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Alert from authorities in Panama: fraud investigations put some foreigners’ Panama residences at risk
Panama is facing growing concern in migration matters following an official alert issued by the Colegio Nacional de Abogados (CNA) regarding Panama residences. The CNA warns about irregular practices that could directly affect hundreds of foreigners who have obtained or are seeking to obtain Panama residences.
According to statements by Luciano Yanes, First Vice President of the Immigration Law Commission of the Colegio Nacional de Abogados of Panama, there are currently dozens of cases under investigation and hundreds of complaints related to the illegal practice of law, the improper use of lawyers’ signatures, and multiple irregularities in migration procedures for Panama residences.
The situation has raised alarm in the country, as these are not isolated incidents but a phenomenon that has been increasing in recent years. Authorities have confirmed that investigations are already underway and could lead to criminal proceedings.
The problem has intensified due to the growing number of foreigners seeking to regularize their migration status in Panama, especially those with limited resources who opt for low-cost solutions. This makes them easy targets for informal intermediaries, commonly known as “tramitadores.”
According to reports from local media, including ECO TV, many of these individuals present themselves as immigration lawyers without having legal credentials. In reality, they offer standardized services without analyzing the client’s specific case or legal and tax needs.
This type of practice represents a significant risk for those seeking to settle in the country, as Panama residences obtained under these conditions may lack legal validity.
The Colegio Nacional de Abogados has identified two main forms of fraud. The first involves lawyers who “lend” or sell their signature for migration procedures without being involved in the process. The second, even more serious, involves identity impersonation, where individuals without legal training pose as licensed attorneys.
Borrowed signatures and impersonation: Panama residences under investigation
“There are colleagues who lend themselves to signing documents without being involved in the real process,” Yanes stated, highlighting the negative impact of these practices on both users and the professional ethics of the legal community. Additionally, it has been detected that some lawyers lack the CUR number required to legally operate in the Public Registry, leading them to offer irregular solutions such as fictitious employment contracts, further increasing the risk for the client.
The implications for foreigners can be severe. Panamanian authorities, including the National Migration Service, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the Supreme Court of Justice, have already been notified and are monitoring the situation. Possible consequences include the annulment of migration status, deportation proceedings, loss of legal protection, and the inability to recover money invested in fraudulent procedures.
In the most serious cases, these irregularities could lead to criminal investigations for falsification of public documents, further complicating the situation for those affected. The statement from the Colegio Nacional de Abogados has also highlighted a structural issue within Panama’s migration system. There are regulatory gaps in certain processes, such as internships or legal assistance in migration procedures, which allow informal practices to proliferate in legal gray areas.
The National Migration Service itself has acknowledged the existence of these regulatory gaps, which limit the ability to act more forcefully against certain irregularities. This lack of clear regulation contributes to the expansion of fraudulent schemes that directly affect those seeking Panama residences through legitimate means.
Urgent call to verify professionals
In light of this situation, the Colegio Nacional de Abogados has issued an urgent call to all foreigners to verify the credentials of professionals before starting any migration procedure. Authorities recommend consulting the official registry of the Supreme Court of Justice of Panama, specifically the “Consulta de Idoneidad y Firmas de Abogados” section, where it is possible to confirm whether a lawyer is duly authorized to practice.
“Not trusting intermediaries without proper legal backing is essential to avoid scams,” the association reiterated. Panama residences have for years been an attractive option for investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals seeking stability or a “Plan B” outside their home countries. However, this appeal has also generated a parallel market of informal services that is now under scrutiny. What many consider an initial saving can turn into a total loss. Without proper guidance, a poorly structured migration strategy not only loses validity but can also lead to serious legal consequences. The warning is clear: Panama residences are not just an administrative process, but a decision that requires solid legal backing and qualified professionals.
In a context where authorities have begun to act and investigations are progressing, the message to foreigners is direct: verify, stay informed, and act with caution—this is the only way to protect your migration status and your future in Panama.
