Entire video is informative, and entertaining. Thanks for sharing your experience in details! The bonus kicker is your dance on application approval! :)
@@playwithpets To actually work in your business, you need a work permit. If you're managing behind the scenes, I think that's allowed (check with an attorney). But for example, if you have a restaurant, you can't take orders, serve customers, clean tables, cook, etc... without a work permit.
Great dialogue. You must adapt and perceive this a "it is all part of the adventure". I have been here 12 years, Friendly Nations Visa. Four corporations. Three properties And at the end of this month, Panama's first seaplane airline. Oh yea, and also a tour company now. So yes, you need lots of patience and perseverance and the smallest thing may set you back. Like documents timing out, or they need that document authenticated/ apostile but not that other document , or a PDF will work for this, but for we need an original and it must be notarized. Like was mentioned, you will become very, very close with your lawyer so treat him/her better than you treat your spouse! The insurance thing back home, even in canada is a big deal, so before you think of a visa, clean up your record. Nice job on the videos and a valuable source to many. And oh yea, do not rely on what you read on Facebook. Use a lawyer. Read and repeat. P.S. Getting what is referred to as an E-cedula is a very good step after. Although not required, when you use a visa, cash a check, get stopped for an ID check... they all know what a cedula looks like and will make your life so so much easier. Gary Moore
Congradulations! I am very happy for you and without a doubt do you deserve it. The information you shared is much appreciated. Hopefully I will be as successful!
Good info. I relate to your ticket story. Many years ago I got a ticket for jaywalking in L.A. I forgot to pay it and sure enough, the court issued a warrant for my arrest. I don't know yet if it is going to show up on my FBI report but I hope not.
I would bet that it will show up. But if it was many years ago and for something so minor, it shouldn't impact your ability to get residency. The shear stupidity of such warrants is an embarrassment to the justice system.
I am applying with them for a visa. Your information confirms I took the best, after thorough research... like u did. Kudos and blessings for you video. I plan to open an account in Banistmo. THANK YOU
Congratulations on your residency. This video has been a great eye opener for me as I too have "a once in a lifetime arrest". Was in 2015 and I'd been told they are only interested in the last 5 years! Retirement visa though... Maybe it's different?
@@KarenB-um1by If there is ANY ding on your FBI report, you'll have to go through the Visto Bueno process. But 99% chance that a misdemenor from 40+ years ago will not be an issue.
@@IGoPanama Did you say the Buena Vista costs $400? Does that include the lawyer? I currently am in the process of applying for a Pensionado. (I have a temporary card.)
Wow, very interesting. Thank you for this video, we are planning on moving and retiring in Panama. My wife situation is similar to what you had went through, so we better get a FBI report now. Looking to retire in about a year. Thanks
Congrats on the residency! These two videos have been so helpful! One thing I don't fully understand was why you had to carry the initial deposit in cash, is that a requirement by the bank so the money can be instantly deposited?
Thanks! I guess you could go in and open a bank account in Panama, and then initiate a wire transfer from your US bank with the required funds, and when that arrives go back and get the bank letter and apply for your residency, but we didn't have time for all of that. We were on a very tight deadline.
Thank you for this information. I have felonies from 30 years ago but I was pardon by the governor of the state. Do you know if I will have the same issue that you had? Your site is AWESOME.
in the same situation (yikes) and know at 6 weeks into applying vista bueno is where things were yes?. then you fortunately passed congratulations! !! My question is how much actual time did it take? This will help me with planning my trip THANK YOU for the help share and explanation. congrats again!
Thank you so much for all the info! I'm watching all your videos. At the end of this video, you say you paid $2900 each for the entire process. I went to the Kraemer website and filled a quick form for a quote, and they quoted me $4900...? I'm Canadian and I live in Costa Rica at the moment.
Thumbs up for this story.Great information on details how to... Great entertaining also. But whats about driving license, you need a panama driving license because you are residency right now. I am from Germany and to immigrate to panama within the next 5 years. To immigrate from Germany to Panama its the same process looking at the paperwork.The offices you are dealing with are different but comparable. Whats about when you are marriaged. Do you need your certificate for that when doing the immigration process? Thanks so much for your effort!
