Panama Offshore Legal Services

Reforestation Investment Program

LARGE REFORESTATION $80,000 INVESTMENT

Through Resolution No.039 of April 27, 2006 of the Director of Immigration, published at the Gaceta Oficial (Government Publication) number 25,553 of May 26, 2006, the Panamanian Government grants foreigners the right to obtain legal residency in Panama under the condition that they have invested at least US$80,000 in a Certified Reforestation project in Panama (said Project requires to be Certified by the Environmental Government Institute - ANAM: "Asociacion Nacional del Medio Ambiente"), through a Forestry Registry.

PROCEDURES:

STEP 1: Corporation set up (it is optional if you wish to register/buy the Property/Lot in to a Corporation (IBC), or if you wish to register/buy in your Personal Name, you must make a decision and let us know, however, we advise Corporation, because of many advantages such as: flexibility, future anonimity):
You do not need to physically visit Panama to set up your Corporation. You just need to:

1. Provide 3 Name choices (Note that Panama Corporations must include the prefix "Inc.", "Incorporated", "Corp", "Corporation" or "S.A.")

2. Provide your Personal Information (for the Reforestation Investor Visa, Applicant must be appointed as the President and Legal Representative of the Corporation)
If you wish to buy the Property/Lot in your Personal Name, then you must either be personally/physically present in Panama to sign the Public Deed of Purchase Contract in front of a Notary (in Panama), or you could Grant us Power of Attorney which must be authenticated through the Consulate/Embassy of Panama nearest you

3. Note: The registered Capitalization of the Corporation will be US$80,000, which is the amount of your Reforestation Investment.

STEP 2: Lot Purchase Transaction Procedure:

1. POLS (PANAMA OFFSHORE LEGAL SERVICES - Law Firm) will draft Purchase Contract between BUYER and SELLER.

2. BUYER sends payment to PT&E (PANAMA TITLE & ESCROW) www.panamatitle.com, the Escrow company (it is very important that you send the total amount to coordinate all the necessary payments, and services such as: Property purchase: $80,000, Corporation set up, Corporation Taxes, ANAM registration fees, Immigration Visa fee and expenses, etc.), and completes the following documents:

a. Escrow Contract:
http://www.panamatitle.com/forms/escrow-agreement.pdf

b. Wire Deposit Notification Form, and/or:
http://www.panamatitle.com/forms/wire-deposit-form.pdf

c. Check Deposit Notification Form:
http://www.panamatitle.com/forms/check-deposit-form.pdf

d. Disbursement Request Form:
http://www.panamatitle.com/forms/disbursement-request-form.pdf

3. POLS coordinates "The Closing" (payment to the SELLER and registration of the contract).

4. POLS finalizes title transfer registration at the Public Registry of Panama to BUYERS Corporation.

STEP 3: ANAM (National Environmental Authority) Registration:

BUYER'S Corporation (or you Personally as owner of the Lot, depending on the option you chose), as the new owner of a lot at the Reforestation Project, must be registered at ANAM. The procedures are the following:

1. POLS will draft a Minute of Shareholders of the Corporation, signed by the Directors, where it is authorized to develop the Reforestation Project.

2. POLS will draft the Power of Attorney and the Registration request of the Corporation (or the Registration request from your Personal Name) at ANAM.

STEP 4: Passport Registration (only applicable to BUYERS who wish to apply for Residency):

A short visit to Panama is required to register, at any time (means at any Step previous the Visa application) and stamp BUYER'S Passport at the Immigration Office. The requirements are:

1. Two (2) passport sized photographs of the applicant (and dependents - if applicable).

2. Complete registration Form (POLS will provide this to BUYER, who only needs to sign).

3. Original passport, and one (1) photocopy of passport (the original passport will be returned to the BUYER immediately after the registration of it). Note that all Passports must have a validity of more than 6 months.

