Immigration law changes/enforcement

Please everyone be aware, there are big immigration law changes coming very soon. What this means is that it is very likely that immigration to Panama is going to get more strict as this has been a worldwide trend around the world for a few years now.

Something to note is that there is also talk that vague immigration laws and laws that have never been enforced before that are on the books already WILL be enforced to the letter of the law. I am not going to go into a comprehensive overview of these potential changes because there is rumor/talks in process. However, there is a potential for two important things to happen that many expats that come to Panama would be concerned about.

1. Potential that those seeking Panama citizenship will be required to living in Panama 180 days/year for 5 years to be eligible to apply for citizenship.
2. Permanent residency holders without special permission will be at risk of having their Panama residency cancelled if out of the country for more than 2 years.

*NOTE* Nothing is 100% until the changes are brought into law. I am just giving people a heads up that it is very, very likely that major changes are coming very soon under the new administration.

Have a great day!
RP
Joyful Feet Immigration

I think these laws are already in place and enforced, as far as I know. But, I think hardly any people successfully become citizens. What has your experience been with this?

The main concerns and confusions I have seen have been with tourists. 90 days, need a passport stamp so they can drive again, but how long do they have to stay out of the country before allowed back? 3 days? Then 180 days here, but now have to stay out 30 days before they are allowed back? How many times can one repeat this process and return to Panama as a tourist? People get different treatment when flying in vs crossing the border to Costa Rica. Everyone is confused.

With the new administration coming in next week, I'm sure things could change, and hopefully become more clear and standardized.

In addition, Panama may now be experiencing extra pressure since ISIS fighters that were recently apprehended in Nicaragua were found to have arrived originally in Panama.
https://www.laprensa.com.ni/2019/06/25/ … costa-rica

If this causes some diplomatic frictions between Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico and the USA this could potentially add to their final decisions. We will see.

Please excuse the automatically added language from expat.com. I was referencing to a well known fighting organization in the Middle East and it changed to the above reference. Please excuse the reference, I was just stating the facts relating to a recent situation that could have additional effects on immigrations decisions.

Have a great day everyone!

Thanks for the info. There is probably a software program that looks for particular words and doesn't read the message.

I wonder if it will do it to me too. We're you talking about Al Qaeda or ISIS? It's disconcerting to think they are operating in our backyard.

Ha! Yep, can't say I * S * I * S  here

Some sort of *is* (not) *is* slap those who created them, the 'aic'.
Reverse it. You know. But that is crappy politics and we should
keep this platform free from politic debates.

Btw, who can name me some good sites  - with english language -
for the property housing sector? I found only encuentra24 and
metrocuadrado for listings.
The first is sloppily programmed the second has only high priced
listings.

At least, is the property market in Panama, espcially near the
capital, in 'free fall' as dumluk mentioned here in another thread
or did he told just some rumors out of his personal revenge
to Panama?
Regards

I don't know if this link will work, but it's an interesting article/report on Panama and the economy by Bob Adams. He also publishes YouTube videos about various Panama related topics. https://static1.squarespace.com/static/ … e+2019.pdf

It seems a lot of real estate is found by boots on the ground, knowing the right people, etc rather than websites. I'm not a good one to ask though, don't know much about it.

Here is a list of rather good websites with properties for sale or rent:
- https://www.encuentra24.com/
- https://casas.mitula.com.pa/
- https://panama.craigslist.org/
- https://www.olx.com.pa/
- http://www.compreoalquile.com/
- https://insidepanamarealestate.com/
- https://www.prestigepanamarealty.com/
- https://www.panamarealtor.com/
- https://www.casasolution.com/
- http://www.inmobiliaria24.com/

These might not be the best way to find a home, but they could be a good start or a way to see the differences (in terms of price and properties quality) between different regions.

Thank you for all the links, highly appreciated.

My conclusion; the shacks up to -60sqm 50k$
are way overpriced to their small sizes and poor
fitments. And the better built around 200k$ too
expensive compared to panamian average income.
In Colombia i have seen the better built and fitted
houses and apts made from euro standards and
cheaper as this junk across Panama.

At most i disagree this suspended ceilings with
asbest covers, we had them back until 50 years ago.
Suspended ceilings will be made with natural wood
panels or cheaper in some plastic/wood combo.
How they make it with Asbestos and metal squares
is way outdated in construction.

I think the cheapest way to get quality and affordable
housings is to buy some bad shacks on a good
located property, tear them off and build something
better back on.
How's about regulations about tear down and
re-build property in Panama? Labor- and material -cost?
How much paperwork needed?
Well, im spoiled. In Europe we have high demands
and a lot of regulations. This is the result why things
here are working and so many economic refugees
want to come here.
The gov's are very picky as i hate this pickiness - and a
few times i like it. Depends on what you do.

At least, with a good PV-system you have your own
electrical power source, and hot water for dish
washer shower and to clean your car. jajajaja
Does PV-systems in Panama need authorization
or can you set it up as you like it?
I have not yet seen or read anything about pv-
systems in Latin America.