General program requirements

To qualify for the Business Investor Residence Permit, an applicant must invest US$160,000 in a new or existing business incorporated in Panama. An additional investment of US$2,000 is required for each dependent additional to the main applicant.

The investment must result in the creation of at least five full-time jobs for Panamanians, who each are paid a salary of at least the minimum wage established by law.

Each employee needs to be registered with Social Security (CSS).

A US$1,050 government application fee applies.

The main applicant may include dependents, such as a spouse and children aged up to 25. Children between 18 and 25 years of age need to demonstrate financial dependence on the main applicant and, further, that they are engaged in in full-time studies.

Program benefits

• Path to citizenship;
• Low minimum investment;
• Lower taxes;
• Lower cost of living;
• Warm climate;
• Safety and security;
• Enhanced business access to large economies;
• Short processing time

Requirements to qualify for citizenship

The initial residency permit is valid for two years. If the applicant continues to meet the requirements, he may apply for permanent residency after two years.

After five years of continuous residency, the applicant may be eligible for citizenship. The applicant must prove that Panama is his or her permanent home. Passing a test to demonstrate mastery of Spanish language, knowledge of Panamanian history, culture, and values is necessary before applying for citizenship, as is attending an interview with Government officials.

Panamanian nationality law requires an oath of renunciation of the applicant’s nationality. The renunciation process does not need to be made formally to their home country’s relevant authority. Though Panama formally does not recognize dual citizenship, it is generally permitted in practice.

Applications for this program may be directed to:

Panama National Migration Service 

Legislation upon which this program is based:

Panama Migration Articles 20 to 22 of the Law by Executive Decree 3-2008

No statistics are available for this program yet.