both parents of the person on the certificate

5. Fees:

• Birth or dead certificates $15.00
• Marriage or divorce certificates $25.00

Make International cashier check payable to "Tesoro Nacional"

Information related to birth certificates

1. People allowed to register a birth at the Civil Registry in Republic of Panama are the father, mother, Grandparents or legal representative.

2. Grandparents don’t need any special authorization

3. Legal representative will need a power of attorney signed by the father or mother duly notarized and authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate.

4. If the registration is requested at the Consulate, only parents are allowed to do the process.

5. In either case, it is also required a sworn declaration from the father or mother at the Consulate stating that they are the biological parents of the minor.

Sample of Sworn declaration

JUN.2002 - Shipping animals to Panama

Cats and Dogs

Authorization for taking pets to Panama need to be requested at the Food protection office in Panama at least three (3) in advance prior the travel day.

Information to be included: Breed, name, departing city, owner

The Food protection office will request authorization for domiciliary quarantine to the Ministry of Health's General Secretary.

Approval of domiciliary quarantine will be send to the airport's quarantine office. Veterinarians from this office are the only authorized to release the animal to the owner.

Pets will be released only during business hours.

Business hours at the airport are Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.

If the pet arrive after business hours, weekends or in holidays, the pet will be hold at the airport and release the next business day.

 Requirements:

1. Valid rabies and parasites control vaccination *
2.Health certificate *
3. Payment in the amount of  $130.00 payable in Banco Nacional de Panamá at the Panama airport.

* It must be authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate.

Birds and other animals

List of requirements:

1. Import certificate. It is issue by the quarantine office of the Ministry of agricultural and livestock Development in Panama (Phone 507-232-5344 / 232-6766)

2. Health certificate *. Not older than 10 days prior the shipment. 

3. If traveling by air, land or sea, contact your agency for requirements and details.

4. In some cases, the carrier may ask for a letter from a Panamanian Consulate authorizing the import to Panama.

5. If traveling by air, contact the airport sanitation/sanitary inspector department in Panama to coordinate all the details of receiving the animals and the quarantine. They will tell you the fees and required medical tests . (Phone 011-507-262-2132)

* It must be authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate.

JUN.2002 - Police Records in Panama

Panamanian citizens will need to request the Police Record in Panama through its family at the Judicial Technical Police (Policía Técnica Judicial - PTJ).

Foreigners may contact it Embassy in Panama for further assistance.

MAY.2002 - BIRTH CERTIFICATES FROM THE PANAMA CANAL ZONE

For information about these documents download the following MS-Word file.

APR.2002 - STEPS TO IMPORT ARMS/HANDGUNS

1. Power of attorney and request document submitted thru a lawyer, specifying the import, with fiscal/legal stamps in the amount of $4.00 indicating in detail of what is it that is being imported , what is the precise use it will be given and justification of why it is needed.

2. Natural persons will only be authorized to import a maximum of three (3) weapons every five years.

3. Legal fundament: Decree No. 2 of January 2, 1991   Article 19

4. Copy of picture (personal  I.D.) authenticated by the Civil Registry.

5. Billing statement of the arms/handguns

6. Brochures about the arms/handguns (Translated to Spanish)

7. Copy of  weapon's permit issued by the PTJ (Judicial Technical Police) if any.

8. Police record

APR.2002 - Valid documents to enter Panama

If you are a Panamanian or an United States citizen you can travel to Panama with the following documents:

1. Passport *

or

2. Birth certificate and Picture I.D.

Other countries will need a valid passport. Check here if you need VISA

* Only Panamanians citizens can travel to Panama with an expired passport, but will need to renew it before returning to U.S.
Panamanian residents can not travel with expired passports.

APR.2002 - MIGRATION

Move to Panama - Click Here

MIGRATION GUIDELINES FOR FOREIGN ENTERING PANAMA

Author: Gina Picardi de Illueca

GENERAL INFORMATION

If a foreign citizen wishes to enter the Republic of Panama either as a Tourist, Temporary Visitor or as an Immigrant, it is necessary to have the basic knowledge of the laws and obligations applied according to the Panamanian Law.

The purpose of these guidelines is to solve basic questions, related to applicable laws to foreign citizen. Offering a general scope of their legal status once in the Republic of Panama.

For such effect, we present the topics under the subtitles where we cover the most important aspects affecting foreign citizens such as migratory status, basic civil rights and the impediments and limitations to which there are subject.

However, these guidelines do not intend to substitute any professional assistance from lawyers or specialist in different fields, if needed.

I. MIGRATORY ASPECTS

The Migration and Naturalization Law establishes the proceedings and applicable norms so that a foreign citizen may enter and remain in the country, either in transit or permanently. Every foreign citizen that may enter the national territory is subject to the laws of the Republic of Panama and enjoys in principle of the same rights and obligations that a Panamanian citizen, except for those limitations that specifically are established by law and all International Conventions.

II. VISA SYSTEM

All migration norms that regulate the entrance, permanency and exit of foreign citizens in Panama establish two basic visa categories for foreign citizens to remain legally in Panama: Temporary Visitor Visa and Immigrant Visa. Any foreign citizen who may wish to enter Panama will require a visa.

Generally, foreign citizens enter the country with a tourist visa. Tourist visas are not required to citizens from nations states to which Panama has a Visa Suspension Agreement.

I. TEMPORARY VISAS:

Temporary Visas are used by those foreign citizens entering the country with a temporary resident interest, that is to say during the term of their activities which have motivated their visit to Panama. Temporary visas are granted for a period of one year, extendible for five (5) to (10) ten years, depending on the type of visa that was obtained. Once it expires, the foreign citizen will have two options: a) leave the country b) request a change of the migratory status.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR THIS TYPE OF VISA: Those foreign citizens entering the country for temporary activities and with no interest or desire to abandon their country of origin.

DEPENDENTS: Certain temporary visas, grant the bearer the possibility to include their dependents under the protection of their visa. This will demand a series of requirements. Dependent Visas will have the same validity and will be subject to the same extensions granted to the temporary visa.

