Pensionados In Panama Can Now Get A Cedula
The National Immigration Service (SNM) reported, through a press release, that foreigners who apply within the immigration status of retirees (pensionados) will be eligible for the permanent resident card (cedula). This measure will apply to those who are covered by the Law # 9 of 1987, which grants exemptions for retirees and pensioners who are retired from active life and to retired annuitants. This measure will be applied to those who comply with Executive Order #320 of 8 August 2008, which states that those who receive a retirement or pension from any foreign government, shall maintain a monthly income or pension that shall not be less a thousand dollars (per month) and must be granted for life.
According to Javier Carrillo, before permanent residency was being given to retirees, but they could not complete the process to be given a personal identification card (cedula). 'Now they can be permanent here, and they can be issued a cedula," he said. He added that, as the law provides for these benefits, the applicant should have a pension of not less than one thousand dollars (per month).
Strict regime - Given these statements, the lawyer Ernesto Cedeño argues that Panama has created a number of benefits that many foreigners come to invest, however, they face a strict regime to remain permanently. According to Cedeño, for a person to obtain a visa as a pensioner, they must have a monthly income of one thousand dollars or more, while the foreigner who has no resources, who enters country for several years and remains hidden, the SNM grants work permits for up to ten years.
"The current administration is benefiting more the foreigners who do not have the resources or to survive, over those who come here to invest," said Cedeño. According to the lawyer Cedeño, in Panama there is no defined immigration policy regarding this issue.
In 2011, the SNM processed 648 immigrant visas for pensioners or retirees, of which 538 were approved and 110 denied. Through July this year, of the 388 visas Immigration has processed, 295 were approved and 93 were denied. (Siglo)
Editor's Comment: Cool. Now everyone out there who already has a pensionado visa can also obtain your permanent identification card (cedula). This is a big advantage, because in the Panamanian business community as soon as you flash a cedula, then they relax because you've been completely identified, even though you're a foreigner. I zip through the airport using the "Panamanian" line in immigration, just by showing my cedula. Now, before you ask - this is all I know about this issue thus far. I'm sure the lawyers who deal with these things were also caught flat-footed by this surprise announcement on a Saturday. Next week there will be a lot of discussion. Anyway, prepare to apply for your cedula. This is good news.
