Residency by Investment
in Panama
- •The right to live, work, and study in Panama
- •Fast application process
- •Eligibility to apply for Panamanian citizenship after 5 years
Minimum Investment Amount
$300,000
Processing Time
60 days
Key Residency Benefit
Eligibility to apply for Panamanian citizenship after 5 years
Why is Panama a popular investment location?
Panama is located in Central America and sits like a hinge between North and South America. It is best known for the Panama Canal, one of the world's most important trade routes, which has helped shape the country into a global logistics and financial hub.
The country offers political stability, a territorial tax system, and a business-friendly environment. Its economy is dollarised, as the US dollar circulates alongside the Panamanian balboa, which adds an extra layer of currency stability for international investors.
Panama often tops the list for most popular global locations for expats. The country offers strong infrastructure, international connectivity, and a welcoming approach to foreign investors.
About the Panama Residency by Investment programme
Panama’s residency by investment programme, often referred to as the Qualified Investor Visa, was introduced in 2020 to attract foreign capital and stimulate economic growth.
The programme allows foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency in Panama by making a qualifying investment. It is designed to be efficient and straightforward, offering a clear legal pathway to long-term residence.
Investors can choose from approved investment routes, including real estate, securities, or fixed- term bank deposits. Once approved, applicants receive permanent resident status, allowing them to live in Panama and benefit from the country’s favourable tax and business opportunities.
What are the Benefits of Residency by Investment in Panama?
Permanent residency from the outset
Life, work and study in Panama
Minimal physical presence requirements
Family inclusion
Favourable tax system
Eligibility to apply for Panamanian citizenship after 5 years
Permanent residency from the outset
Life, work and study in Panama
Minimal physical presence requirements
Family inclusion
Favourable tax system
Eligibility to apply for Panamanian citizenship after 5 years
How to obtain Residency by Investment in Panama
The minimum investment amount for the Panama residency by investment programme is $300,000. To qualify, applicants can choose from three investment options:
Real estate investment
Invest at least $300,000 in Panamanian real estate. The property can be purchased individually or jointly with a spouse, with each contributing their share of the investment.
Securities investment
Another option is to invest at least $500,000 in securities listed on the Panamanian stock exchange through a licensed local brokerage.
Fixed-term bank deposit
Make a minimum deposit of $750,000 in a Panamanian bank for a fixed term of five years.
In every case, you must keep your investment for five years. Additional government fees also apply.
Track your application from start to finish in our App
Key Benefit of Residency by Investment in Panama
With the Panama investor visa, you get residency as soon as you’re approved. There’s no need to renew, and you can apply for citizenship after five years.
To apply for citizenship, investors must have maintained continuous residence for five years. For citizens of some Latin American countries and Spain, this period is 1-3 years.
Once citizenship is granted, investors can apply for a Panamanian passport, which provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to nearly 150 countries worldwide. This includes key locations, such as Hong Kong, Singapore and the Schengen Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Panama Application Process
Select your investment option and ensure that the minimum investment of $300,000 is made from a source of funds outside Panama.
Select your investment option and ensure that the minimum investment of $300,000 is made from a source of funds outside Panama.
Gather documents to submit with your application, including passport copies, proof of the source of investment funds, and proof of address.
Gather documents to submit with your application, including passport copies, proof of the source of investment funds, and proof of address.
Complete the investment and ensure all transactions are properly documented. For the real estate option, this means having proof of purchase or a promise of sale for the property in Panama.
Complete the investment and ensure all transactions are properly documented. For the real estate option, this means having proof of purchase or a promise of sale for the property in Panama.
Submit the Golden Visa application to the Panamanian Immigration Authority (Servicio Nacional de Migración) with all the required documents. A Temporary ID Card is then issued.
Submit the Golden Visa application to the Panamanian Immigration Authority (Servicio Nacional de Migración) with all the required documents. A Temporary ID Card is then issued.
The Panamanian authorities will review the application, verify the source of funds, and may request additional documents if needed.
The Panamanian authorities will review the application, verify the source of funds, and may request additional documents if needed.
Applicants provide their passports for platform registration and biometric data collection.
Applicants provide their passports for platform registration and biometric data collection.
Once you are approved, the main applicant and eligible family members will get Panamanian permanent residency through the Golden Visa programme.
Once you are approved, the main applicant and eligible family members will get Panamanian permanent residency through the Golden Visa programme.
Which programme is right for you?
| Citizenship or Residency Programme? | Residency | - | - |
| Minimum Investment Amount | $300,000 | - | - |
| Minimum Stay Requirement | 1 Day every 2 years | - | - |
| Initial Permit Duration | Permanent | - | - |
| Time to Residence | 2 Months | - | - |
| Time to Citizenship | 5 Years | - | - |
| Family Inclusion? | Yes | - | - |
| Right to Work? | No | - | - |
| Type of Document Received | Permanent Residency | - | - |
| No. of Visa-Free Countries with Passport? | 147 | - | - |