The Friendly Nations Visa is by far Panama’s most popular path to permanent residency through investment. It was signed into law via Executive Decree 416 by President Ricardo Martinelli on June 13, 2012 as part of Panama’s effort to attract foreign investment. The visa allows citizens of 50 select countries with close economic and professional ties to apply for permanent residency.
Offered to citizens of 50 designated "friendly nations" that maintain close economic and professional ties with Panama
Minimum investment of USD $200K in Panamanian real estate required
Alternatively, a minimum USD $200K investment in a time deposit in a Panamanian bank is required
Visa aplicants may also demonstrate a valid employment contract with a Panamanian company
Andorra
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cypress
Czechia
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Netherlands
Hong Kong
Hungary
Ireland
Israel
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Mexico
Monaco
Montenegro
New Zealand
Norway
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Obtaining your permanent residency through the Friendly Nations visa is a process that takes roughly three years. First, a 2-year provisional residency is granted and then applicants can apply for and obtain their permanent residency permit.
*If you need or would like to receive permanent residency in as little as 30 days click here to learn about Panama’s Qualified Investor visa program.
If you apply using an investment in Panamanian real estate you will need:
Certificate from the Public Registry of Panama that proves ownership of a property with a minimum value of USD $200,000, either in the personal name of the applicant, or in a legal company in which the applicant is the final beneficiary of the shares, or founder and final beneficiary of a private interest foundation. The real estate acquisition operation can be financed through a local bank.
If you apply via a fixed term deposit in a Panamanian bank you will need:
Certificate of a general license bank that operates in the national territory in which the fixed-term deposit of a minimum value of USD $200,000 is valid and free of liens for 3 years. This investment may be made in a personal capacity by the applicant, by a legal entity in which the applicant is the final beneficiary of the shares, contributions, or social quotas of the society, or by the founder and final beneficiary of a private interest foundation..
If you apply based on employment with a Panamanian company you will need:
Applicants are required to apply for a work permit with the provisional residency application. Once the work permit is issued the applicant may begin working.
To apply for your permanent residency all of the previous requirements will again be presented to the National Immigration Service with the exception of the Criminal Record Certificate and Check.
*To include dependents you must provide additional documentation for each dependent.
Our team of experienced realtors has spent years tapping into Panama’s property market and our property portfolio includes the best opportunities for investment in all price points and locations.
Take advantage of our network of industry-leading attorneys, bankers, property managers, and much more. Let our experience make your life easier and your investments more secure.
In addition to our in-house real estate brokerage services:
– We offer legal and financial services solutions
– We connect you with the most prominent professionals
– We accompany you in every step of the process