LIMITATIONS: Temporary Visas do not grant the foreign citizen a permanent residency in the country, nor will grant them personal identity card nor naturalization rights.

II. IMMIGRANTS VISA (or permanent residents): Are granted to those foreign citizens that may enter the country with the purpose of be permanent residents, work or perform any licit economic activity allowed by Law to foreign citizens.

All visas granted as immigrant allow residency in two gates: provisional and permanent.

A. Provisional Permanency: Once the request for immigrant visa is presented and approved by the Migration Directorate, the foreign citizen will be grant a provisional permanency for one year.

B. Definite Permanency: At the end of the first year a request must be presented to the Immigration Directorate in order to obtain the definite permanency. The Definite Permanency will allow the foreign citizen to reside indefinitely in Panama, giving the option, at the right time to apply for the Panamanian nationality by means of naturalization.

TYPES OF VISA

Foreign Citizens can opt for one of the following visas depending on the activity and time to be required in Panama.

VISAS AUTHORIZED TO ENTER THE COUNTRY: As a general rule all Consuls of the Republic of Panama are authorized to grant Tourist Visas. In certain cases depending on the nationality of the petitioner, Panamanian Consuls are not authorized to grant tourist visas to that foreign citizen without a previous approval from the Migration Directorate to issue it or not. This type of visa is categorized as Authorized Visa to Enter the Country.

The granting of such visa depends on State Political criteria which is determined at certain times by the Security Council. The Authorized Visa, may be requested directly through the Migration Directorate in Panama or by means of a Consulate of Panama before the country where the petitioner is located.

The Authorized Visa may be granted for two periods that range from one day to 30 days, extendible or not, and stating if the same is valid or not to apply for residence in Panama.

HOW TO OBTAIN A VISA ?: The procedures to obtain a visa as an immigrant or as a temporary visitor, can be initially requested abroad or once in Panama. The petition must be made through an attorney admitted in Panama and fulfill of the requirements of the law.

REQUIREMENTS: The requirements may vary depending on the type of visa, but the basic documentation shall include:

1) Certificate of Good Behavior or Police Record, issued by the authorities where the foreign citizen has resided during the past five years. This document must be authenticated by a Panamanian Consul in order to be valid in Panama;

2) Passport;

3) Marriage Certificate and Birth Certificates of the children, issued by the authorities where they were married. This document must be authenticated by a Panamanian Consul in order to be valid in Panama and must be recent;

4) Photos;

5) Certificates of Good Health and AIDS Test; and

6) Statement of economic solvency of the petitioner.

FALSE DOCUMENTS: Forgery of all or part of a document regardless of its purpose will be considered as a crime and is subject to prison for 6 months to 2 years.

FALSE DECLARATIONS: If a foreign citizen alters or present false information of any nature to the Migration Authorities, may be subject to Deportation without prejudice of the penal sanction for the crime committed.

RESIDENCE: The foreign citizen will have the right to live and transit freely in the country. The residency of the foreign citizen may be temporary or permanent, depending on the type of visa obtained. Temporary Visas grant foreign citizens residence in Panama for a limited time. Immigrant visas grant the foreign citizen definite permanency with the right to an identity card and after three (3) or five (5) years, depending on the case, the option to apply for the Panamanian nationality through the naturalization process.

CHANGE OF RESIDENCE: The foreign citizen has the obligation by law to inform the Migration Directorate of any change related to the address of the residency within the territory of the Republic of Panama. Any foreign citizen not complying with this requirement will be sanctioned with a fine or arrest depending on the case.

LOST OF RESIDENCY: If a foreign citizen living in Panama abandons the country for three consecutive years will lose its resident status.

CHANGE OF MIGRATORY STATUS: The change of migratory status is the process whereby a foreign citizen may change the tourist visa for a Temporary Visa or may apply for a visa as an immigrant.

MULTIPLE ENTRANCE VISA: Migration dispositions grant all foreign citizens the possibility of obtaining a Multiple Entrance and Exit Visa, that may be valid for periods extended for up to three (3) years for permanent residents, for one (1) year for temporary residents, and three (3) months for those in the process of obtainment of the residency. This allows the foreign citizen to enter and exit the country for an unlimited number of times without obtaining a visa before an officer from a Panamanian Consulate in order to enter the country.

DEPORTATION: All foreign citizen entering the country without complying with the entrance requirements or that remain in Panama once their visa has expired, will be deported.

RIGHT TO PERSONAL IDENTITY CARD: The Personal Identity Card is a public and authentic document in terms of the personal identity of the bearer. It is the proof of the National or Foreign condition of the individual. Only foreigners older than 18 years, with definite permanency in Panama will have the right to obtain an Identity Card. The Personal Identity Card obtained by illegal procedures constitutes a crime.

NATURALIZATION: All foreign citizen under the immigrant condition, with permanent residency in the country, may opt for naturalization if the following conditions are complied: 1. Foreign citizens residents in Panama for more than five consecutive years, after obtaining the status or permanent residents. 2. Foreign citizens residents of Panama for three consecutive years, if married to Panamanians. 3. Foreign Nationals (by birth) of Spain or any other Latin-American country, based on the principle of reciprocity (National Constitution Article 12, Law 7 of March 14, 1980).

Panama reserves the right to deny a petition of Naturalization by reasons or morality, safety, health or physical or mental capability.

REGISTRATION OF THE NATURALIZATION: Naturalization of foreign citizens will have no legal effect if not registered at the Civil Registry of the Electoral Court.

III. PROTECTION TO FOREIGN CITIZENS

The authorities of the Republic of Panama have the obligation to protect all foreign citizens within the national territory and assure that all their rights are effective.

ABUSE OF AUTHORITY: No public official upon exercise of its duties may pursue a foreign citizen or a Panamanian citizen by acts that are not considered crimes by law.

MIGRATION OFFICIALS: Migration officials shall act and execute their duties within the limits established by law. They are forbidden to interfere the normal proceedings of migration matters and act or arrange before the Migration Directorate thought third parties. All Migration officials have the obligation to impede the illegal entering of foreign citizens in Panama.