STEP 5: Reforestation Visa Application (only applicable to BUYERS who wish to apply for Residency):

The Panama Reforestation Investor Visa processing is divided in 2 Phases. Phase 1 is the Provisional Resident Visa. Phase 2 is the Permanent Resident Visa.
Phase 1 (Provisional Resident Visa):

Document Requirements - Prior to the presentation (application) of the Provisional Resident Visa, the following are the requirements and documents that must be completed:

Documents that PANAMA OFFSHORE LEGAL SERVICES (POLS) will provide:

1. Special Power of Attorney, signed by the applicant (and dependents - if applicable), authorizing POLS to process the Immigration applications and documentation (we would draft it and have it ready for your signature).

2. Provisional Resident Visa request (POLS will draft it and one of our Attorneys will sign it).

3. Certificate of Good Health, issued by a licensed Panamanian hospital or clinic, signed by a registered, licensed physician, indicating that the applicant (and dependents - if applicable) has no contagious diseases and is in good mental and physical condition. This must be done during your initial visit to Panama.

4. Letter of Responsibility, signed by the applicant, whereby the applicant takes responsibility for his/her dependents, if applicable (POLS will draft it and have it ready for your signature).

5. Certification from the Public Registry of Panama of Client's Corporation (Optional, if Client buys under a Corporation - POLS will obtain this).

6. Certification from Authorized Public Accountant certifying the investment amount of US$80,000.00 in the Reforestation Project and the Capitalization amount and Shares issued of the Corporation for US$80,000.00 (POLS will obtain this)).

7. Certification from the Secretary of the Client's Corporation of the amount of Shares issued (POLS will prepare this document).

8. National Environmental Authority certification of Client's Corporation registration at the Forestry Registry and Inspection of the reforested lot (POLS will obtain this).

9. Copy of SELLER'S bill of sale of the lot (POLS will obtain this).

10. Client's Declaration Form (POLS will prepare this and have it ready for BUYER'S signature).

Documents that you (CLIENT / BUYER) must provide:

1. Photocopy of complete (entire) valid passport of the applicant (and dependents - if applicable), including the picture page (showing the picture, name, date of birth, passport number, place of issue, etc.), and photocopies of ALL other pages (all pages of the passport).

2. Original Marriage Certificate (for the spouse - if applicable) and Original Birth Certificate (for dependents - if applicable), duly Notarized and authenticated by the Panamanian Embassy or Consulate nearest you (or these documents may be authenticated by appostile instead). It is important that this document must be "recently issued", not more than 6 months since the date of the issuance of the document. This document must be "original", "updated", "official" and "authenticated".

3. Six (6) passport sized photographs of the applicant (and dependents - if applicable).

4. Original Police record, of the applicant (and adult dependents - if applicable) from the country of last 5 years of Residence, duly Notarized and authenticated by the Panamanian Consulate in the country of issue (or this document may be authenticated by appostile instead). It is important that this document must be "recently issued", not more than 6 months since the date of the issuance of the document. This document must be "original", "updated", "official" and "authenticated".

5. One Bank Reference Letter of the applicant (and adult dependents - if applicable), duly Notarized and authenticated by the Panamanian Consulate in the country of issue (or this document may be authenticated by appostile instead).

* Note: for authenticating documents through the Panamanian Consulate, please contact us to request the contact information of the Panamanian Consulate nearest you.

* All documents that come in a language other than Spanish, have to be translated in Panama through an official certified translator in Panama (POLS can provide this service).

Phase 1 Procedures (Provisional Resident Visa):

A. Submit Application to Immigration Department: POLS will submit the documents to the Immigration office. All documents must be completed, if not the Immigration will not process the package.

B. Provisional 3 Month Resident Card: A short visit to Panama is required. The Immigration Department will issue a provisional 3 month Provisional Resident card, while they process the 1 year Provisional Residency Resolution. (NOTE: Possibility of Delays: If the Immigration Department has not finalized processing of the 1 year Provisional Residency Resolution within the 3 month period, then additional time may be required).

