Reforestation Visa

Panama has a unique eco-friendly immigration visa program which allows foreigners to invest in government certified reforestation projects in return for a permanent residency visa. In addition, these reforestation investments have provided good returns.

In order to qualify for a Panama immigration permanent residency visa the foreigner must invest a minimum of $80,000 USD in a reforestation project with is certified by the Panama government. There are several such projects to choose from around Panama where most of them are foreign owned mainly from Europe. The $80,000 USD investment goes towards purchasing a minimum of 5 hectares of forest land. Besides making the investment in one’s own name, there is an option to make the investment using a Panama legal entity.

Panama immigration provides permanent residency for the applicant and dependents which can lead to full Panama citizenship with a Panama passport.
Panama law requires that a foreigner must be a permanent resident for at least 5 years before qualifying to apply for citizenship.
An additional $2,000 USD investment is required for every dependent that will be included with the visa application.

A Panama reforestation investment provides a perfect opportunity to help the environment by reducing rainforest losses. Reforestation involves planting new trees to replace the ones cut down for lumber. Rainforests are a natural habitat for wildlife, plants, climate preservation, air purification, and replenishing worldwide water resources. It is better for the environment to source lumber from sustainable reforestation projects and not from rain forests.

This is truly a “Green Investment” where investing in environmental cleanup or alternative clean energy helps reduce pollution and costs of energy. Panama’s immigration reforestation visa is often called “Panama’s Green Investment Visa”.
The Panama reforestation projects plant new trees, cultivate them, trim them every few years, harvest them in 15 to 20 years, and replant more trees in their place.

In addition to the usual required documents for application to Panama immigration to become a permanent resident, here are the documents required for the Panama Reforestation Visa:

1. If you will be using a legal entity like a Panama Corporation to purchase the reforestation property then a sworn affidavit from the treasurer or secretary (other than the applicant) verifying the ownership and shares held by the applicant along with the total capital stocks.
2. Panama Public Accountant (CPA) certification detailing the total amount invested in the Panama reforestation project by the applicant. The accountant must submit documents supporting this.
3. Certificate authenticating shares owned by the applicant.
4. Copy of official tax returns showing the invested capital. If the first tax year has not ended yet, then a copy of the certificate of the corporation’s tax ID (RUC) must be submitted.
5. Copy of the National Environmental Authority (ANAM) resolution certifying the reforestation project.
6. Copy of the Panama Public Registry certificate of the business (corporation) and the property’s title.
7. Proof of the direct investment of a minimum of $80,000 USD in the reforestation project. Acceptable documents include:
(a) Audited Finance Statement
(b) Bank certification that funds were transferred or payment was made
(c) Documents that merchandise was imported
(d) Receipts for purchase and sale

In Gerli & Company, we help you to manage this type of Visa. Our qualified team is ready to provide you legal advisory and give you all required tools to make this possible.

Oleg - Klaipeda
I have worked with Gerli & Company for a number of years and have known Ismael Gerli, for over a decade. When it comes to detail, no questions to be asked, Ismael Gerli, knows how to run ships in rough waters. Thumbs Up
Well-known reputation
I was very pleased that I chose Gerli & Company some two decades ago, to represent me in my companies spin off, ever since we have set up and organized both onshore and offshore structures through Gerli & Company, whom have proven highly skillful. Our group exceeds 100 corporate structures and Panama Private Foundations. Their credibility and well-known reputation has been key to our success.
Attention to detail
I have worked with Gerli & Company for a number of years and have known Ismael Gerli, for over a decade. When it comes to detail, no questions to be asked, Ismael Gerli, knows how to run ships in rough waters. Thumbs Up
Very professional and proficient
I have the utmost appreciation and respect for the Gerli & Company Law Firm. Our case was complex and it included a number corporate structures and registration of vessels in four flag registries. There were multiple lawyers and paralegals assigned to us, from both Panama and Miami office. All with whom I communicated with was indeed professional and proficient in their role. They definitively exceed the expectations of their clients. The team worked earnestly towards structuring what we needed, a strong validation as well for the Gerli team in Ft Lauderdale and Marshall Islands Registry staff.
Sound guidance
I contacted Gerli & Company based on their stellar reputation supporting real estate and second citizenship program immigration process in Dominica. Ismael Gerli, and his team provided sound guidance when addressing my request on application and additional requirements. They were truly committed, treated me professionally, and most importantly provided realistic expectations masterfully. Thank you Ismael and staff for your overwhelming support and final success on our application, both Katerina and myself are grateful and happy with our new passport.
Extremely knowledgeable and professional
I worked with Gerli & Company team on an Maritime labor dispute within our hear office in Panama City, involving gender grade group assignment. I am certain the firm had many other cases, however, I felt like I was a priority to the firm, and mostly to the staff assigned to our case. We had 24/ 7 communication while we visited Panama, they were reachable at all times and worked hand to hand with me during the entire process. Staff members, and legal assistants to the partners, had cutting knowledgeable and professionalism at its best. Without question, what was perceive as unpleasant, became more tolerable.