RIGHT TO WORK: All foreign citizen that have a Temporary Visa or an Immigrant visa will have the right to work in Panama but will need a Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labor and Occupational Development which will allows them to work within the national territory. No local or foreign company may hire the services of a foreign citizen that do not have a Work Permit granted by the Ministry of Work according to the Law. Work Permit will only be issued to those foreign citizens with Visas approved by the Migration Directorate.

CIVIL RIGHTS: All foreign citizen enjoy in Panama of the same Civil Rights as any Panamanian.

TAXES: The general applicable rule in this matter is that every foreign citizen that is physically in the national territory by a certain period of time is considered a resident subject to the payment of taxes, according the Panamanian Law. The non payment of taxes on the part of the foreign citizen, although not affecting its migratory status, may cause problems in other legal aspects.

FISCAL INCENTIVES: Certain types of visas grant the bearer a series of fiscal incentives contemplated by the laws creating it, among them we can mention the following: Retired Bondholder Visa and Pensioned Tourist Visa created and regulated by Law 9 of June 24, 1987. Special Temporary Visitor Visa established by Cabinet Decree No. 363 dated December 17, 1970. Immigrant Visa as Forestry Investor created by means of Law 24 of November 23, 1992; Immigrant Visa as Investor at the Export Processing Zones contemplated by Law No. 25 of November 20, 1992, and the visas created for the City of Knowledge by means of an agreement held between the National Migration Directorate and the Foundation of the City of Knowledge.

SOCIAL SECURITY: All foreign workers at the service of natural or juridical persons are subject to the mandatory regime of the Social Security, except for those foreign citizens hired to work in Panama for periods no longer than two (2) months.

DRIVER'S LICENSE: In order to drive a vehicle in Panama, any foreign citizen will need a Driver's License. Exceptions are made in the cases of Tourist that will remain in the country for a period no longer than ninety (90) days after the date of their entrance.

In order to obtain a driver's license the foreign citizen will require: 1) Passport 2) Migration Permit 3)Glucose and Types Exam 4) Driver's License from its country of origin (if having one).

BENEFITS TO RETIRED OR PENSIONED FOREIGN CITIZENS: Any foreign citizen under the status of retired or pensioned residing in the national territory, of fifty five (55) years of age if female and sixty (60) years if male, will enjoy of a series of benefits such as: a) 50% discount on the entrance fee charged in recreation or entertainment activities such as movies, theater, sports, and varied public shows. b) 25% discount on airplane tickets on any public or private company. c) 50% discount in hotels from Monday through Thursday and 30% Saturday and Sunday. d) 25% discount and any individual consumption of food at first or second class restaurants. e) 10% discount on the value of medications obtained through medical prescription. Aside from the above mentioned discounts there are included the terms of closing commissions in personal or commercial loans, insurance policies covering sickness risks.

IV. COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES

EXERCISE OF COMMERCE: The Panamanian Commercial Law makes no difference between nationals and foreign citizens, in terms of their capability to perform or execute commercial activities in the Republic of Panama. The dispositions of the Code of Commerce are applied to nationals and foreign citizens by the commercial activities held in Panama, unless those exceptions expressly determined by Law. Therefore, foreign citizens in principle, may perform any licit commercial activity. The Constitution (Article 288) and Law 25 of August 26, 1994 prohibit that foreign citizens shall perform retail commercial activities within the Republic of Panama. (Retail activities is defined as the retail selling of products to consumers or representations or agencies of a company, or mercantile products or any activity classified by law as belonging as such type of commerce).

COMMERCIAL LICENSES: In order to perform commercial activities in the Republic of Panama all foreign citizens as well as nationals must obtain a commercial license.

The Law establishes that there are three types of Commercial Licenses: License Type I (Industrial), Type A (Wholesales) and Type B (Retail Sales).

Foreign citizens may only apply to Commercial License Type I and A which allows them to perform wholesale commerce solely.

TUTORS: All foreign tutors shall be residents of the Republic of Panama.

V. APPLICABLE LIMITATIONS TO FOREIGNERS IN TERMS OF THEIR GOODS LOCATED IN PANAMA.

PURCHASE OF PROPERTIES: Foreign citizens shall not purchase national or particular land located at least 10 kilometers from the border.

GOODS LOCATED IN PANAMA: All goods located in Panama are subject to the Panamanian laws regardless if their owners are foreign citizens and do no reside in Panama. The effect of all contracts granted in foreign countries that must be fulfilled in Panama will be adjusted to Panamanian Law.

FOREIGN GOODS DEPOSITED IN PANAMANIAN BANKS:
Any money deposited in General License Banks as well as in International License Banks will be considered domiciled in Panama and therefore are subject to the jurisdiction of Panamanian courts, except if the contrary is agreed.

"Foreign citizens" goods are those goods that are owners or trusts or beneficiaries, non Panamanian and non residents of the Republic of Panama at the moment of effecting the transference.

In order for a foreign citizen, residing abroad, to open a Bank account in Panama a passport or travel document must be presented with the seal of admittance to the country.

CIVIL AIRCRAFT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: Foreign citizens as natural persons may not be owners of Panamanian Registry aircrafts dedicated to public transportation of either cargo or passengers. If the owner of the aircraft is a juridical person, and the aircrafts will be used to transport cargo or passengers, SIXTY PERCENT (60%) of the capital must be Panamanian and the administration must be controlled by Panamanians.

VI- PENAL LEGISLATION

Any foreign citizen that commits a crime in Panama is subject to the Penal Panamanian Legislation. If the foreign citizen commits a crime outside Panama, and the International law considers it a crime, and the foreign citizen is abroad Panama may be judged and sanctioned in Panama.

DETENTION OF A FOREIGN CITIZEN: Any detained foreign citizen must be immediately informed and in an understandable matter the reasons of the detention and the corresponding rights. The foreign citizen has the right to be presumed innocent while a trial does not proofs the culpability. It has the right to the assistance from a lawyer.