We didn't need our marriage certificate because we applied as individuals, not as a married couple (I explain why we did this in the video). The video about our driver's licenses is coming up in the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out!
Terrific content! I assume that the Panama Corp you’re setting up is for remote business with US clients? I understand that Panama doesn’t tax income from foreign sources (territorial); getting paid personally by your Panama Corp - wouldn’t that end up making it earned in Panama on your personal return? I’d always assumed I’d want corporate presence in another 3rd country, e.g. BVI to eliminate the exposure to employment tax while keeping personal income from being local to Panama.
Yes, it is for remote business with clients all over the world. It all depends on what type of corporation you open. I'll be doing a video about how I structured my business soon, so make sure you subscribe!
Thank you for being so detailed. My husband and I are both self employed and visiting with our daughters this summer to decide if Panama is right for us. I may have missed it, but did you mention what part of Panama you are moving to? Also, do you know if kids VISAs are difficult?
Wow, what a story! Betcha never go back to Colorado! BTW. $8k initial deposit in Panama Bank account? How much do you have to leave in it? You said Kramer rep got a couple of checks the same day
Great video! Quick question, do you recommend any jobs in particular for expats from the US? I currently have my BA in Criminal Justice. Also are there places in Panama that only accept bank cards issued by a Panamanian bank?
Great video, very informative. where did you stay while processing the visa in Panama City, airbnb, hope it is clean and safe, how far is to Kramer office in Panama city?, What type of Panamanian Corporation in the form of an IBC or LLC did you setup for friendly nation visa , before the Aug rule change. $2900 + $400 Bank account + $400 if I need the vista bueno filing, am I correct with numbers
I had been arrested for 5 felonies but the charges were all dropped in about 3 visits to court. I wonder if that from 41 years ago would also put me thru the Visa Bueno process or if you have to be convicted of a felony.
I was never convicted of anything and I had to go through it. From my understanding, if there is ANYTHING on your FBI report, you have to go through the Vista Bueno.
@@eScential Maybe. I don't know what the rules in the US are about that. But it really wasn't worth the hassle of trying to deal with it in the US. 6 weeks and $400 and it was done in Panama.
Not for Friendly Nations. Possibly for the pensionado, but I don't know for sure. When I go over something, I give ALL of the details, so I wouldn't leave out something like that! :)
My story: totally qualified for pensionado, over 2 years later I gave up. Why? Migracion wanted a signed form for my corporate pension. Problem, my Fortune 500 company outsourced pension administration as many do (Hewes Associates) and they would't sign anything. So I go to Mexico and get residency in less than 3 wks. Why? No attorney, police or health check, no pension verification and no translations/apostilles needed. BTW, I share your pain!
Do you mean permanent residency? Yes, you don't have to be here for 6 months. I think you have to be here for 1 day every 2 years, but am not 100% on that. Consult an immigration attorney.
@@IGoPanama I was specifically talking about “Tax residency”. Meaning I am not able to stay there for 6 months out of the year but still want to get a tax id there. Thanks for your thorough video and the fast reply!
Got my FNV temp visa, now the Permanent visa, where do I check if it is ready, Kramer has not informed me yet, it is more then 4 months getting the temp FNV? Is there a website I can check my self? Thanks for all the information you provide, Your Face book page is also very helpful :)
Mary, I talked to Kramer and Kramer, they are saying you had a corporation, so they did not charge $1400 for that, but charged $2900 = Gov fee + Legal fee, so my question is did you have a corporation before you went to them, the email I got from Marcos Kraemer | Attorney at Law.
Traveler's checks aren't even issued by my US bank anymore. They're not easy to get. Not sure if a Panamanian bank would accept them- and if they did how long it would take for them to actually put the funds in your account. Cash is king around here....
Is it true that in order to gain citizenship in Panama (after 5 years residency) that US citizens have to relinquish their US citizenship...??? (No dual citizenship...???!!!)
