FAQ

• How much does affiliation cost?

  Affiliation is free of charge. It is an admission process that contemplates various criteria to ensure innovation in applicants and consistency with the values and mission that originated City of Knowledge Foundation.

• What is the price per square meter?

  It depends on the situation. Currently, the price for affiliates is between 10 and 15 dollars. For commercial leases, intended for companies providing supplementary services to our affiliates, prices must be checked with the Infrastructure and Service Department.

• Are there any benefits for affiliates when it comes to getting access to CDS services?

  Of course. Although CDS offers services for institutions and companies other than those operating within the Park perimeter, affiliates and institutions that have an agreement with the Foundation have priority for reserving some spaces.

• In what language should I submit my application for admission into City of Knowledge?

  Either in English or Spanish.

• Is CDS a Panamanian government program?

  No. The City of Knowledge is managed by City of Knowledge Foundation, a non­profit organization authorized by the Panamanian Government to manage this space and its innovation project.

• Can I rent an office at CDS if I am not affiliated?

  No. The City of Knowledge is not a business center but a project that promotes the establishment or startup of innovating and high­technology companies, high­quality academic programs, and international organizations and NGOs in line with the project’s mission. The only companies allowed to rent spaces without participating in the program are those that provide services to our affiliates. For further information, please contact the Infrastructure and Service Department.

• Is there preferential use of the sports facilities?

  Not really. There are public facilities that may be used by anybody, such as the exercise and jogging circuit. Paid facilities, such as the swimming pool, sports fields, or the gym, are managed by Kiwanis Foundation.

• Is it open at night?

  The CDS is open 24 hours a day. It is not a private enclosure, but a public space with perimeter security control. Affiliates have access to the facilities any time they wish to.

• Is there wireless Internet access in the whole City of Knowledge?

  No. Each organization has its own access, thanks to the good connectivity at CDS, and some of the business services give free wireless access. CDS also provides the service in the residence villas it rents to students and professors.

• How can I find out about health care, educational services, etc...?

  You can have a look at our section on Panama. You will find some basic instructions on how these services work, and some addresses so that you can find your preferred supplier.

• How can I bring pets to Panama?

  You can bring your dog or cat, but you must fulfill some requirements first. Your pet must have been vaccinated against rabies 30 to 180 days before its date of arrival in Panama, and you must have a document to prove it. In addition, upon arrival you must show a certificate of authorization for international travel issued by your vet within 10 days before the trip and sealed by a Panamanian embassy or consulate (this seal has a cost of about 30 dollars). When you arrive in Panama, you must pay a fee of 130 dollars for your dog or cat and sign a commitment that you will keep your pet in quarantine at home for 40 days.

  And remember: plan your trip so that you will arrive at the airport when the vet is on duty (he is the only person authorized to check your pet’s documents): 9 am to 12 am Mondays through Fridays, and 1 pm to 4 pm Mondays through Thursdays.

• What are a stamped Visa and an authorized Visa?

  Long enough before you travel, check whether you need a visa to enter Panama. Some countries are on a visa waiver program; others require a stamped visa (i.e. the one issued by the Panamanian consulate in their countries of origin with no need for previous authorization), and others require an authorized visa (this is the most complicated kind, because it requires previous authorization by the National Immigration Bureau and the Security Council in Panama). Follow this link to check what category your country is in. www.migracion.gob.pa

• Where can I learn Spanish?

  There are various schools in the city, but we recommend ILISA Language Institute, which operates in the City of Knowledge. To contact ILISA, call 3170111 or visit www.ilisa.com

• How far are we from the city?

  We are in the city! But Panama is small and that is why many people think that the City of knowledge is far from the downtown area. It is not. You can drive to Balboa Avenue in about 10 minutes, to El Dorado section in 8 minutes, to Albrook Mall in 10 minutes, just as long as it will take you to get to the Old District.

• Is Panama a safe country?

  It is. According to all statistics, Panama is one of the safest countries in Latin America and it is very stable politically and economically. Precaution measures in Panama are the usual for any other country, but once you are among us, you will see that peace and security are among the most highly appreciated values for Panamanians and for thousands of foreigners who have chosen to live here.