The foreign citizen will have the right to contact a representative of his government credited in the Republic of Panama. Such representative will serve as witness in the Trial if it s required.

EXTRADITION OF A FOREIGN CITIZEN: Foreign citizens may not be extradited by political crimes.

PENAL PROCEDURES: Everybody has the right to personal freedom and when facing a denounce, innocence shall be presumed. No one may be sanctioned  for a crime not described as crime by the law nor may be judged except for the competent court.

TRAFFIC OF PEOPLE: It is a crime in Panama to participate in any way on the traffic of  people, avoiding illegally any migration control. The sanction for this violation is 5 to 10 years of prison.

CRIME AGAINST ECONOMIC SAFETY: Any foreign citizen that may violate any border of the Republic of Panama and executes within the national territory non authorized acts of exploitation of natural resources that may put in danger the national economy will be sanctioned with prison from 6 months to 2 years.

STATE DEPENDENCIES RELATED TO MIGRATION SERVICES IN PANAMA

1) National Directorate of Migration and Naturalization

2) Ministry of Labor and Occupational Development

3) Ministry of Commerce and Industries

4) Ministry of Foreign Affairs

5) Ministry of Health

6) Consulates of Panama

7) Foundation "City of Knowledge"

8) Panama Canal Commission (as of December 31, 199 at noon, the Panama Canal Commission will be part of the Canal Authority)

Author: Gina Picardi de Illueca

Other documents related to migration

Foreigners who wish to enter Panama must obtain, at least, a Tourist Visa or a Tourist Card which can be obtained at Panama Consular Offices abroad. Tourists cannot work or carry out gainful activities of any nature in the Republic of Panama.

The Tourist Visa is valid for 3 months and can not be extended. It is the previous step to get any other Visa in the Republic of Panama. Foreign technicians who wish to work for a Panama government institution or a company operating in Panama must request, prior to the expiration of the Tourist Visa, a change of status from that of Tourist to that of a Temporary Visitor.

It is important to note that the Temporary Visitor Visa is based upon a full time employment contract and, consequently, it will be necessary to obtain a work permit (see Work Permits).

This type of visa is issued to any foreign individual who has previously obtained a Work Permit from the Labor Ministry as an expert or technician or as a foreign worker included in the 10% maximum of foreign employees as explained below.

Our Labour Code states in Article 17 that “All employers must maintain on their payroll Panamanian employees or foreigners married to Panamanian citizens, or foreigners who have resided at least 10 years in the country, a minimum of 95% of total personnel. It is possible to contract foreign expert or technical personnel not exceeding 15% of the total number of employees”.

The Temporary Visitor Visa authorizes its holder to remain in the Republic of Panama for one (1) year and it may be extended every year up to a maximum of five (5) years, at the end of which period the holder of such visa must leave the country, or, if eligible, change his/her status to that of an Immigrant.

The documents required by the Immigration Department for obtaining a Temporary Visitor Visa are:

1. Power of Attorney for the Visa Application.

2. Police record issued by the Police Department from the last place of residence, legalized either by a Panama Consul or by the Apostille.

3. AIDS Test Certificate issued in Panama.

4. Work Permit issued by the Panama Labour Ministry.

5. Letter of responsibility, issued by the employer in Panama.

6. Certified check in favor of Tesoro Nacional in the amount of B/.100.00 for covering change of status government fees.

7. Letter with the name of your parents.

8. Seven (7) photos, passport size.

9. Photocopy of the passport.

In case of married foreigners with minor children, the following documents are required:

1. Power of Attorney for the Visa Application in which the names of minor children should be included. (model form enclosed).

2. Police record of the spouse, issued by the Police Department of the last place of residence, legalized either by a Panama Consul or by the Apostille.

3. AIDS Test certificate issued in Panama, for all members of the family.

4. Certified checks in favor of Tesoro Nacional in the amount of B/.100.00 each, for all members of the family.

5. Letter of responsibility and of economic status. (model form enclosed).

6. Marriage certificate, legalized either by a Panama Consul or by the Apostille.

7. Birth certificates of minor children, legalized either by a Panama Consul or by the Apostille.

8. Letter with the name of your parents.

9. Seven (7) photos, passport size, of each of the members of the family.

10. Photocopies of the passports of each member of the family.

Foreigners who wish to work in the Republic of Panama must obtain a Work Permit. The Work Permit is issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare and must be renewed every year.

The documents required for a Work Permit application are the following:

1. Power of attorney for the Work Permit application.

2. Letter of responsibility issued by the employer in Panama.

3. Original and two (2) copies of full-time Employment Contract.

4. Certificate of School Records and Professional Experience, legalized either by a Panama Consul or by the Apostille.

5. Eight (8) photos, passport size.

6. Power of Attorney to request a Certificate of immigration states from the Panama Inmigration Department.

Work Permits are granted on the basis of percentages established by Article 17 of the Labour Code as above mentioned, and the percentages of wages and remunerations combined may not exceed those established by the Labour Code.

The percentages indicated above shall be applied in the following manner:

1) Within 10%, foreign personnel carrying out any functions.

2) Within 15%, foreign personnel qualified as experts or technicians. Work Permits granted to technicians or experts are

issued for a maximum period of 5 years, at the end of which the foreign worker must be replaced by a Panamanian.

No foreigner shall be allowed to work in Panama prior to obtaining a Work Permit.

Note: All documents issued abroad must be legalized either by a Panamanian Consul or by the Apostille in the place of issuance.

Although the general rule for working in Panama is that foreign employees require a Work Permit issued by the Ministry of Labor, foreigners coming to Panama as consultants or “borrowers” for less than three months do not apply neither for the Temporary Visitor Visa nor a Work Permit as indicated above. The Tourist Visa is usually used to legalized his/her status in Panama.

This Visa is issued to a foreign executive who has come to Panama to conduct business transactions which are completed or which become effective abroad, and whose salary, which may not be less than U.S.$1,000.00, is not paid from Panamanian sources. This visa is valid for one (1) year and may be extended for one (1) year periods indefinitely.