Yes and no. Theoretically, Panama doesn't allow dual citizenship. But becoming a Panamanian citizen doesn't terminate your US citizenship. You'd have to go through the entire process separately to do that. So basically, you renouncing your US citizenship in Panama means nothing to the US.
@@IGoPanama Plus, the U.S. recently has made it extremely expensive to renounce one's citizenship. Likely because the U.S. sees this as a loss of tax revenue.
So, obviously, it's not possible to do all of this from Canada right? We are banned from travelling outside the country. I'd like to get the ball rolling right away.
You'll need to wait until you can travel again. The documents you must collect in Canada do have expiration dates, so you don't want to get them too far in advance. Best to talk to an immigration attorney (of course I recommend Kraemerlaw.com) for your specific situation.
@@IGoPanama Thank you. We can leave but we can't come back into the country without going to covid jail for 3 days or worse. Thanks for the quick response!
@@calvinconcepts You very soon will be able to skip that 14-day quarantine requirement. Here's a reference article: www.cbc.ca/news/business/government-travel-restrictions-border-1.6061398#:~:text=Vaccinated%20travellers%20will%20soon%20be,the%2014%2Dday%20quarantine%20requirement&text=After%20more%20than%20a%20year,to%20lift%20its%20travel%20restrictions. Chin up. This too will pass.
I have a non violent felony from 13 years ago. I was told do not come to Panama a felony has never gotten residency. Can anyone shed some light on this? Am I doomed to leaving for a month every 6 months until I die ? Lol
All in all, it's a pretty easy process. The only stressful parts were the first day at the bank and then waiting for them to clear my FBI report. Other than that, smooth sailing!
Have questions? Come over to the I Go Panama facebook group at facebook.com/groups/igopanama and I'll be more than happy to help you out over there!
Yayyyy good job girl!! Congrats 👏 it's so nice to hear an actual first hand experience instead of the usual mundane walk through.
Entire video is informative, and entertaining. Thanks for sharing your experience in details! The bonus kicker is your dance on application approval! :)
Yes, my dance moves are legendary. ;)
@@IGoPanama As a company owner, do you also need work permit in Panama to manage your company businesses?
@@playwithpets To actually work in your business, you need a work permit. If you're managing behind the scenes, I think that's allowed (check with an attorney). But for example, if you have a restaurant, you can't take orders, serve customers, clean tables, cook, etc... without a work permit.
Great dialogue. You must adapt and perceive this a "it is all part of the adventure". I have been here 12 years, Friendly Nations Visa. Four corporations. Three properties And at the end of this month, Panama's first seaplane airline. Oh yea, and also a tour company now. So yes, you need lots of patience and perseverance and the smallest thing may set you back. Like documents timing out, or they need that document authenticated/ apostile but not that other document , or a PDF will work for this, but for we need an original and it must be notarized. Like was mentioned, you will become very, very close with your lawyer so treat him/her better than you treat your spouse!
The insurance thing back home, even in canada is a big deal, so before you think of a visa, clean up your record.
Nice job on the videos and a valuable source to many. And oh yea, do not rely on what you read on Facebook. Use a lawyer. Read and repeat.
P.S. Getting what is referred to as an E-cedula is a very good step after. Although not required, when you use a visa, cash a check, get stopped for an ID check... they all know what a cedula looks like and will make your life so so much easier.
Gary Moore
Congradulations! I am very happy for you and without a doubt do you deserve it. The information you shared is much appreciated. Hopefully I will be as successful!
Do your research, make smart decisions, and you'll definitely be successful!!
Good info. I relate to your ticket story. Many years ago I got a ticket for jaywalking in L.A. I forgot to pay it and sure enough, the court issued a warrant for my arrest. I don't know yet if it is going to show up on my FBI report but I hope not.
I would bet that it will show up. But if it was many years ago and for something so minor, it shouldn't impact your ability to get residency. The shear stupidity of such warrants is an embarrassment to the justice system.
@@IGoPanama Hear! hear!
I am applying with them for a visa. Your information confirms I took the best, after thorough research... like u did. Kudos and blessings for you video. I plan to open an account in Banistmo. THANK YOU
Enjoying your helpful videos before we begin our process of moving to beautiful Panama. Thank you!
