Qualified Investor Visa

Created in October 2020, this visa offers a streamlined process to investors looking to establish permanent residency in Panama. The main benefit over other investment visas is the 30-day processing period to gain permanent residency and that the investor does not have to physically travel to Panama to apply. Funds must also come from a foreign source.

Qualified Investor Visa

Created in October 2020, this visa offers a streamlined process to investors looking to establish permanent residency in Panama. The main benefit over other investment visas is the 30-day processing period to gain permanent residency and that the investor does not have to physically travel to Panama to apply. Funds must also come from a foreign source.

Fast-Tracked Process

Permanent residency in 30-days for investors who invest in either real estate, the Panama stock market, or a time deposit in a local bank.

Property Purchase

A real estate investment of at least USD $300K is required. Investing in pre-construction is allowed with a notarized, authenticated promissory contract.

Market Investment

A 5-year investment of at least USD $500K in the Panamanian Stock Market through a qualified and licensed Panamanian brokerage firm.

Fixed-Term Deposit

A fixed-term deposit (CD) of at least USD $750.000.00 for a minimum (5) five-year term in a Panamanian bank account.

Fast-Tracked Process

Permanent residency in 30-days for investors who invest in either real estate, the Panama stock market, or a time deposit in a local bank.

Property Purchase

A real estate investment of at least USD $300K is required. Investing in pre-construction is allowed with a notarized, authenticated promissory contract.

Market Investment

A 5-year investment of at least USD $500K in the Panamanian Stock Market through a qualified and licensed Panamanian brokerage firm.

Fixed-Term Deposit

A fixed-term deposit (CD) of at least USD $750.000.00 for a minimum (5) five-year term in a Panamanian bank account.

How To Apply For a Qualified Investor Visa in Panama

The Qualified Investor Visa program in Panama offers foreign investors a streamlined path to residency by making a significant investment in the country. Applicants can qualify by investing a minimum of $300,000 in real estate, securities, or a fixed-term bank deposit. The program is designed to attract international capital and provides investors with a fast-track process to obtain permanent residency, typically within 30 days, along with the potential for citizenship after five years. This visa is particularly appealing due to Panama’s favorable tax policies, stable economy, and strategic location. Additionally, investors are not required to physically reside in Panama, making it an attractive option for those looking to diversify their global assets. The process is further simplified by Panama’s investor-friendly regulations, making it one of the most accessible residency programs in the region.

Applications are expedited through the Special Processing Service Division of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries within 30 business days.

**Alt Text:** A sloth lounging in a tree, representing the peaceful and laid-back environment investors can enjoy while pursuing opportunities in Panama.

Requirements to Obtain Panamanian Residency

To apply for a Permanent Residence Permit as a Qualified Investor, the applicant must prove to have made one of the following forms of investment detailed below. Click the option to learn more.

Real Estate Investment

Any foreign person who invests a minimum of USD $300K in the purchase of real estate in the Republic of Panama is eligible to apply. If the real estate transaction exceeds the required minimum investment of $300K the remainder may be financed through a local bank. The applicant must submit a certification of ownership from the Public Registry of Panama and a certification of value from the National Authority of Land Administration.

Any foreign person who invests a minimum of USD $300K in real estate through a promissory contract and who has deposited the investment amount into a trust deposit managed by a local bank or trust entity with a license to operate in the Republic of Panama, is eligible to apply for the Permanent Resident Permit as a Qualified Investor.

Any foreign person who makes one or more investments through a Brokerage Agency with a license approved by the Panama Stock Exchange Market Superintendant, for a minimum of USD $500K for at least five (5) years is eligible to apply for the Permanent Residence Permit as a Qualified Investor.

Any foreign person who makes an investment through a minimum 5-year fixed-term deposit for USD $750K or more in any bank with a general license authorized to operate in the national territory, is eligible to apply for the Permanent Resident Permit as a Qualified Investor. The deposit must be free of all encumbrances and liens.

Additional requirements:

  • A payment of USD $5,000 to the National Treasury as application fees and another USD $5,000 to the National Immigration Service as a repatriation deposit are required. Proof of both payments must be submitted with the Qualified Investor residency application.

  • For each dependent included in the application, a payment of USD $1,000 to the National Treasury as application fees and another USD $1,000 to the National Immigration Service as a repatriation deposit are required.

  • Banking, legal or financial documentation that demonstrates that the applicant has made the investment and that the funds used come from abroad.