The following documents are required to apply to this visa.

a) Power of Attorney authorizing us to file the Visa application.

b) Police Record issued by the Police Department of the last place of residence, legalized by either a Panamanian Consul or by the Apostille.

c) Health certificate and AIDS TEST (HIV TEST) issued in Panama.

d) Letter from the company’s Head Offices or a foreign branch or subsidiary. (model form enclosed). We recommend that the Panamanian Executive that you are planning to hire be the person who sign this letter.

e) Company’s banking reference letter issued in Panama.

f) Letter declaring the name of the parents of the applicant.

g) Seven (7) photos.

h) Application for a Certificate of the Ministry of Economic and Finance/Economía y Finanzas in Panama.

i) Photocopy of the passport.

In case of married foreigners with minor children, the following documents are required to file their visa:

1. Power of Attorney in which the names of minor children should be included.

2. Police record of the spouse, issued by the Police Department of the last place of residence, legalized either by a Panama Consul or by the Apostille.

3. Health Certificates, issued in Panama, for all members of the family.

4. AIDS Test certificate issued in Panama, for all members of the family (note: children minor of 11 years not required this test).

5. Letter of responsibility and of economic status.

6. Marriage certificate, legalized either by a Panama Consul or by the Apostille.

7. Birth certificates of minor children, legalized either by a Panama Consul or by the Apostille.

8. Letter with the name of your parents of the spouse.

9. Six (6) photos, passport size, of each of the members of the family.

10. Photocopies of the passports of each member of the family.

Foreigners who wish to work in the Republic of Panama must obtain a Work Permit. The Work Permit is issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare and must be renewed every year.

The documents required for a Work Permit application are the following:

1. Power of attorney for the Work Permit application.

2. Letter of responsibility issued by the employer in Panama.

3. Original and two (2) copies of full-time Employment Contract.

4. Four (4) photos, passport size.

Finally, please take note that all documents issued abroad must be legalized either by a Panamanian Consul or by the Apostille in the place of issuance.

Courtesy of Molina & Asociados  Law Firm

MAR.2002 - MINING GENERAL FRAMEWORK

EMBASSY OF PANAMA IN WASHINGTON

INTRODUCTION

It was the quest for gold, which brought the first men to the Isthmus of Panama. Columbus, during his 4th voyage, personally visited the Cocuyo District on the Atlantic side of the Isthmus. Some 9 tons of gold were produced in Cocuyo by slave labor between 1559 and 1589. The same "sed d'oro" was the motive power of Balboa and Pizarro. Gold built old Panama City. The bullion records of the Spanish archives show that the old 'Tisangel" mine was one of the richest they discovered in the Americas. Another famous gold mine was the "Espiritu Santo de la Cana", located in the Province of Darien near the border with Colombia. The Cana mine continuously produced gold until 1727. This mine was later reopened by the Darien Gold Mining Company and operated until 1907, producing about 4 tons of gold. During the early l9th century, new gold mining areas were discovered in Remance, Lajillas, Rio Torio, Santa Fe and Cañazas, all in the Province of Veraguas.

On September, 1990, the Department of Mineral Resources of Panama together with the Swedish Geological International Company (SGAB), after three (3) years of evaluations and grassroots explorations, completed and formally presented a "Mineral Inventory Report' which identifies three (3) large numeralized areas with considerable gold and silver potential. One of the main aims was to locate areas of commercial interest to mining companies.

Panama is part of the Circurn-Pacific ring of gold and its geology offers optimal conditions for gold-rich deposits.

ADVANTAGES OF INVESTING IN MINING

The new democratic government of the Republic of Panama has undertaken as its main priority the country's economic recovery through the promotion of foreign investments in specific areas, such as Mining.

Panama now offers political stability and a unique business climate to foreign investors in mining. Major advantages to be taken into account are:

SETTING UP OPERATIONS

Panamanian law recognizes different forms of juridical persons, including:

Notwithstanding the above, the two (2) most advisable forms to structure a foreign mining investment are either a Corporation (or subsidiary) or a Branch of a Foreign Corporation.

3.1 Corporation

Usually, Panama corporations are formed as wholly-owned subsidiaries of a foreign corporation or as a joint venture corporation for a specific project. It is worth noting that mere joint ventures do not have a legal identity separate from the joint ventures under Panamanian law.

Main Advantages

Two (2) or more persons of any nationality, even though not domiciled in Panama, may organize a corporation for any lawful purpose. The articles of incorporation may be executed inside or outside Panama, and in any language.

Incorporation Procedure

The usual procedure is that our firm, acting according to the information furnished by the client, either by telephone, telex or fax, will. Organize the corporation as soon as possible, depending on the complexities of the proposed articles of incorporation. Once the corporation has been formed and duly notarized, we will inform the client and immediately we will proceed to register the deed of incorporation at the Corporation's Registry of Panama. Within three (3) to five (5) business days thereafter, all pertinent documents will be delivered to the client.

3.2 Branch of a Foreign Corporation

A foreign corporation enjoys most of the aforementioned main advantages, may have branches or offices and engage in business within Panama, after filing the following documents for its registration at the Corporation's Registry.

Notarial instrument of protocolization of its, articles of incorporation. This document must be a certified copy of its original and shall be issued by the corresponding Corporation's Registry of the country of incorporation, and then, legalized by the Consulate of Panama.

Copy of its last financial statement together with a declaration of the corporate capital to be utilized or intended to be utilized in the operations in Panama. This document must be issued by the Corporate Secretary or an authorized officer, and then, authenticated by a Notary Public and legalized by the Panamanian Consulate.

A certification that the foreign corporation is organized in accordance with the laws of its country of incorporation. This certification must be issued by the Corporation’s Registry or other competent authority of the country of incorporation, and thereafter, the respective Consulate of Panama, based upon said certification, shall certify that the foreign corporation is duly organized and in existence pursuant to the laws. of its country.

A list of the current directors and officers, of the foreign corporation. This document may consist of a Certificate of Election containing an extract of the directors or shareholders meeting in which the current directors and officers were elected. This certificate must be issued by the Corporate Secretary, authenticated by a Notary Public and legalized by the Consulate of Panama.

