Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

This Page is Sponsored by:

Program Type:

Residence by Investment

Processing Time:

2 months

Citizenship Timeline:

5 years

Permanent Residency Timeline:

Upon approval

Physical Presence Required:

1 day per 2 years

Citizenship Visa-Free Access:

141 countries

Minimum Contribution:

US$300,000

Contribution Options:

Bank Deposit, Fund Investment, Property Investment

On This Page
Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

Program Overview

Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

Panama’s golden visa gives investors permanent residency immediately upon approval, without the need for physical presence. Note, however, that keeping the permanent resident status in contingent on visiting Panama at least once every two years.

Investors may choose to qualify through real estate acquisitions, bank deposits, or fund investments.

A path to citizenship is available to those who can demonstrate fluency in Spanish. Timelines for naturalization range from one to five years, depending on the original nationality.

Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

How to Qualify

The Qualified Investor Residency Visa offers three qualifying investment options, all of which have a mandatory holding period of five years:

  • An investment of US$300,000 in real estate in the Republic of Panama, free of any liens.
  • An investment of US$500,000 in securities on the Panama Stock Market, through any qualified and licensed Panamanian securities brokerage firm.
  • A deposit of US$750,000 with a licensed bank in Panama. The interest income is tax free in Panama.

Additional fees:

  • US$2,000 additional investment for each dependent.
  • US$5,000 National Migration Service fee for the main applicant and US$1,000 per dependent.
  • US$5,000 National Treasury deposit for the main applicant and US$1,000 per dependent.

Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

Salient Benefits

  • Path to citizenship
  • Minimal physical presence requirements
  • Short processing time
  • Lower taxes
  • Lower cost of living
  • Safety and security
  • Warm climate

Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

Citizenship Timeline and Requirements

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

Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.

Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

Program Authority and Legal Basis

Applications for this program may be directed to National Migration Service.

Legislation upon which this program is based Executive Order No. 722 of 15.10.2020.

Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

IMI Pros Who Can Help You

Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

Qualifying Real Estate

As noted in the program qualifications above, an investor can qualify for this program with a local property purchase above the minimum investment threshold. View eligible properties curated by IMI and our real estate partners:

Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

Recent Stories About This Destination

Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

Program Statistics

See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.

Explore Other Programs