Lori L. Says
Is Panama completely separated from the United States now and do you need an FBI report to move there?
IL Panama Editor Jessica Ramesch Says:
Hi Lori,
While Panama has never been a part of the United States, Panama and the US have had very close, friendly relations since the Republic of Panama was founded (with conspicuous help and assurances from the US) in 1903.
The US was responsible for building the Panama Canal, and as a part of its canal-related treaties with Panama, the US was allowed to build multiple military bases here and to operate US bases as sovereign territory (along with the canal and its watershed), until 1999.
Though it’s been 24 years since the canal reverted to Panamanian administration, the US and Panama have maintained a friendly relationship. US visitors and expats in Panama tend to feel welcome and at ease. Panama is incredibly international (thanks to the canal) and locals are accustomed to meeting people from all over the world, so it’s a generally familiar and comfortable environment.
If you’re a US citizen and you’d like to visit and sample life in Panama for up to six months, you don’t need a special visa or an FBI report. If, however, you would like to become a legal resident, you will indeed need an FBI report showing you’ve had no prior arrests/convictions. You’ll also need to provide a health certificate (this is easy to obtain here in Panama), as certain communicable diseases can also impede you from becoming a resident.
Panama makes becoming a resident quick and easy with its renowned visa programs—we’ve studied the programs of similarly desirable countries and, year after year, International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index ranks Panama’s visas and benefits at number one.
Once of the easiest ways to get a residence visa is to show proof of a pension. If you have a pension of at least $1,000 a month (or $1,250 between you and your spouse or dependent), you’ll find it’s easy to qualify for the Pensionado visa. It can take as little as four to six months to get your application approved. And once you’re in, the benefits include significant discounts on travel, healthcare, and more.
If you don’t have a pension, don’t worry. There are other excellent programs, including the so-called Friendly Nations program and the telework visa, that you can look into.
To learn about Panama’s best residence visa programs, visit our dedicated resource page.
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