A power of attorney in favor of our firm to represent the foreign corporation in Panama. This power must be granted by its Corporate Secretary or legal representative, authenticated by a Notary Public and legalized by the Consulate of Panama.

3.3 Other Requirements

Upon incorporation, either the Corporation or the Branch, will be required to prepare and file applications for concessions, liaise with government institutions, prepare and negotiate agreements, hire accountants, etc. and Pardini, de la Guardia & Partners will be there to assist you.

INVESTMENT AND TAX INCENTIVES

Besides all the advantages mentioned before, new mining legislation introduced in 1988, substantially amended the existing regulations and placed Panama in an outstanding position to attract foreign investments in mining through the following incentives:

A substantial incentive is created by granting a 30% discount from income tax to those mining operations starting production by February 1993, and a 20% discount from income tax to those mining operations beginning production by February 1998.

LABOR CONSIDERATIONS

The Labor Code and the applicable provisions of the Mining Code, and their amendments, are the main regulatory bodies concerning labor and employment matters. Under the Mining Code, Panamanian employees shall enjoy preference to he hired in all phases of mining operations. Nevertheless, concessionary and operating companies engaged in mining operations may employ executives, scientists, technicians and experts of foreign nationalities, provided it proves necessary for the development of mining operations and subject to the following conditions:

The foreign personnel shall not exceed 25% of all employees and the salaries shall not exceed 25% of all salaries paid by a concessionary involved in extraction, refining or transport of minerals.

The foreign personnel shall not exceed 25% of all employees and the salaries shall not exceed 25% of all salaries paid by an operating corporation engaged in mining operations.

The Mineral Resources Department, from time to time, may establish additional rules for the employment of foreign personnel.

IMMIGRATION ASPECTS

In general, Panama follows a liberal policy toward granting immigration visas. Normally, foreign personnel of mining companies coming to work for a period of time in Panama fall within the category of Temporary Visitor's Visa as Executives or Technicians. The required documentation is fairly simple and we will be pleased to assist

TAXATION

Most tax advantages, incentives and exemptions have been mentioned before in this booklet.

The income tax of Panama is levied only upon net derived from operations within the territory of the Republic of Panama.

Persons who live in Panama more than 180 days on any fiscal year are considered residents for such year. However, the nationality or residence of an individual does not affect the income tax liability. Anyone who receives income from a source within Panama is liable to pay tax.

7.1 Taxable Income

The Tax Reform Law of 1991 simplifies the corporate income tax, reducing each year the applicable brackets until reaching a simple system in 1994.

Net Taxable Income

7.2 Dividends and Retained Earnings

Panamanian laws contain no provisions regarding taxation of undistributed earnings, with the exception that 40% of net taxable income, less applicable income taxes, is subject to a 10% tax, even if no dividend was declared. If a dividend of less of 40% of net taxable income after tax was declared, the 10% tax is payable on the difference. Consequently, the minimum dividend tax is payable each year. Branches of foreign corporations are required to pay the full 10% dividend tax when filing their tax return.

7.3 Withholding Tax

Further to the withholding on dividends and income aforementioned, every corporation which remits payments abroad or credits the account of persons abroad for taxable income in Panama must withhold the tax payable at the time of payment or credit A clear example is the case of foreign experts or technicians hired to perform a special work or evaluation in the mining operations in Panama.

7.4 Remittance Tax

In addition to the applicable withholding. tax, there is no remittance tax in Panama, as it exists in other countries.

7.5 Sales Tax

There is a sales tax imposed on the transfer of goods and personal property. However, sales of minerals, are expressly exempted.

We hope that the preceding information provided you a perspective of Mining Investments in Panama and we remain at your entire service for any questions.

MAR. 2002 - renounce to the panamanian citizenship

1. Write a formal request, like the model enclosed herewith.
2. Notarize the document
3. Send it to a Panamanian Consulate for authentication.
4. After authentication, send it to the Embassy of Panama in Washington at
2862 Mc. Gill Terrace N.W. Washington D.C. 20008

MODEL:

MAR. 2002 - FINDING LOST PEOPLE

There are several ways to find people:

Go to your local U.S. Consulate.
If you are in the Republic of Panama, go to Consulate of U.S. in Panama City. They will be able to guide you.

If the person worked in the U.S. Army, you can visit the website http://www.nara.gov/regional/mpr.html

Or you may write them at:

Army Reserve Personnel Center,
Attn: ARPC-VSE-VS, 9700 Page Avenue
St. Louis, Missouri 63132-5200

Other sources are:

Internal Revenue Service
Office of Disclosure Operations
1111 Constitution Avenue NW
Washington, D. C. 20224

Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, Maryland 21235

Overseas Citizens Services
U.S. Department of State
2401 E Street, N.W., Room L127
Washington, D.C. 20037
Phone: 202-647-5225

You may also contact a Private investigation company.

Laws related to lost people:

Privacy Act of 1974.
You may visit the link at http://www.nara.gov/fedreg/legal/apa/552a.html

MAR.  2002 - traveling by ground in panama

1. Title of the vehicle
2. Insurance*
 
Although not all people (depending in the country) needs passport or visa, if traveling by ground would be a good idea to have a visa just in case that tourism cards are not available.

If driving to Colombia, you will need to take a Ferry. Contact a Tourism agency for more information

*If the car doesn't have insurance you may buy it in Panama

MAR.  2002 - Requesting a Panamanian Birth Certificate

1. Copy of Panamanian passport or identification card ("Cédula")

2. International cashier check in the amount of $6.50 payable to "Fondo especial de pasaportes"

3. Letter requesting this service and your contact information

4. Send the documents above to the Consulate of Panama.

MAR.  2002 - REQUIREMENTS FOR SENDING REMAINS TO PANAMA

If embalmed:

-Authentication of death certificate
-Authentication of letter of the person/funeral parlor/ who did the embalming, properly signed and notarized
-Authentication of letter explaining: reason of death and that it was not a contagious decease.

