Immigration Law_news

New immigration changes: SEM, Special Regularization Process and Aviation

Executive Decree No. 238 of June 10, 2019 REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY FOR EXECUTIVES OF MULTINATIONAL HEADQUARTERS OFFICES (“SEM” for its acronym in Spanish). As of June 11th, 2019, the requirements to apply for the Permanent Resident Permit for Executives of SEM companies who i) continue working at a SEM company, and ii)

CHANGES IN THE RULES TO GRANT RESIDENCE AND WORK PERMITS

As of May 28th, 2019, five (5) Executive Decrees were enacted to modify rules related to the granting of residence and work permits.  The main changes are the following: NATIONAL IMMIGRATION AUTHORITY. Stay Visa for citizens of the United States of America: A new category of Stay Visa is created for citizens of the United

Immigration Alert

The National Immigration Authority communicates new regulations for the immigration processes of Venezuelans in Panama

By means of Executive Decree No. 123 of March 26th, 2019, the nationals from Venezuela who currently live in Panama and hold an expired passport will be able to use this passport to file their immigration processes, provided they have an extension stamp issued by the Consulate of Venezuela. Comments: This Executive Decree only applies

New Rules for SEM Companies

      With the enactment of Law 57 of October 24th, 2018 that modifies Law 41 of 2007, creating a Special Regime for the Establishment and Operation of Multinational Headquarters and the Commission of Multinational Headquarters, new rules applicable to SEM (for its acronym in Spanish) companies are established.  

National Immigration Authority informs the implementation of new migratory regulations in order to facilitate the family reunion of Venezuelans and promote the shopping tourism from the nationals of Cuba

Executive Decree No. 612 of October 22, 2018  As of October 23, 2018, the National Immigration Authority creates the Humanitarian Matters for the Venezuelans Residents in Panama Office, to facilitate the applications for family reunion. Through this office, the Venezuelan resident in Panama will be able to submit the petitions for the stamped visas of

Stamped Visas for nationals from Cuba, China, India, Dominican Republic and Venezuela will have a term for up to 5 years

Executive Decree No. 611 of October 11, 2018. As of October 12, 2018, the Stamped Visa of Multiple Entries will be issued for up to five (5) years for the nationals of the Republic of Cuba, People’s Republic of China, Republic of India, Dominican Republic and Republic of Venezuela. Comments:   The National Immigration Authority

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Foreigners with nationalities that require an entry visa may enter Panama with visas from Korea, Japan or Singapore

Executive Decree No. 521 of August 6th, 2018  As of August 8th, 2018, foreigners of nationalities that require a visa to enter the Republic of Panama may enter with a Schengen Visa or current Residency from Korea, Japan or Singapore.  Comments:  By means of Executive Decree No. 521 of April 6th, 2018, any foreigner who

Regulatory immigration framework: Options to immigrate and work in Panama

Albalira Montufar, Partner, Immigration Law  Panama has become a popular destination to immigrate in the region, due to its economic growth and socio-political stability, which contrasts with other neighboring countries´ intricate conditions.  Within the last decade, multiple infrastructure projects, as well as incentives favorable to establish and operate multinational companies, have resulted in an increase

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Latin Lawyer highlighted Morgan & Morgan

Once again, Latin Lawyer 250 recommended Morgan & Morgan as the largest firm in Panama.  “A large headcount and an established presence in the market gives Morgan & Morgan the manpower and experience required to guide some of Panama’s most significant transactions”, states the guide. This 2018 edition looks at each jurisdiction firm by firm