Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

The program issues applicants a permanent residency permit, valid for 5 years. The applicant must return to Panama at least once every two years to maintain a “presence in and connection to” the country. After 5 years, the applicant may sell the investments.

After five years of continued legal residence in Panama, investors are eligible to apply for citizenship.

The process of naturalization necessitates the involvement of a variety of public organs, such as the Ministry of Government and Justice, the Ministry of Public Services, the Electoral Tribunal, the Government Office, and the Presidency. The Panamanian President ultimately approves and signs all applications for naturalization. Prospective citizens should consult legal specialists to ensure all appropriate steps are followed.

The Panama Electoral Tribunal conduct an interview with the applicant to test his command of Spanish and knowledge of Panama’s history, geography, and civil rights. At this stage, a final application will made to the Presidency.

Panama does not technically recognize dual citizenship but does not in practice monitor whether its new citizens renounce other nationalities.

Citizens of several Latin American countries have a fast track option for citizenship through reciprocity:

• 1 year: Colombia, El Salvador
• 2 years: Argentina, Ecuador, Spain, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru
• 3 years: Uruguay