Panamanian Inmigration Law Amendments.
by: Maria Cristina Lima

A new Immigration Law will be effective as of 26 August 2008. If you are planning to apply for a Residence Permit after that date, you shall consider the following:

1. The payment of a fee of USD250.00 to the National Treasury.  At present, is USD100.00.
2. An additional USD800.00 as a Repatriation Deposit except for members of a religious order, students, and persons married to a Panamanian citizen, minors of 12 years old and under.  Right now, it is USD500.00.
3. Tourists and students will be able to apply for their visas in a Consulate.
4. People with a Residence Permit will not have to request a Multiple Entries Authorization. Up to the present time, it is mandatory to obtain a “Multiple Entry Visa”.
5. Applicants will be able to follow up their requests.
6. Before 26 August 2009, a Permanent Resident will have to change his/her “cédula” for a new I.D. document approved by the Electoral Court.
7. From 26 August 2009, if you apply for a Residence Permit and 60 working days have elapsed, your application will be considered approved.

Please take into account that these are just a few of the changes that will take place. The Law will be regulated before August 2008.  Always ask for legal advice when requesting a Residence Permit.