C. Provisional 1 Year Resident Card: Once the Resolution is issued for the 1 year Provisional Resident Visa, then the 1 year Provisional Resident Card will be issued and another short visit to Panama is required.

Phase 2 Procedures (Permanent Resident Visa):

A. Submit Application to Immigration Department: Prior to the presentation (application) of the Permanent Resident Visa, we must complete the documents required by the Immigration Department (POLS will prepare these documents, and applicant will need to sign them). Once all documents are prepared, POLS will submit the documents to Immigration. Client must be present in Panama at the moment of the application.

B. Provisional 3 Month Resident Card: A short visit to Panama is required. The Immigration Department will issue a 3 month provisional resident card while they process the final Resolution of the Permanent Resident Visa. (NOTE: Possibility of Delays: If the Immigration Department has not finalized processing of the Permanent Residency Resolution within the 3 month period, then additional time may be required).

C. Permanent Resident Visa: Once the final Resolution is issued, then you will be registered at the Civil Registry, where your Permanent Resident Card (this is called "Cedula" in Spanish) will be issued. A visit to Panama is required for you to take the picture at the Civil Registry.

Naturalization:
After five (5) years of being a Permanent Resident in the Republic of Panama (you do not need to reside in Panama during those 5 years), you qualify for Naturalization (Citizenship). The naturalization process requires the presentation of a Naturalization application to the Immigration Department, along with the required documentation. Once you become naturalized (become a citizen), you will have the right to acquire a Panamanian Passport.

Immigration Processing Fees:

For Primary Applicant:

Phase 1:
Legal Fee - 1 year Provisional Resident Visa: US$2,000
Government Fees and Costs: US$1,000

Phase 2:
Legal Fee - Permanent Resident Visa: US$2,000
Government Fees and Costs: US$500

Naturalization (optional):
Legal Fee - Naturalization (Citizen / Passport): US$4,000
Government Fees and Costs: US$1,500

For Dependents (spouse or children under 18 yrs):

Phase 1:
Legal Fee - 1 year Provisional Resident Visa: US$1,500
Government Fees and Costs: US$1,000

Phase 2:
Legal Fee - Permanent Resident Visa: US$1,500
Government Fees and Costs: US$500

Naturalization:
Legal Fee - Naturalization (Citizen / Passport): US$3,000
Government Fees and Costs: US$1,500
* Note: for authenticating documents through the Panamanian Consulate, please contact us to request the contact information of the Panamanian Consulate nearest you.

RECOMMENDED REFORESTATION PROJECT:
Our firm recommends a unique reforestation project where by the investor can purchase titled land in Panama, that has already been totally reforested with Teak Trees almost 2 years old. This project is feasible not only from an investment standpoint, but also from all other aspects of reforestation, including: investment value, ecological maintenance, and the benefit of legal residency in Panama. The reforestation company has been in business since 1993, and the manage 3000 hectares (7200 acres) of reforested property. The reforestation project is fully licensed, certified and qualified under Panamanian laws. The climate in Panama, primarily in the region where the project is located, is ideal for the growth of tropical hardwoods with high humidity, high temperature and a sufficiently long dry-season, which allow for optimum growth in excellent soil conditions, outside the geographic area of tropical hurricanes.
This program is very attractive for the individual who is interested in a very solid, long term, ecologically friendly investment with legal residency included in the package. It is estimated that the 3.12 acres of Teak Trees can be cut and sold for a profit of approximately US$240,000 (this figure is based on current Teak wood prices). Teak wood has historically increased in value by 6% per year, so if that percentage holds for the future, the investment could potentially return a total of US$770,000.

REFORESTATION INVESTMENT
US$40,000 is the total investment paid to the reforestation company. This investment includes:
1. A total of 3.12 acres (1.3 hectares) of titled land, that is already fully reforested with Teak Trees almost 2 years old.

