By: Staff at Panama Offshore Legal Services / E-Mail: info@pos-inc.com || Phone (507) 227–6645
Panama’s immigration service created a new amnesty program on Monday, September 5 granting immigration visas for illegal immigrants who have lived here for more than one year. Citizens from all countries that meet the requirements can end up with legal status by following the steps indicated below.
For five days, from Monday, October 3 to Friday, October 7 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. at the Roberto Duran Gym in the Juan Diaz district of Panama City, illegal aliens can–apply for an immigration visa to stay in the country legally. This is made possible through the law published in the Official Gazette, 26866-A26, which stipulates a requirement of one year since entering the countryand requires also that they have not including not allowing applicants left the country at less than six month intervals.
Every illegal who has not already applied for a residential visa can apply in person to become a legal resident. Upon appearing, the foreigner will need to bring two passport size photos and a copy of his/her complete passport certified by a notary public showing entrance into Panama at least one year ago.
The National Immigration Service (507-1800, imoreno@mingo.gob.pa) handles the requirements on whether the illegal applicants could have left the country and returned within this year. Allowances for these conditions depend on the applicant’s nationality.
Illegal aliens apply for an immigration visa to stay in the country legally.
If passport was stolen
In cases where the passport has been lost or stolen, he/she will need to bring a certificate from his/her country’s embassy or consulate verifying that the passport has been reported lost or stolen along with a Panama police report in which the applicant claims that the passport is missing and from the police in the country where the passport was stolen or lost if outside of Panama.
A notarized statement from a Panamanian or a permanent resident declaring that he/she takes responsibility for the applicant along with a notarized copy of his/her cedula (national identity card) or residency card is also necessary.
Proof of residency
Proof of where applicant resides by an original or notarized copy of a water, electricity, telephone or rental agreement showing the residential address.
Costs
The application fees are $767 for those coming from countries not requiring formal tourist visas (USA, Canada, Europe). The fee is $1,272 for those coming from countries requiring a formal tourist visa (Asia, Eastern Europe). The fee shoots up to $2,602 for those coming from restricted countries (India, mainland China).
Before going to this amnesty event consult with a reliable, competent immigration attorney to verify all requirements and documents needed to attain legal residency.
Some people stay here as perpetual tourists, crossing the border to Costa Rica every 90 days, so that they can come back again to Panama. Boquete is only about one hour from the Costa Rican border. After you are here, marry a resident and become legal.
Yes the book was only written mid-last year - 2010, so it is still very current.While there is always TALK of things changing here, very few things seem to. For important updates, I use the blog - www.theboquetehandbook.com ( tips section)
you are welcome, do not worry, the only way people can make an opinion on any place is by experiencing it. nice pics, by the way, what kind of dog that big black and white dog. my uncle has a friend in boguete who is a groomer, that guy is very good, i wonder if he can groom your dog, it is too much dog.nice to meet you, bye
Comments
I know you have been told this before a lot....but...your CUTE!!
Illegal immigrant amnesty program
By: Staff at Panama Offshore Legal Services / E-Mail: info@pos-inc.com || Phone (507) 227–6645
Panama’s immigration service created a new amnesty program on Monday, September 5 granting immigration visas for illegal immigrants who have lived here for more than one year. Citizens from all countries that meet the requirements can end up with legal status by following the steps indicated below.
For five days, from Monday, October 3 to Friday, October 7 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. at the Roberto Duran Gym in the Juan Diaz district of Panama City, illegal aliens can–apply for an immigration visa to stay in the country legally. This is made possible through the law published in the Official Gazette, 26866-A26, which stipulates a requirement of one year since entering the countryand requires also that they have not including not allowing applicants left the country at less than six month intervals.
Every illegal who has not already applied for a residential visa can apply in person to become a legal resident. Upon appearing, the foreigner will need to bring two passport size photos and a copy of his/her complete passport certified by a notary public showing entrance into Panama at least one year ago.
The National Immigration Service (507-1800, imoreno@mingo.gob.pa) handles the requirements on whether the illegal applicants could have left the country and returned within this year. Allowances for these conditions depend on the applicant’s nationality.
If passport was stolen
In cases where the passport has been lost or stolen, he/she will need to bring a certificate from his/her country’s embassy or consulate verifying that the passport has been reported lost or stolen along with a Panama police report in which the applicant claims that the passport is missing and from the police in the country where the passport was stolen or lost if outside of Panama.
A notarized statement from a Panamanian or a permanent resident declaring that he/she takes responsibility for the applicant along with a notarized copy of his/her cedula (national identity card) or residency card is also necessary.
Proof of residency
Proof of where applicant resides by an original or notarized copy of a water, electricity, telephone or rental agreement showing the residential address.
Costs
The application fees are $767 for those coming from countries not requiring formal tourist visas (USA, Canada, Europe). The fee is $1,272 for those coming from countries requiring a formal tourist visa (Asia, Eastern Europe). The fee shoots up to $2,602 for those coming from restricted countries (India, mainland China).
Before going to this amnesty event consult with a reliable, competent immigration attorney to verify all requirements and documents needed to attain legal residency.
Hey Gigi,
Yes the book was only written mid-last year - 2010, so it is still very current.While there is always TALK of things changing here, very few things seem to. For important updates, I use the blog - www.theboquetehandbook.com ( tips section)
Check it out and let me know what you think.
gracias y suerte!
Dlh