When I got my Colombiano pensionado visa at the Colombian consulate in PC I did it myself by submitting a two page application (printed both in Spanish and English), an apostiled proof of pension, a photo of myself, a copy of my passport and my passport. Had I been younger than 65, I would have also had to provide a "police letter". The cost was $0. I had an interview with the Consul General, which I believe to be the most important part of the process. I assume that he considered "Do I want this guy living in my country?" Evidently he did as my visa was issued the following day.

Clyde

All of the procedures for immigration to Panama, conducted prior to departure from our home country, were transparent, friendly and encouraging. Procedures upon arrival were demeaning, time consuming and completely lacking in customer service. We soon came to the conclusion that we wre "sport" to be made to jump through as many hoops as possible. We are glad we live here permanently now and do not have to deal with Immigration.
Panama could learn from Mexico where bilingual university student volunteers staff a desk where people can receive guidance as to forms, procedures and costs. A friendly smile, even if there is a language barrier, helps immensely.
I think the will to change within the department is now there, but there are a few vested interests that are interfering with progress.

Looks like about 10% of your poll participants are Lawyers

I have been here for almost 15 years now, and thankfully I am done with both Immigration and Ministerio de Trabajo. I didboth by myself, paying occasionally for lawyers signatures, but ultimately did all of the work myself as it was easier. I did my visa and residency 11 years ago, spending almost all day everyday in immigration waiting and watching as people were stoodup for appointaments, Left by their lawyers, and treated like crap the whole way through. There is no need for any of this to be this way, and in Min de Trabajo at least it is much more clear how you need to go about things. Present your papers (with lawyer signature) and then periodically check back to see if things are ready. But, I'm done for good and good riddance to it all.

When I lived in Chile I got a temporary residency visa all by myself. And I speak minimal Spanish. Attorneys aren't required and probably not necessary. The only cost was for the paperwork. I don't recall exactly how much it was, but it was under $50. The temp visa was good for 2 years, then one had to apply for a permanent visa. It was going to be a similar procedure and cost.
I was told that many in the Panama's Legislative Assembly are attorneys, so....

I find it difficult to believe that every Colombian and Tico pay the over-the-top lawyer fees required of the "gringos" when getting immigrant visas, especially now with the new work visa. Is a lawyer really necessary to obtain it?

Lawyers are necessary for so many fuctions in Panama because lawyers write the laws. Shakespeare had the right of it.

Most countries go by international understanding that immigration is regulated by REPROCITY. Each country will request same rules that the demander’s country will ask, for tourist visa or any other form of immigration request. Sad to say that the US does not follow this simple international principle. US citizen do not need a tourist visa to come to Panama and to many other countries of the world HOWEVER the USA require COSTLY ($100.00 and more) just for a tourist visa application without reimbursement if the visa is denied, as it is in the majority of the case. What the US citizen would say if Panama would apply to the US citizen same rules that the US is enforcing to Panama citizen and the world?
The question is not “Should Lawyers Be Required At Immigration”!
The question is “Should Panama and the world require same immigration to US citizen as the US require of Panama Citizen”!