When I listen to you I was holding my breath and almost passed out...so gald you guys are ok now
I
Congrats on approval.👍Great poker face before you announced it😅
😅
hahaha Yup. Awesoem game face. XD
You are the best! Hope I bump in to you when I get there 😊👋
We came in November and did this same process. Except for your FBI hang up, our process was identical, including the bank delay.
What bank did you end up using?
new sub, looking forward to more info soon! Hello from Canada
Lol 😂 you are so real... I love it!
What a cliffhanger 😱. Great outcome 😊👍
Congratulations on your residency. This video has been a great eye opener for me as I too have "a once in a lifetime arrest". Was in 2015 and I'd been told they are only interested in the last 5 years! Retirement visa though... Maybe it's different?
Thanks! No, the process for the retirement visa is the same.
I was arrested in 1978 (misdemeanor). Would Panama even care about something that long ago?
@@KarenB-um1by If there is ANY ding on your FBI report, you'll have to go through the Visto Bueno process. But 99% chance that a misdemenor from 40+ years ago will not be an issue.
@@IGoPanama Did you say the Buena Vista costs $400? Does that include the lawyer? I currently am in the process of applying for a Pensionado. (I have a temporary card.)
@@KarenB-um1by Yes. That was the total cost for attorney and government fees through Kraemer Law.
Wow, very interesting. Thank you for this video, we are planning on moving and retiring in Panama. My wife situation is similar to what you had went through, so we better get a FBI report now. Looking to retire in about a year. Thanks
Congrats on the residency! These two videos have been so helpful! One thing I don't fully understand was why you had to carry the initial deposit in cash, is that a requirement by the bank so the money can be instantly deposited?
Thanks! I guess you could go in and open a bank account in Panama, and then initiate a wire transfer from your US bank with the required funds, and when that arrives go back and get the bank letter and apply for your residency, but we didn't have time for all of that. We were on a very tight deadline.
@@IGoPanama That makes sense, thanks for the clarification!
Thank you for this information. I have felonies from 30 years ago but I was pardon by the governor of the state. Do you know if I will have the same issue that you had?
Your site is AWESOME.
You'll have to pull your FBI report and see what's on it.
Thanks for the info
in the same situation (yikes) and know at 6 weeks into applying vista bueno is where things were yes?. then you fortunately passed congratulations! !! My question is how much actual time did it take? This will help me with planning my trip THANK YOU for the help share and explanation. congrats again!
Between 6-7 weeks after the application was put in until I was approved.
@@IGoPanama You must have been getting nervous that your tourist visa was about to expire.
Thank you so much for all the info! I'm watching all your videos. At the end of this video, you say you paid $2900 each for the entire process. I went to the Kraemer website and filled a quick form for a quote, and they quoted me $4900...? I'm Canadian and I live in Costa Rica at the moment.
They list their fees right on their site. I'd contact them directly for a correct fee quote. Tell them Mary in Bocas sent you!
@@IGoPanama Thank you! I will ;-)
@@TrashCanRoxanne si ca avance pas j’en connais un autre...
Congratulations!
I need link to first part
Thumbs up for this story.Great information on details how to... Great entertaining also. But whats about driving license, you need a panama driving license because you are residency right now. I am from Germany and to immigrate to panama within the next 5 years. To immigrate from Germany to Panama its the same process looking at the paperwork.The offices you are dealing with are different but comparable. Whats about when you are marriaged. Do you need your certificate for that when doing the immigration process? Thanks so much for your effort!
We didn't need our marriage certificate because we applied as individuals, not as a married couple (I explain why we did this in the video). The video about our driver's licenses is coming up in the next couple of weeks, so keep an eye out!
Terrific content!
I assume that the Panama Corp you’re setting up is for remote business with US clients? I understand that Panama doesn’t tax income from foreign sources (territorial); getting paid personally by your Panama Corp - wouldn’t that end up making it earned in Panama on your personal return? I’d always assumed I’d want corporate presence in another 3rd country, e.g. BVI to eliminate the exposure to employment tax while keeping personal income from being local to Panama.
