What Could Prevent You From Getting a Visa in Panama?

Unfortunately, no matter how badly you want to move to beautiful Panama, you may not be able to.

To live in Panama, you have to get a residency visa. There are rules – lots of rules – for getting a visa. You must dot the i’s and cross the t’s precisely right to get a visa.

The two main things that could prevent you from getting a visa are your criminal report and income.

Panama has strict rules about your income to qualify for a Pensionado Visa. And they have strict investment criteria to qualify for other visas.

Panama is also very picky about allowing people who have anything on their criminal record to get a visa in Panama. One minor thing could be approved. But multiple offenses or serious offenses could prevent you from getting a visa, no matter how long ago.

Other things could prevent you from getting a visa, too. Learn about what they are when you watch the replay of the Livestream:

YouTube video

If you don’t qualify for a visa in Panama, I offered some PLAN B options too!

It could be possible to get a visa, but other things could make it not ideal to live in Panama. You can learn about the other things on this page:

Are You Eligible To Move to Panama?

During the Livestream, I also announced important changes to the Online Panama Relocation Guide. It is updated monthly!

The Online Guide has all the information you need to know to have a hassle-free move to Panama. It also includes our vetted and reliable list of immigration lawyers, real estate agents, insurance brokers, and other contacts you will need. I added information about health insurance options for medical emergencies, even if you have pre-existing conditions.

complete panama relocation guide

Jackie Lange

Jackie Lange is the founder of Panama Relocation Tours and lives in the highlands of Boquete Panama. She has helped thousands of people relocate to Panama.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Jeff McDonald says

    We have used the Panama Relocation Guide to our benefit. We have hired an attorney recommended by Jackie and followed all of her recommendations. We submitted our paperwork to the Houston Counselor General of Panama and got it back within a week. I did have one item on my FBI report that I had to clear up, but it went very smoothly. We are heading for Panama tonight and expect to meet with the attorney and give them the paperwork. The guide has been invaluable.

  2. Jeff McDonald and Nancy Winchell says

    We have used the Panama Relocation Guide to our benefit. We have hired an attorney recommended by Jackie and followed all of her recommendations. We submitted our paperwork to the Houston Counselor General of Panama and got it back within a week. I did have one item on my FBI report that I had to clear up, but it went very smoothly. We are heading for Panama tonight and expect to meet with the attorney and give them the paperwork. The guide has been invaluable.

    • Jackie Lange says

      Jeff, Thanks so much for posting your experience with using the Panama Relocation Guide!

  3. Lois Metzger says

    I am a widow, Lois Metzger, 76 in 6 wks., recovering from some health issues at this time but look forward to visiting and eventually moving to Panama after I sell my house hopefully in the next few months. I called and spoke to your daughter a few weeks ago. I am a Jehovah’s Witness and interested in moving near a Kingdom Hall. Are there any near where you live, where you don’t need heat or A/C? I shouldn’t have any problems getting a retirement visa because I have never been arrested, make well over 16,000 dollars a month in social security and have no family to hold me here. You Will hear from me by Summer.

    • Jackie Lange says

      Hi Lois. Thanks for your interest in Panama Relocation Tours. There are several Kingdom Halls in Chiriqui!

  4. Gary Gibson says

    Great video! Confirming on criminal that you said “more than two DUI’s”… therefore would 2 (quite old) misdemeanor offenses be fine?

    • Jackie Lange says

      HI Gary, if it’s just 2 DUIs and nothing else, you will be able to get a visa.

  5. Alice Spurr says

    Another video of very helpful information! Thank you!
    You mentioned about all the hospitals in Panama don’t treat patient unless they pay first. My question is do you have to pay them in cash or will they take a credit card or more cards if necessary to meet the total cost?

    • Jackie Lange says

      Hello Alice. Hospitals in Panama take credit cards.

  6. Terry York says

    I am thinking about retiring in Panama I am retired in the United States as of now. I have an income on Social Security of about $30,000 a year and I have more income available to me as far as savings I don’t know exactly how much at this time because part of it is a vehicle that has been getting restored that I plan on selling. Today’s market shows it should be worth somewhere around $100,000. I would have had more but I was just scammed out of $140,000 a few months ago. I’m trying to find what information I might need to come down there you come highly recommended to me so that’s the reason I’m emailing you Jackie at this point. Any help you can give me would be much appreciated I’ve been on your site multiple times and I’ve seen most of the videos but I will take all the help I can get. Thank you.

    • Jackie Lange says

      Hi Terry, To qualify for the Pensionado Visa, you only need to show that you have at least $1000 a month in lifetime income from Social Security or a pension. So you qualify. You’ll also need an FBI report. All documents need to be authenticated by the Panama Consulate nearest you. We have a list of reliable immigration lawyers in the Online Panama Relocation Guide. https://panamarelocationtours.com/guide

  7. Robin Godwin says

    I have a gross misdemeanor for assault and battery,am I disqualified?

    • Jackie Lange says

      Robin. With an assault charge, it’s unlikely that you can get a visa in Panama. Pull your FBI report then send it to a Panama immigration attorney for them to better advise you.

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