Friendly Nations Visa

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.

Friendly Nations

For citizens of “friendly nations” that maintain close economic & professional ties.

Property Investment

A minimum investment of $200,000 USD in Panamanian real estate is required.

Employment

Visa applicants with a valid employment contract with a company based in Panama.

Time Deposit / CD

Minimum time-deposit investment of USD $200,000 in a Panama bank account.

Friendly Nations

For citizens of “friendly nations” that maintain close economic & professional ties.

Property Investment

A minimum investment of $200,000 USD in Panamanian real estate is required.

Employment

Visa applicants with a valid employment contract with a company based in Panama.

Time Deposit / CD

Minimum time-deposit investment of USD $200,000 in a Panama bank account.

How To Apply For A Friendly Nations Visa in Panama

To apply for the Friendly Nations visa, you must be a citizen of one of the 50 Friendly Nations visa-eligible countries listed above. You must then demonstrate that you have made a $200,000.00 USD investment in Panamanian real estate, a time deposit (CD) in a Panamanian bank, or provide proof of employment with a Panamanian company.

Obtaining your permanent residency through the Friendly Nations visa 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, review Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa program.

A tranquil beach with a swaying palm tree under a clear blue sky, symbolizing the relaxed lifestyle offered by the Friendly Nations Visa in Panama.

Requirements to Obtain Panamanian Residency

To apply for your permanent residency all requirements will be presented to the National Immigration Service except the Criminal Record Certificate and Check. To include dependents you must provide additional documentation for each dependent. Click the option to learn more:

Real Estate Option

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:

  1. Notarized letter of employment on company letterhead, signed by the legal representative of the employer stating position and salary
  2. Certificate of the Public Registry of Panama of the employer
  3. Copy of the employer’s business license
  4. Copy of the power of attorney and signed permit application submitted to the Labor Ministry by the legal representative and applicant

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.

All applicants must provide:

  • Notarized power of attorney.

  • Three (3) passport-sized photographs.

  • Notarized or authenticated copy of your passport.

  • Authenticated or apostilled criminal background check no older than 180 days.

  • Health Certificate.

  • $250 to the National Treasury & $800 to the National Immigration Service.

  • Personal History Affidavit Form.

Eligible Countries

The following is a list of countries that are eligible for the Friendly Nations Visa in Panama:

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
UK (England)
United States
Uruguay