More immigration changes

[olga suarez]

Starting today, the SNM has implemented more ways to complete forms and start processes online without the need of a lawyer. Now to register for your immigration carnet can now be done online.Other processes will also be available as of April 15.Lawyers are not happy and the people are upset the process is being made easier but for now, those of you who are fluent in written Spanish, this is a great new change!I will post all details as they are published

[Par Delger]

Best to call Ivan and ask him, Allan. He should be useful in any and all actions. Good man to know. Still at 6862-5023 or try to Whatsapp him.

[Par Delger]

We have used in the past,
Ivan Caceres at 6862-5023. Goverment funcionado, in David. Speaks great English and is well connected to reduce the red tape.
He offers to translate the paperwork online or offline for a small fee. Call him to push your paperwork through with less stress.
Carnets, Visas all legal forms etc. Best government employee we have had experienced. Cheaper than a lawyer and faster service. Five stars service.

[Alan Bollinger]

@Par........Is he able to do a Friendly Nations Visa or only jubilado/pensionado or help with the new online option? As I understand it you cant do F.N:V without a certified lawyer........And theres no way around the $800 repatriation bond which never comes back to you..........Just for the record for those who dont require tropical climes but put a premium on clean streets and beaches and low crime, residency is available in Uruguay for $700..........

[Robert Berding]

I went to immigration last week in David. I spoke to a senior immigration officer. They insist on a lawyer for the pensionado as well as the friendly nation process. He said that the programme to regulate your immigration status is not recommended for retired people as the residency card is for a limited time. 

[Jim Tosch]

Tom Jones offers words of wisdom, especially considering the opposition of the lawyers. However, many have few options available and must have hope for more responsible government action.

[Sheila]

So they don't plan to renew the decree 167 visas?

[olga suarez]

The regularization visa gives you 2 years where you are a temporary resident, allowed to work and workings towards obtaining a permanent residency under one of the many categories

[Tom Jones]

 A word of caution to anyone considering the new 2 yr. residency plan. You are putting your fate in the hands of Panamanian politicians.

 I had a 2 yr. Crisol de Raices residency and was unable to renew under the new administration. I paid about $1000 and stood in line for 54 hours for 2 years of residency. Just saying.....

[Keith Woolford]

Six year renewals of provisional two year carnats issued at a Crisol de Razas were/are available.

http://www.migracion.gob.pa/images/Noticias/Fotos%20e%20imagenes/Re...

[Tom Jones]

 Yes Keith, I know you had a personal interest in this and are well informed. I read something similar to this only with the stipulation that an attorney had to file the paperwork and said attorney could only charge $500. I spoke with the two most prominent immigration attorneys in Boquete as well as the woman in P.C. that many people used for their Pensionado. All told me they were not familiar with the renewal process and tried to sell me on the idea of a Pensionado or Friendly Nations visa. I asked them to look into it for me and let me know, but none of them got back to me. It is my belief that these well informed people thought it was  too much work for only $500.  I had planned to pursue this on my own, but I needed to do a border hop. Drove up to Paseo Canois and found that they had just started reinforcing the 3 day rule. Unaware, I got stuck there for three days with no change of clothes, no laptop and worse no book. This gave me a lot of time to think about my situation and I came to the conclusion that I didn't want to be fodder for politicians and decided I would leave Panama.

 I did not intend to hi-jack this discussion with my personal stuff, but wanted to caution others.