Investor of a Macro-Company

Obtaining permanent residency in Panama offers a unique opportunity for foreign investors aiming to establish themselves in a flourishing economic hub. For those interested in founding or investing in a substantial business, Panama’s Macro-Company Investor Visa provides a pathway to indefinite residency, allowing investors to become integral players in the country’s business landscape. Delvalle & Delvalle, a renowned law firm specializing in Panamanian immigration and incorporation services, offers expert support throughout this process, ensuring a smooth transition for clients seeking to establish a lasting presence in Panama.

This guide outlines the essentials of the Macro-Company Investor Visa, covering eligibility, requirements, and the invaluable role of Delvalle & Delvalle in simplifying the application.

Understanding the Macro-Company Investor Visa

Panama’s Macro-Company Investor Visa was developed to attract foreign investors who bring significant capital and expertise to the country. This visa provides a clear path to indefinite residency for individuals who establish or invest in substantial businesses. After an initial two-year provisional residency, qualified applicants can apply for permanent residency, gaining long-term stability and access to diverse economic opportunities within Panama.

This visa type requires investors to create businesses or engage in activities that do not infringe upon sectors reserved for Panamanian nationals. Delvalle & Delvalle, with deep experience in immigration law, supports clients in navigating these specific requirements to ensure that each application meets the regulatory criteria.

Eligibility Requirements for the Macro-Company Investor Visa

Investment and Ownership Conditions

Applicants must meet strict financial and operational requirements:

• Minimum Capital Investment: An investment of at least $160,000, free from any encumbrances, must be directed into the company and substantiated by a bank statement in the company’s favor.
• Ownership and Authority: Applicants must be either directors or shareholders in the company, holding shares explicitly registered in their name.

Employment Obligations

The visa also mandates that the applicant’s business has an initial payroll of five full-time Panamanian employees, each earning at least minimum wage and registered with the country’s Social Security system. This requirement underlines Panama’s emphasis on local job creation, a compliance area where Delvalle & Delvalle’s guidance proves essential.

Documentation and Legal Requirements

Applying for the Macro-Company Investor Visa requires submitting a comprehensive set of documents to establish compliance with Panama’s legal standards. Delvalle & Delvalle meticulously oversees this part of the process to ensure each document is complete and accurate.

Personal Documentation

• Police and Criminal Records: Required from the applicant’s place of residence over the last two years, authenticated by a Panamanian consulate.
• Passport: A valid passport with a minimum of six months left.
• Photographs: Four passport-sized photos.

Company and Financial Documentation

The application requires extensive company-related documents to confirm the applicant’s investment, role, and the business’s adherence to Panamanian standards:

• Certification from the Public Registry: This should confirm the company’s legal entity, the applicant’s position as a director or dignitary, and the social capital of the corporation, specifying share division and nominal value.
• Sworn Statement and Ownership Proof: A notarized statement in Panama confirming the applicant’s share ownership, amount of shares, and that shares are fully paid and unencumbered. If the applicant is not a director, they must also submit a share certificate with a verification copy.
• Payroll Certification: A document from the Social Security Office listing the company’s five Panamanian employees, each earning minimum wage, with verified pay stubs.
• Other Financial Proofs: Proof of the $160,000 investment, a Good Standing certificate from the Social Security Office, a notarized tax declaration, and a copy of the company’s commercial license or operations permit.

Special Considerations for Dependents

Applicants who intend to include dependents must meet additional requirements. The primary investment amount must increase by $2,000 per dependent, verifiable through a local bank reference letter. Eligible dependents include spouses and children under 25 who are financially dependent on the applicant.

Supporting documents, such as marriage certificates for spouses and birth certificates for children, must be authenticated by a Panamanian consulate. Additionally, a Letter of Responsibility, a template for which Delvalle & Delvalle provides, is necessary to confirm the applicant’s financial responsibility for their dependents. Delvalle & Delvalle guides applicants through these extra steps, ensuring family applications meet all criteria.

How Delvalle & Delvalle Supports the Application Process

Navigating Panama’s Macro-Company Investor Visa process can be complex. Delvalle & Delvalle offers specialized support at every step, ensuring each application is managed with precision and care. Here’s how their expertise proves invaluable to applicants:

Comprehensive Documentation Guidance

Delvalle & Delvalle thoroughly reviews each document, ensuring compliance from criminal records and passport validity to financial proofs. Their support reduces the risk of application delays, making the process smoother and more efficient.

Corporate Compliance Expertise

Delvalle & Delvalle’s team specializes in corporate compliance, guiding clients on Panama’s specific standards for investment, social capital, and employment requirements. Their diligence ensures that clients’ businesses meet all legal standards, from investment compliance to social security obligations.

Family Application Support

For applicants with dependents, Delvalle & Delvalle provides clear guidance on the additional documentation required, including templates and instructions for letters of responsibility and authenticated dependent documents. Their support allows families to transition together with all necessary criteria fulfilled.