Legalese
a Panama (mostly) legal blog

The Rise of the Panama Relocation Guru
We’ve observed an interesting shift over the last couple of years. More and more people are applying for Panama residency relatively sight unseen. In fact,

Choosing the Best Panama Consulate to Authenticate US Documents
The other day, we posted an article why we often recommend that our US clients use the Panama Consulate in the United States to authenticate

Consular Authentication: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
If you’re applying for residency in Panama, then your homework really begins with the gathering of documents from outside of Panama. Here are some of

Early Lease Termination in Panama: What Tenants Should Know Before Renting
“Rent before you buy.” We hear this advice a lot from people exploring Panama real estate. And generally speaking, we tend to agree. Panama offers

How We Actually Bill — And Why It Matters for Your Residency
When someone begins researching Panama residency, they often initially focus on the rules and parameters around the different visas, the documents and requirements to qualify,

How to Get your FBI Background Check for a Visa Application
If you are submitting a residency visa application in Panama, all of the adult applicants in your family will need to provide criminal history background

The Rise of the Panama Relocation Guru
We’ve observed an interesting shift over the last couple of years. More and more people are applying for Panama residency relatively sight unseen. In fact,

Choosing the Best Panama Consulate to Authenticate US Documents
The other day, we posted an article why we often recommend that our US clients use the Panama Consulate in the United States to authenticate

Consular Authentication: the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
If you’re applying for residency in Panama, then your homework really begins with the gathering of documents from outside of Panama. Here are some of

How to Get your FBI Background Check for a Visa Application
If you are submitting a residency visa application in Panama, all of the adult applicants in your family will need to provide criminal history background

Where to Stay in Panama City when Applying for Residency
Ok, so you’ve gathered all of your application documents and you obtained all the notarizations, stamps and seals. You’ve chosen dates that align with the

The Residency Application Process
This article will provide a broad, high-level overview of the process of applying for legal residency in Panama. For most of the residency visas that

The Rise of the Panama Relocation Guru
We’ve observed an interesting shift over the last couple of years. More and more people are applying for Panama residency relatively sight unseen. In fact,

Early Lease Termination in Panama: What Tenants Should Know Before Renting
“Rent before you buy.” We hear this advice a lot from people exploring Panama real estate. And generally speaking, we tend to agree. Panama offers

Major Announcement about Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa!
A few months ago, we posted an article about potential upcoming changes to Panama’s residency laws in the context of the elections. We wrote that article

When does a Lease Contract Renew Automatically?
If a lease contract expires, but the tenant remains remains and continues paying rent, has the lease been extended under the same terms?

Unveiling the Panamanian Real Estate Share Transfer Strategy
Many years ago, some ambitious gentlemen built a big Canal running through Panama, propelling this tiny landbridge onto the world stage with a unique and

Asset Protection: What is the Best Asset-Holding Structure?
A couple of weeks ago we exchanged emails with a new client who owns a handful of real estate assets in Panama. He holds the

Panama: The Top Destination for International Relocation in 2025
“Shhh… don’t tell everybody!” This whispered warning has been making the rounds in expat circles as Panama lands firmly on the map as THE PLACE for retirement

Vale la Pena? Do Expats Really Need an E-Cèdula Card?
A few questions we receive pretty often: Does permanent residency in Panama come with a cédula? Is there an additional cost? Do you really need

Asset Protection: What is the Best Asset-Holding Structure?
A couple of weeks ago we exchanged emails with a new client who owns a handful of real estate assets in Panama. He holds the

Resident Agent: How to Fire Your Panama Lawyer
For many people, the role of the “resident agent” in Panama is a bit of a mystery. To some extent, it represents passive income for

Rock-Solid Asset Protection Strategies to Limit Liability
This week, we are working on an article about some of the different types of legal structures that business owners and investors use for asset

Navigating a Capital Call with Finesse (while Maintaining Investor Confidence)
Interest rates and inflation are both on the rise worldwide. Market volatility has had an impact on the bottom line of many businesses, real

Early Lease Termination in Panama: What Tenants Should Know Before Renting
“Rent before you buy.” We hear this advice a lot from people exploring Panama real estate. And generally speaking, we tend to agree. Panama offers

Where to Stay in Panama City when Applying for Residency
Ok, so you’ve gathered all of your application documents and you obtained all the notarizations, stamps and seals. You’ve chosen dates that align with the

Authorized Labs for a Panama Driver’s License
Ask and you shall receive…. Sometimes, it really is that easy. At least when it comes to a list of authorized labs in Panama. If

Panama: The Top Destination for International Relocation in 2025
“Shhh… don’t tell everybody!” This whispered warning has been making the rounds in expat circles as Panama lands firmly on the map as THE PLACE for retirement

Vale la Pena? Do Expats Really Need an E-Cèdula Card?
A few questions we receive pretty often: Does permanent residency in Panama come with a cédula? Is there an additional cost? Do you really need

10 English-Speaking Church Services in Panama City
Relocating to a new city, embracing a different culture and navigating a foreign language can be both exciting and challenging. For many churchgoers from countries