Yes, it is for remote business with clients all over the world. It all depends on what type of corporation you open. I'll be doing a video about how I structured my business soon, so make sure you subscribe!
@@IGoPanama Did this video ever come? Sorry if I missed it, it's just I have the exact same question. Great content btw.
Thank you for being so detailed. My husband and I are both self employed and visiting with our daughters this summer to decide if Panama is right for us. I may have missed it, but did you mention what part of Panama you are moving to? Also, do you know if kids VISAs are difficult?
I moved to Bocas del Toro province. Your children will be listed as dependents on your visas.
Wow, what a story! Betcha never go back to Colorado!
BTW. $8k initial deposit in Panama Bank account? How much do you have to leave in it? You said Kramer rep got a couple of checks the same day
The rules for bank deposits and the Friendly Nations Visa have changed since this video was made.
Great video! Quick question, do you recommend any jobs in particular for expats from the US? I currently have my BA in Criminal Justice. Also are there places in Panama that only accept bank cards issued by a Panamanian bank?
I recommend that you find online work. Credit cards are accepted pretty much everywhere and don't have to be Panamanian credit cards.
Hi 👋
Do you have anyother attorney's you would recommend other then the one who assisted you?
No. I only recommend people who I have personally used.
@@IGoPanama
Ok, thanks
Great video, very informative.
where did you stay while processing the visa in Panama City, airbnb, hope it is clean and safe, how far is to Kramer office in Panama city?, What type of Panamanian Corporation in the form of an IBC or LLC did you setup for friendly nation visa , before the Aug rule change. $2900 + $400 Bank account + $400 if I need the vista bueno filing, am I correct with numbers
The Airbnb is www.airbnb.com/rooms/25668632 Please tell Greg that Mary sent you!!
I opened an IBC.
@@IGoPanama Hi Mary, who did you work with in Kramer and Kramer Law office to get the deal you got. Thanks
@@ilani9873 I didn't get any special deal. I worked with a whole team of people- not just one in particular.
I had been arrested for 5 felonies but the charges were all dropped in about 3 visits to court. I wonder if that from 41 years ago would also put me thru the Visa Bueno process or if you have to be convicted of a felony.
I was never convicted of anything and I had to go through it. From my understanding, if there is ANYTHING on your FBI report, you have to go through the Vista Bueno.
@@IGoPanama might this have been corrected by finding out early and some US process to clear it?
@@eScential Maybe. I don't know what the rules in the US are about that. But it really wasn't worth the hassle of trying to deal with it in the US. 6 weeks and $400 and it was done in Panama.
Another great video. Question : I heard a health exam is also required. Did you need that? What is involved?
Not for Friendly Nations. Possibly for the pensionado, but I don't know for sure. When I go over something, I give ALL of the details, so I wouldn't leave out something like that! :)
Do they look at your driving record as well? Do small speeding tickets cause a problem?
Speeding tickets, no. DUIs, yes.
i want to make the move soon and also want to buy a boat to fish the ocean ,any info on owning a boat in Panama?
No, sorry. I haven't bought a boat....yet!
@@IGoPanama well i have fished Costa and i must say it's world class and not far!
@@IGoPanama But soon you will, given your beautiful spot. :D
do you need to cut all ties to your home country? property,banks or other ownerships such as vehicles and such?
No. No need to do any of that.
@@IGoPanama ok, i read somewhere awhile back you must get rid of visa cards etc
@@waynewalleye8458 No. Not true.
post a link to this on forums and people can ad pointers too
could you do a video on how and why you chose the location you are buying from?
My story: totally qualified for pensionado, over 2 years later I gave up. Why? Migracion wanted a signed form for my corporate pension. Problem, my Fortune 500 company outsourced pension administration as many do (Hewes Associates) and they would't sign anything. So I go to Mexico and get residency in less than 3 wks. Why? No attorney, police or health check, no pension verification and no translations/apostilles needed. BTW, I share your pain!
So frustrating! We considered Mexico, but Mexico taxes worldwide income and because we are still working that wasn't an option for us.
Is there a way to get tax residency without physically staying there for 6 months out of the year?
