Second citizenship in countries like Panama offer many advantages. The most common advantages involve freedom of travel between countries, lower taxes, privacy in personal and business affairs, and asset protection. For United States citizens, the list of advantages also includes the ability to travel to Cuba freely and other “prohibited” countries.

Many people also feel more comfortable traveling with a Panamanian passport over a U.S. or U.K. passport, given varying political climates across the globe. No country has a quarrel with Panama.

Many “Zonians”, US citizens who were born in the former U.S. Canal Zone who are dual U.S. and Panama citizens, use their Panama passports when traveling outside of the United States.

Obtaining second citizenship, also called “dual citizenship” in Panama can be accomplished under five of Panama’s immigration Visas.

These five ways lead towards naturalization, citizenship and a Panama passport.

1. Self Economic Solvency Visa requiring a minimum investment of $300,000 either by purchasing a Certificate of Deposit with a Panama bank or purchasing Panama real estate or doing a combination of the two investments.
2. Small Business Investor Visa: requiring a minimum $160,000 investment in an existing Panama business or creating a new one with a minimum of five Panamanians employed full time paid at least minimum wage and paying their social security benefits. In addition, obtain a commercial business license and register with the social security administration.
3. Large Reforestation Visa: requiring a minimum investment of $80,000 and the purchase of at least five hectares in a certified reforestation project.
4. Marrying a Panamanian: gives instant permanent residency.
5. Refugee after living in Panama for ten years: people can apply for permanent residency and then another five years before qualifying for naturalization.

Upon qualifying for the first four of these visas, you must be a temporary resident for two years before applying for permanent residency. After being a permanent resident for five years, you can apply for naturalization, become a citizen and then apply for a passport.

By Jessica Ramesch - International Living

If you’ve ever been to Panama, chances are, you remember how easy it was to fly here. For many an expat resident, the Tocumen International Airport is a big draw. Known as the Hub of the Americas, the busy airport is a connections hub, providing easy travel to and from anywhere in the region.

The hub and the Panama Canal also make Panama a prime destination for entrepreneurs or multi-nationals looking to expand within the region.

Recently, local news sources have announced that some 344 hectares around Tocumen are to be converted into Panama’s first aerotropolis, featuring logistics, commercial and residential sectors.

An aerotropolis is an airport-anchored city of sorts, with all the features of a modern metropolitan center, says John Kasarda, director of the Kenan Institute of Private Enterprise at UNC-Chapel Hill and a “leading developer of the aerotropolis concept.”

An aerotropolis boasts office buildings, hotels and exhibition complexes, medical and wellness facilities, cultural, leisure, and entertainment venues, retail, education, financial and consumer services.

“It is a globally connected city,” says Kasarda, “where long distance travelers and locals alike can work, shop, conduct business, exchange knowledge, meet, eat, sleep, and be entertained…without going more than 15 minutes from the airport.”

Dubbed Panatropolis, the “new world’s global hub,” the mixed-use development would also be an air logistics center, providing speedy, efficient logistical solutions to time-critical industries—such as high-tech and perishables companies. Says Kasarda, “The airport will become a magnet for high-value time critical to businesses and industry, complementing and reinforcing commercial development in Panama City’s downtown.”

According to news sources, the project will generate an estimated 3,000 direct jobs. Investors plan to funnel $412 million into the project; construction should take between five and 15 years.

According to local daily the Panama America, investors also say the project will be “the most innovative logistics platform in the region.” Quite a statement, considering the fact that a new city and logistics hub is growing in Panama Pacifico, on the western edge of Panama City.

Says Kasarda: “The location of Panatropolis is particularly favorable; right next to an international airport that is among the most strategically located in the Americas, with a hub carrier, Copa, that is among the fastest-growing and most successful airlines in the world. This will provide Panatropolis with the best overall access to Central, South, and North America.” Not only that, says Kasarda, but the project will also give Panama “a huge competitive edge.”

Panama corporations are ideal for global trade, settling trusts or foundations, as well as for instituting offshore bank and investment accounts. With a Panama Corporation one can hold properties and other material assets. It’s possible to conduct confidential business transactions such as moving funds from one jurisdiction to another via Panama Corporations.

Panama offers some of the most strict banking and corporate book secrecy laws available world wide. Panama is also one of the few countries who still offer "bearer share" corporations, which allows for the utmost anonymity for its shareholders.

Panama offshore corporations allow for legal protection of assets and identity by way of the confidentiality of bear shares. Furthermore Panama is an entirely independent nation, thus allowing for business and banking transactions to be fully private and confidential.

Forming a Panama corporation is a quick, easy and affordable process. By implementing an offshore private corporation, one can then open an offshore Panama bank account and take full advantage of Panama banking privacy laws to protect their assets.

We offer very low introductory rates of 1100 USD per Corporation with some of the most competitive renewal fees in the market. Furthermore we can have your corporation up and running within 7 days.

Additional services include:

• Corporate Law
• Real Estate Law
• Immigration
• Banking
• Legal Process

For more information, please contact us.