In Panama, 1 in 6 Immigrants is an Investor
Panama has approved 388 investor visas so far in 2023. In the last six years, investors account for 16% of all residence permits issued.
Those who invest US$30,000 in real estate, a new local business, or in government-designated forestry or agricultural projects are eligible for immediate permanent residency in Nicaragua.
Participants in the program are also eligible for a two-year expedited path to citizenship, provided they can speak and write Spanish, have maintained their investment, and can pass an integration test.
Though no specific physical presence requirement is formally mandated, those aiming for eventual naturalization are advised to spend at least a month in Nicaragua each year to demonstrate ties to the country.
Program Type | Golden Visa Program |
Time to citizenship | 2 years |
Time to permanent residency | Immediately upon approval |
Minimum investment | US$30,000 |
Physical presence requirement | Not specified but 30 days a year is recommended |
Application processing time | 3-6 months |
Citizenship grants visa-free travel to | 126 destinations, including Schengen countries |
Contribution types available | Property Investment, Business Investment, Special Projects Investment |
General program requirements
Program participants have three ways to qualify for permanent residency as investors:
US$30,000 investment in real estate;
US$30,000 investment in a new business.
US$30,000 investment in agricultural or forestry projects approved by the government.
Additional fees:
US$500 in government fees per applicant.
US$215 processing fee for the main applicant.
US$200 processing fee for each dependent.
Program benefits
Requirements to qualify for citizenship
The investor visa is a permanent residence permit valid for 5 years. Although there is no physical presence requirement to renew, applicants are advised to spend some time in the country to show a connection.
Applicants who have spent at least 180 days a year in Nicaragua for two consecutive years are eligible to to apply for citizenship. The investment must still be held at the time of application.
The applicant will need to pass a test on Nicaraguan culture and history, which is conducted in Spanish.
Nicaragua recognizes dual citizenship.
Legislation upon which this program is based:
General Law of Migration and Immigration (Ley General de Migración y Extranjería) Law No. 761, of March 31, 2011
No statistics available yet for this program.
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Panama has approved 388 investor visas so far in 2023. In the last six years, investors account for 16% of all residence permits issued.
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Programs that offer citizenship within months in exchange for investments or donations, with minor/no physical presence requirements.
Programs that offer citizenship in exchange for investments following a 1-2 year period, with minor/no physical presence requirements.
Bulgaria Investor Program (discontinued)
Malta MEIN
Programs that offer residence permits within months in exchange for passive investments, with limited physical presence requirements.
Andorra Residence Without Lucrative Activity
Anguilla Permanent Residency Program
Australia BIIP Investor Streams
Bahamas Economic Permanent Residence
Barbados SERP Program
Bermuda Economic Investment Certificate (EIC) Program
Brazil Investor Visa (VIPER)
Cambodia My 2nd Home
Cayman Islands Investor Visa
Colombia Investor Visas M and R
Costa Rica Investor Visa
Curaçao Investor Permit Program
Cyprus Golden Visa
Georgia Investor Visas
Greece Golden Visa
Guernsey Investor & Entrepreneur Residency
Ireland Immigrant Investor Program (discontinued)
Italy Investor Visa
Latvia Investor Visa
Luxembourg Investor Visa
Malaysia M2H Visa
Malta Permanent Residence Program
Mauritius Permanent Residency Program
Monaco Carte de Séjour
Netherlands Investor Visa
New Zealand Investor Visa
Nicaragua Investor Permanent Residency Program
Panama Qualified Investor Visa
Philippines Special Investor Residence Permit
Portugal Golden Visa
Russia Investor Visa
South Korea Investor Visa
Spain Golden Visa
Taiwan Golden Visa (APRC Plum Blossom Card)
Thailand Elite Residence Program
UAE Golden Visa
UK Investor Visa (discontinued)
United States EB-5
Programs that offer residence permits within months to those who can demonstrate income or personal wealth above a certain level, usually requiring that the holder not take up employment locally.
Argentina Rentista and Pensionado Residency
Austria Independent Means Visa
Barbados Welcome Stamp
Gibraltar Category 2 HNWI Residence
Greece FIP Visa
Indonesia Retirement Visa (KITAS)
Ireland Independent Means (Stamp 0)
Italy Elective Residency Visa
Jersey High Value Residency
Mexico Legal Residency Visa
Nicaragua Pensionado and Rentista Visas
Panama Rentista Retirado Visa
Paraguay Permanent Residency Program
Portugal D7 Visa
Spain Non-Lucrative Visa
Uruguay Independent Means Visa
Programs that offer residence permits within months to those who physically relocate to start and/or run a business. Startup and entrepreneur visas fall under this category.
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