Do you mean permanent residency? Yes, you don't have to be here for 6 months. I think you have to be here for 1 day every 2 years, but am not 100% on that. Consult an immigration attorney.
@@IGoPanama I was specifically talking about “Tax residency”. Meaning I am not able to stay there for 6 months out of the year but still want to get a tax id there.
Thanks for your thorough video and the fast reply!
@@expeditiontofreedom5840 Ah- no, 183 days a year for that.
Got my FNV temp visa, now the Permanent visa, where do I check if it is ready, Kramer has not informed me yet, it is more then 4 months getting the temp FNV? Is there a website I can check my self? Thanks for all the information you provide, Your Face book page is also very helpful :)
I take you step by step through that process in this video: ua-cam.com/video/d7uZB2tQkEU/v-deo.html
Mary, I talked to Kramer and Kramer, they are saying you had a corporation, so they did not charge $1400 for that, but charged $2900 = Gov fee + Legal fee, so my question is did you have a corporation before you went to them, the email I got from Marcos Kraemer | Attorney at Law.
My situation and costs are detailed out step by step in the videos. The corporation is dealt with in the first video.
Greetings, I have an assault on a government official over 20 years old how will that affect my application
No one can predict that. Should be ok, but you never know.
@@IGoPanama Appreciate your rapid response.Thank You
Would the bank not accept traveler's checks??
Traveler's checks aren't even issued by my US bank anymore. They're not easy to get. Not sure if a Panamanian bank would accept them- and if they did how long it would take for them to actually put the funds in your account. Cash is king around here....
Is it true that in order to gain citizenship in Panama (after 5 years residency) that US citizens have to relinquish their US citizenship...??? (No dual citizenship...???!!!)
Yes and no. Theoretically, Panama doesn't allow dual citizenship. But becoming a Panamanian citizen doesn't terminate your US citizenship. You'd have to go through the entire process separately to do that. So basically, you renouncing your US citizenship in Panama means nothing to the US.
@@IGoPanama Plus, the U.S. recently has made it extremely expensive to renounce one's citizenship. Likely because the U.S. sees this as a loss of tax revenue.
You have a plague doctor shirt on?
Yep. 😜
So, obviously, it's not possible to do all of this from Canada right? We are banned from travelling outside the country. I'd like to get the ball rolling right away.
You'll need to wait until you can travel again. The documents you must collect in Canada do have expiration dates, so you don't want to get them too far in advance. Best to talk to an immigration attorney (of course I recommend Kraemerlaw.com) for your specific situation.
@@IGoPanama Thank you. We can leave but we can't come back into the country without going to covid jail for 3 days or worse. Thanks for the quick response!
@@calvinconcepts Things are now getting better in Canada. :-)
@@fanfare100 Really? Do tell!!
@@calvinconcepts You very soon will be able to skip that 14-day quarantine requirement. Here's a reference article: www.cbc.ca/news/business/government-travel-restrictions-border-1.6061398#:~:text=Vaccinated%20travellers%20will%20soon%20be,the%2014%2Dday%20quarantine%20requirement&text=After%20more%20than%20a%20year,to%20lift%20its%20travel%20restrictions. Chin up. This too will pass.
I have a non violent felony from 13 years ago. I was told do not come to Panama a felony has never gotten residency. Can anyone shed some light on this? Am I doomed to leaving for a month every 6 months until I die ? Lol
That's a question for an immigration attorney. I use and recommend www.kraemerlaw.com
sounds painful.
LOL congratulations!
cash is king...............
Phew, after watching both parts, I think I'll just go the Pensionado route....... : )
Yuck, stay in Texas!
@@Cyberchic2 whassa matta snowflake?
@@texasrebel7754 lol…hardly
They don’t want you there in Panama!
Too much stress. I'd need therapy. Hell first then a maybe paradise.
All in all, it's a pretty easy process. The only stressful parts were the first day at the bank and then waiting for them to clear my FBI report. Other than that, smooth sailing!
I must say that it is an whole lot less stressful and faster than with most other worthwhile destinations.
She's funny.
Congratulations!