If cremated:

-Authentication of death certificate
-Authentication of letter of the person/funeral parlor/crematory/ that performed the cremation,
properly signed and notarized.

Death certificate is to be presented at the "Ministry of Foreign Relations,
Department of Authentications and Legalizations, and then to the "Civil Registry" to register the dead.

Cremation certificate is to be presented in Customs at the Panamanian airport.

If the person was a pensioner, then the family may go to the Social Security in Panama
and ask for reimbursement of expenses.

JAN.  2002 - adoptions

If you are in the United States, you will need to contact the DEPARTMENT OF STATE in order to request an adoption. You may visit their link at
 

REQUIREMENTS AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR ADOPTION

1.- Must be petitioned through a lawyer stating the reason why and why you wish to adopt a boy/girl/adolescent and specify age and sex of child you wish to adopt.

2.-Socioeconomical and psychological studies  practiced by an institution public or private, acknowledged by the country or a suitable professional.

3.-Criminal and police records.

4.-Clean bill of health -mental and physical-of the adoptive parent (s) issued by a health state institution.

5.-Work history indicating position, pay, seniority on the job and social benefits derived from the labor relation.  In its place, a notarized and authenticated copy  of last two income tax returns or bank statements will be accepted.

6.-Birth certificate and when applicable,  a copy of  the marriage certificate or proof of the union of people legally enabled  to contract marriage that fulfill the requirements stated on Article 53 of this Code.

7.-Two sworn affidavits of persons who know the adoptive parent/parents.  In case of a marriage or a union in fact, this affidavits or sworn declarations will refer to their relation like marriage or people who have coexisted in union in fact.

8.-Color pictures - postal card size each- of each and every room that conforms the house and also the exterior or facade.

9.-A recent color picture of each adopter as well as the rest of the family member panel that reside habitually in the house where the minor will be living and whose adoption is asked for.

10.- Acknowledge acceptance in which a follow up period of three years from the adoption declaration will be executed when the adoptee is a minor and which regularity  will be determined by the ruling Judge.

11.-Acknowledge acceptance of a temporary coexistence with the boys/girls/adolescents in adoption.

12.-If the adoptive parents are Panamanian citizens, a training as adoptive parents certification is required.  If foreign, certificates issued by the central authority of that country or in its place, what is established by the National Directorial Office of Adoption of the Ministry of Youth, Woman, Children and Family.

13.-In case the adoptive parents reside in a foreign country, a full authenticated copy of the passport and an authorization/document to adopt  issued by the central authority of country of origin of the applicant is required.

l4.-If the adoptive parents reside abroad, a properly authenticated copy of authorization to  enter said country is also required.

POINTS OF IMPORTANCE IN RELATION TO ADOPTION

         International adoptions are governed by what was established in the Agreement of La Haya in 1993 regarding the protection of children and the cooperation in the matter of international adoption.  Therefore, any foreigner who wishes to adopt a Panamanian child/adolescent must contact  his/her
Central Authority in his/her country.  The Department of State has been designated the Central Authority of the United States. Website at www.travel.state.gov/adoption_panama

All documents issued abroad must be submitted properly authenticated and bearing the comment that refers to the Agreement of La Haya of October 5th, l96l., or in its place authenticated by the Consulate of diplomatic office of Panama in the country of which the application  is being issued.

All documents that are not in Spanish language, must be accompanied by corresponding translation conducted by a qualified interpreter/translator certified to work in the Republic of Panama.

When some of the parts in the adoption process does not speak Spanish, the Judge will assigned a certified interpreter or named one "add hoc" who will perform and signed the due document.

The Directress of the National  Directorial Office of Adoptions for the Ministry of Youth , Woman, Child and Family is  Lawyer Carmen Donna Avenn. -
 

Dec.  2001 - How to establish a Panamanian corporation

The corporation law of the Republic of Panama provides that any two natural persons acting as the organizers and the subscribers may appear before a Notary Public to organize and constitute a corporation (In Panama Public Notaries govern most entities under the direction of a government institution). It is the usual practice for natural or juridical persons outside of Panama to accomplish the formation of a Panama corporation through a local Panamanian law office, a trust company, or a professional management services firm. For the purpose of drafting necessary documents, the following simple information and particulars are supplied by the client to the incorporation agent:

Company Name - A preferred name, with two or three alternatives in the event that the desired name may conflict with a name already in use, expressed in any language, The name must also include a corporate ending such as (Anonymous Society), Corporation, or Corp, Incorporated, or Inc., Limited, or Ltd. to clearly denote that it is an incorporated company.

Articles of Incorporation * One must specify the purpose of the company and certainly that can be as broad or specific, as you would wish. It is certainly possible to indicate a number of activities, if that is desired.

The capital of a Panama corporation is expressed as Authorized Capital, and there is no minimum capital that must be paid in. I suggest that the indicated capital be no more than US$ 10,000.00 as the initial registration tax or fee is a function of the authorized capital. The minimum, initial capital registration fee is US$60.00 (based upon $ 10,000 authorized share capital). The annual minimum tax thereafter, assuming there are no profits derived from any business activity in Panama, is $ 150.00. You will need the services of a notary and accountant to make this declaration for you, but this is not a problem and costs less than $ 100.00

Shares may be issued in Bearer form or in Nominative form. Preferred, Class A, Class B, voting, non-voting, and other shares structures are also permitted. Keep in mind that the "Articles of Incorporation" are public record.

Directors - A minimum (with no maximum) of three directors is required. These may be of any nationality, residence or occupation. Nominee directors are permitted and many offshore formation firms will try and convince you to use their nominees for this purpose. The decision to use nominee director is yours to make and really comes down to trust.

Do you trust the person whose name appears on your documents as having control over your company? In reality, you can certainly choose anyone that you wish, but I advise you that there are some other strategies you can employ if you wish to remain anonymous. Juridical persons (other corporations or entities) can also act as a director.

