Panama immigration lawyers: what they do and how to choose

In Panama an immigration attorney is not optional. Residency applications must be filed by a Panamanian attorney, so the choice is which one, and when to bring them in.

What they do

• Tell you which residency route fits: Pensionado, Friendly Nations, Qualified Investor or another category.
• Give you the document list for that route and check each document before you travel, including apostilles and issue dates.
• Arrange certified translations into Spanish.
• Go with you to register your passport and to the medical exam, then file the application.
• Follow the file, answer any requests from the immigration service and tell you when the card is ready.
• Handle the later stages: the permit to travel while the application is pending, the move from provisional to permanent residency, the foreigner’s ID card, work permits and, eventually, citizenship.

When to bring one in

Before you request any documents. Background checks and pension letters are accepted only for a limited time after issue, and an apostille done on the wrong document means doing it again. A consultation three to six months before you travel is about right.

If you are qualifying through property or a bank deposit, have the immigration attorney look at the purchase contract or deposit terms before you sign.

How fees are usually quoted

Most firms quote a fixed legal fee for each visa type, with an added amount for each dependant. On top of that come government fees and deposits, translations, notary costs and the card itself. Quotes that look cheap sometimes leave these out. Ask for one figure that covers everything through to the card in your hand.

What to ask before hiring

• Are you admitted to practise law in Panama, and what is your licence (idoneidad) number?
• How many applications of this visa type did your firm file in the last year?
• What is the total cost, including government fees, for me and each dependant?
• Who will actually go with me to the immigration office, and do they speak English?
• How many days do I need to be in Panama, and for which steps?
• What happens, and what do I pay, if the application is delayed or refused?

Read the Panama residency overview first so you know which questions apply to you.

Common questions

Do I need a lawyer to get residency in Panama?

Yes. Residency applications to Panama's National Immigration Service must be filed by a Panamanian attorney. You can't submit one yourself.

How much does a Panama immigration lawyer cost?

Fees vary with the visa type, the firm and the number of dependants, so we don't quote a figure. Ask for a written quote that separates legal fees from government fees, deposits, translations and the cost of the ID card, and that says what a dependant adds.

Can I start the process before I travel to Panama?

Yes, and you should. The attorney reviews your documents and tells you what to have apostilled while you are still in the US. The filing itself is done in person in Panama, except for part of the Qualified Investor process, which can begin under a power of attorney.