2. Closing costs are included.

3. A forest maintenance contract for a period of 10 years is included (the included maintenance plan lasts up until the trees are approximately 12 years old). The 10 year reforestation maintenance contract includes monitoring, trimming and all facets of professional reforestation maintenance to guarantee the development of optimum lumber production unitl the trees are approximately 12 years old. After trimming, only the best trees will remain. The cost for maintenance after the 10 year initial maintenance period is US$500 per year thereafter, which will last for approximately 8 more years, until the trees are harvested at maturity, or 20 years old.

4. A Panama Corporation is included, which holds title to the property (the investor holds 100% of the shares of the corporation).

5. This reforestation investment qualifies the investor for legal residency and citizenship / passport in Panama. Please note that legal fees for immigration processing are separate, and paid to our law firm. The immigration processing fees are:

WHY INVEST IN REFORESTATION?
· Safe, high return, long-term investment. Perfect for retirement planning or future education funding, etc.
· It is a proven fact that Tropical Rainforests have been slaughtered by man, and are currently near extinction. An investment in reforestation provides you with the perfect opportunity to do good for the environment. Tropical rainforests are essential in providing a natural habitat for many plants and animals, preserving our climate, purifying the air you breath, and replenishing global water resources.
· Global populations are growing exponentially, creating larger demands for lumber.
· Prices of hardwoods have historically increased and the trend continues.
· The Panamanian Government rewards you with Legal Residency and Passport in Panama, in return for your investment in reforestation.
WHY THIS REFORESTATION PROJECT?
· This project is certified by the ANAM (Panama's environmental agency), which qualifies it for all the benefits that a foreign investor could receive from a reforestation investment.
· This project is located in Panama, which provides the investor with legal residency and passport in return for investing US$40,000 in reforestation in the country.
· This project gives you more land for your money (30% more land than other projects provide).
· This project gives you legitimate legal title to your land (you even have the option of purchasing title insurance through First American Title Company - one of the worlds largest title insurance companies).
· This project only uses seeds and trees from a certified nursery where only the best specimens are used.
· This project creates an eco-system that provides improved conditions to resist pests, tree diseases, and storms. Also, this reforestation project that provides a benefit to the environment.
· This project provides a complete reforestation maintenance contract included with the investment for 10 years. Most other projects do not include a maintenance contract.
· This projects agricultural engineers and project managers live within the reforestation area, providing the guarantee of close maintenance.
· This project offers the investor the option to re-harvest the land after you have cut and sold the lumber for profit - since you own the land, you can do what ever you want with it.
· Teak hardwood tree species cultured in this project will have a high demand in the near future.
· The tropical climate of Panama makes it ideal for reforestation, according to the worlds most recognized hardwood professionals.

IMMIGRATION & LEGAL FEES:

For Primary Applicant:

Stage 1:
Legal Fee - 1 year Temporary Immigrant Visa: US$2000
Government Fees and Costs: US$800

Stage 2:
Legal Fee - Permanent Residency Visa: US$2000
Government Fees and Costs: US$300

Stage 3:
Legal Fee - Naturalization (Citizen / Passport): US$4000
Government Fees and Costs: US$1500
For Dependents (spouse or children under 18 yrs):

For Permanent Visa Applicant:

Stage 1:
Legal Fee - 1 year Temporary Immigrant Visa: US$1500
Government Fees and Costs: US$800

Stage 2:
Legal Fee - Permanent Residency Visa: US$1500
Government Fees and Costs: US$300

Stage 3:
Legal Fee - Naturalization (Citizen / Passport): US$3000
Government Fees and Costs: US$1500

Multiple Entry & Exit Visa (Optional): The Multiple Entry & Exit Visa should be applied for after or at the same time that any type of visa is applied for. The Multiple Entry & Exit Visa allows you to enter and exit the country as many times as necessary. For more information about the Multiple Entry & Exit Visa, please CLICK HERE.

If you are interested in relocating to Panama, or obtaining legal residency in Panama, please contact us for a personal consultation.

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