Panama is now positioning itself as the “New Costa Rica”. It has put together the most appealing program of special benefits for foreign residents and retirees you'll find anywhere in the world today. We can refer you to a law firm in Panama that has an attorney who does nothing but Immigration Law in Panama. Below are some of the Visas available.

1. All visa applications must be made through a Panamanian lawyer.
2. There is no age limit required for applying for any of these visas, save for the minimum legal age of 18 years. Youngsters under 18 will qualify for a visa as dependents of their parents.
3. All overseas documents to be presented to the authorities in Panama must be authenticated by a Notary and by the Panamanian consulate nearest you, or by a notary and the Apostille. The Apostille (The Hague Convention of 1961) is a faster way of authenticating documents and is normally obtained through the Secretary of State in your home state (in the United States) or through the Foreign Office (in Britain). For Canada, please check with the Panamanian Embassy or consulate nearest to your home city.
4. All documents must be fresh (within two months of visa application) and passports must have at least one year to run.
5. Dependents: Bring a marriage certificate. However, original marriage certificates are not acceptable if over two months old, so you’ll need to request fresh ones. If your children under 18 are to be covered by your visa, you’ll need to bring fresh birth certificates (not originals).
6. None of these visas grant work permits.
7. All visa applications require that you obtain a health certificate and HIV test in Panama.