Officers - A President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary are required. These may be natural or juridical persons, and there are no requirements as to nationality, residence or occupation. While one person may hold more than one office, it is customary that the President should not also be the Secretary. One of the officers is usually named Vice-president. There may be as many Vice-presidents as required. Managers or other positions may also be named if desired. Normally the directors and the officers are one and the same, but they certainly do not have to be.

Domicile - The company can be domiciled anywhere in the world, but I advise that you stay with Panama or another tax haven as the domicile of the Panamanian Company. The Panamanian Company must have a Registered Agent domiciled in Panama. It is required that the agent is a practicing lawyer or law firm. Domicile of registry is not necessary domicile of Business. A very important point to understand when planning tax strategies.

Duration - The Corporation may have a limited or unlimited life, however, it is customary for the duration to be perpetual.

Time To Establish The Company A competent attorney in Panama can get the incorporation process done in about 1 week to ten days. If the paperwork is being accomplished by mail, and your check needs to clear, then of course the process can take a month. But anyone in a rush can incorporate in person in about 1 week.

As a word of advice, stay away from "shelf corporations" that some of these offshore firms will try and sell you. You do not know if the offshore formation company or attorney has actually made any material changes when you buy a shelf company and you also do not know if the company was engaged in something that will come back to bite you later on. The incorporation process is convenient and quick, so why not get a new corporation from the start?

Corporate Minutes, Seals, Etc. - Corporate Seals or Minutes Books are not required, especially if the corporation does not operate in Panama. With your certified copy of the "Articles of incorporation", you should not have an problem opening a bank account or conducting other business.

Expenses Our experience is that some firms have charged up to $ 3,000 for one single corporation. We usually work with our clients on a flat fee basis. We prefer the flat fee basis, because we can offer a complete service - without any hidden charges or fees. Regardless of what type of arrangement desired, the entire cost should not exceed $ 2000.00 (with federal express fees, legal fees, etc. included in this amount)

Renewal and registration costs should run no more than $ 500 total. There are a number of offshore formation firms and lawyers that charge outrageous amounts of money to set up and maintain both Foundation and Corporation structures. Some of these prices are way out of line, but most people do not know any better and end up paying quite a bit.

NOV.  2001 - NO OBJECTION LETTER PROCEDURES

EMBASSY OF PANAMA IN WASHINGTON

The applicant must request the letter from the Foreign Minister in Panama. There is no formal style for this request, and it can take the form of a letter. The letter should include all relevant information regarding the applicant's course of study, conditions and terms under which the applicant was accepted to the program for which the J-1 visa was issued (some programs require the applicant to return to their native country), and the reasons for the request.

The request may be addressed to:

His Excellency

Jose Miguel Alemán

Minister of Foreign Relations

Ministry of Foreign Relations

Panama 4, Republic of Panama

Att: T.H. Iana Quadri de Ballard * General Director Office of Judicial Affairs Fax No. 011-507-2110437

The Foreign Ministry will forward the request to the National Institute for the Human Resources Development (IFARHU), which will make a determination on the appropriateness of issuing a No Objection Letter.

IFARHU will communicate its determination to the Foreign Ministry, which will in turn issue instructions to this Embassy in Washington, DC , to either issue or not issue the letter.

This Embassy will issue the appropriate letter directly to DOS-VISA OFFICE and to expedite the application, we may request the applicant to complete the applicant's data sheet and to send copies of all the IAP-66 forms.

The DOS-VISA OFFICE will forward its recommendation that the waiver be granted or denied to the Immigration and Naturalization Service Center (INS) having jurisdiction over the exchange visitor's current place of residence in the United States

Please visit for more information on the different bases for a waiver of the two year-residence requirement or other General waiver information procedures in the United States, please refer to the United States Department of State, Visa Office internet website: http://travel.state.gov/jvw.html. Additionally, If you have questions regarding the waiver review procedures, please refer to waiver inquiries by e-mail at : usvisa@state.gov or the general public inquiries line at (202) 663-1225.

NOV.  2001 - VERIFYING A COMPANY IN PANAMA

You may contact:

Registro Público
Calle 50, Panamá
Phone (507) 226-3000
 

You may check the company through the website above.
If you would like a certification, you will need to request this document in Panama, fill an application and mark the necessary boxes (i.e. Good Standing, Local Agents, Board, etc)
The cost for this certification is $30.00 and it takes less than a week to get it.

JUL.  2001 - information for us Citizens if arrested in panama

1. If you need information about a U.S. Citizen that has been arrested in Panama, please contact the U.S. Embassy in Panama.

Phone 507-207-7000
Fax 507-227-1964
usembisc@cwp.net.pa

Jan.  2001 - Requirements for Foreigners - Civilian Matrimony in Panama

First Municipal Court, Civilian Branch, Panama Rep. of Panama
Dorchester Building - 4th. Floor Suite 415
Spain Ave. across the Alhambra Movie house
Phone (507) 264-7160

1. Birth Certificate and Divorce Decree, which should be authenticated by the Consulate of the Republic of Panama from the country of origin of said documents.

2. Documents should be presented to the Ministry of Foreign Relations in Panama (Department of Legalizations and Authentications) in order to authenticate the signature of the Consul of Panama in the country of origin of said documents.

3. Current passport.  Immigration card if the person has been in the country for more than 30 days.

4. Bill of Health issued by a Panamanian doctor within the 15 days prior to the wedding date.  This bill should be accompanied by the following lab reports:

5. Two (2) witnesses with their correspondent identity card

6. The documents need to be translated into Spanish by and authorized public notary

7. Present himself to the Office of Matrimonial Affairs, with all documents above mentioned, preferably within three (3) days prior to the wedding.

 8. Complete the form that will be enclosed with the other documents when presented to the Municipal Court.

1. Birth Certificate (Civil Registry)

2. Divorce Decree (Civil Registry)

3. Bill of Health issued by a Panamanian doctor, within the fifteen (15) days prior to the wedding date.  This must be accompanied by the following lab reports:

·   V.D.R.L.

4. Birth certificate of the children, if they are from the marrying couple.

5. Two (2) witnesses with their correspondent identification card, and are no related to the betrothed couple