Panama
Permanent Residency

For many of our clients, being able to get permanent residency in Panama is an important part of the decision to invest here. This could be your Plan B to protect your family’s future. Or, moving to Panama could be the start of an exciting new chapter in your life. Whatever your needs and goals, we are here to help.

Qualified Investor

A “fast-tracked” visa offered to those who make a combined minimum USD $300K investment in real estate and/or time deposit in a Panamanian bank

Friendly Nations

Offered to citizens of designated “friendly nations” who make a minimum USD $200K investment in real estate or a time deposit in a Panamanian bank.

Retiree / Pensioner

Offered to individuals who can demonstrate a guaranteed lifetime income source of a minimum of USD $1000.00 per month from a pension or other source.

Overview of Panama’s Visa Programs

Panama offers a diverse range of visa programs to attract foreign nationals, catering to a wide variety of needs, including investment, retirement, employment, and even humanitarian reasons. These programs include options like the Qualified Investor Visa, Friendly Nations Visa, Retiree/Pensioner Visa, Professional Employment Visa, and several other specialized visas.

Each program is designed with specific requirements and benefits to support individuals and families looking to relocate, invest, or establish a business in Panama. With its strategic location, robust economy, and favorable tax and immigration policies, Panama has become a sought-after destination for expatriates and investors from around the world.

The most popular visas include the Friendly Nations, Qualified Investor, and the Retiree/Pension Visa.

The Panama flag waving against a clear blue sky, representing the country’s welcoming residency programs.

Detailed Breakdown of Key Visa Programs

Panama’s extensive range of visa programs ensures that there is an option for almost everyone, whether they are investors, retirees, professionals, or even those seeking refuge. Each program is tailored to meet the diverse needs of expatriates, making Panama an accommodating destination for those looking to establish a new life abroad.

Click the visa to learn more.

Purpose: Facilitates residency for individuals making significant financial investments in Panama.

Requirements: A minimum investment of $300,000 in real estate, securities, or a fixed-term bank deposit.

Benefits: Fast-track permanent residency within 30 days, potential for citizenship after five years, and no residency requirement.

Target Audience: High-net-worth individuals seeking residency and citizenship opportunities.

Purpose: Provides residency to citizens of over 50 countries deemed “friendly” by Panama, with economic or professional ties to the country.

Requirements: Proof of economic activity, such as establishing a business, acquiring property, or securing employment in Panama.

Benefits: Immediate permanent residency, work permit, and a straightforward path to citizenship after five years.

Target Audience: Entrepreneurs, professionals, and retirees from eligible countries.

Purpose: Designed for retirees with a lifetime pension who wish to reside in Panama.

Requirements: Proof of a minimum monthly pension of $1,000, with an additional $250 per month for a spouse.

Benefits: Permanent residency, extensive discounts on various goods and services, no requirement for investment or minimum stay, and access to Panama’s healthcare system.

Target Audience: Retirees seeking a relaxed lifestyle with financial incentives in a tropical setting.

Purpose: Allows foreign professionals employed in Panama to obtain temporary residency.

Requirements: Valid employment contract, proof of qualifications, and the employer must justify hiring a foreigner over a Panamanian citizen.

Benefits: Temporary residency with the option to renew, work permit, and eligibility for permanent residency after two years.

Target Audience: Skilled professionals in fields like finance, technology, and engineering.

Purpose: Encourages investment in Panama’s reforestation projects as a means to obtain residency.

Requirements: A minimum investment of $100,000 in an approved reforestation project.

Benefits: Permanent residency, with the potential for citizenship after five years, and an opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability.

Target Audience: Investors interested in ecological and sustainable projects.

Purpose: For individuals looking to establish or invest in a business in Panama.

Requirements: An investment of at least $160,000 in a Panamanian business, along with the creation of at least five full-time jobs for Panamanian citizens.

Benefits: Permanent residency, potential for citizenship, and business opportunities in a growing economy.

Target Audience: Entrepreneurs and business investors seeking to expand their ventures in Panama.

Purpose: Offers residency to individuals demonstrating significant financial solvency.

Requirements: Options include depositing $300,000 in a Panamanian bank, investing the same amount in real estate, or combining both.

Benefits: Permanent residency, potential for citizenship after five years, and flexibility in demonstrating financial stability.

Target Audience: Financially independent individuals and retirees.

Purpose: For foreign nationals married to a Panamanian citizen.

Requirements: Proof of marriage to a Panamanian national, documentation verifying the relationship, and police clearance.

Benefits: Permanent residency with the potential for citizenship after three years.

Target Audience: Foreign spouses of Panamanian citizens.

Purpose: Provides residency to individuals facing exceptional humanitarian circumstances.

Requirements: Demonstration of humanitarian need, such as refugees or asylum seekers, and specific conditions set by Panamanian authorities.

Benefits: Temporary or permanent residency, depending on the case, and access to social services.

Target Audience: Individuals in need of protection due to humanitarian crises.

Purpose: Allows foreign executives and their dependents to reside in Panama while working for multinational companies.

Requirements: Employment with a multinational company registered under Panama’s Multinational Headquarters Law.

Benefits: Temporary residency, work permit, and access to expedited services.

Target Audience: Executives of multinational corporations operating in Panama.

Purpose: For individuals needing to stay in Panama for specific short-term purposes, such as business, medical treatment, or professional work.

Requirements: Valid reason for the visit, such as a business contract or medical appointment, and proof of sufficient funds.

Benefits: Temporary stay of up to nine months, with the possibility of renewal.

Target Audience: Business travelers, medical tourists, and professionals on short-term assignments.