Panama is strengthening its position as an international destination for investment, business, tourism, and residency. With a strategic location connecting the Atlantic and Pacific, a dollar-based monetary system, an internationally oriented economy, and a permanent residency program linked to qualifying investment, the country is attracting increasing attention from international investors seeking diversification across different markets.
For Mercan Group, Panama represents a natural extension of an international strategy already developed across Europe, particularly in Portugal and Greece, where the Group has built extensive experience in hospitality, real estate development, and investment-related solutions.
A Strategic Economy with International Reach
Panama has long played an important role in international trade and connectivity. Since 1904, the country has operated within a stable, dollar-based monetary framework, providing international investors and businesses with the familiarity and predictability associated with the US dollar.
Its geographical position has also been central to its economic development. Located between two oceans and connecting North and South America, Panama has become an important regional hub for logistics, aviation, financial services, international trade, and corporate activity.
The Panama Canal remains one of the country’s most important economic and strategic assets, reinforcing Panama’s role in global commerce and supporting a broader services-based economy.
In 2025, Panama’s economy expanded by an estimated 4.4%, supported by services, logistics, construction, and other key sectors.
The Panama Canal also recorded strong activity, with 13,404 transits during the year, a 19% year-on-year increase, alongside revenues of approximately USD 5.7 billion and net profit exceeding USD 4 billion. Inflation, meanwhile, remained below 1%.
Tourism followed a similarly positive trajectory. Panama welcomed more than three million international visitors in 2025, a historic high and an increase of 8.2% compared with the previous year.
Visitor spending in the country reached approximately USD 6.6 billion (preliminary figures, excluding international transport).
Together, these indicators reflect the strength of Panama’s services-driven economy and its growing role as a destination for business, tourism, and international investment.
The Qualified Investor Program
Alongside its economic development, Panama offers international investors access to the Qualified Investor Program. Under the current framework, qualifying real estate investments start from USD 300,000 for first-sale property (USD 500,000 for secondary-market property) and may provide access to permanent residency, subject to the applicable legal requirements and approval procedures.
Investment thresholds, requirements, and processing arrangements are established by Panamanian law and may change.
The program provides for a streamlined application process and relatively limited physical-presence requirements, making it relevant for internationally mobile investors and families considering greater flexibility across jurisdictions.
According to figures reported by Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industries, 268 Qualified Investor Certificates were issued between July 2025 and June 2026, a 38% increase on the previous twelve months, representing USD 113.6 million in investment, with real estate accounting for 87.3% of certificates.
As investment and residency frameworks continue to evolve internationally, Panama offers an additional option for individuals considering investment diversification, mobility, and longer-term access to the Americas. As with any investment or residency decision, individual circumstances should be carefully assessed, including legal, tax, and financial considerations.
Mercan Group’s Expansion into Panama
In October 2025, Panama entered into a strategic partnership with Mercan Group, the Canadian-founded developer behind a growing portfolio of hospitality and real estate projects across Portugal and Greece, to support the international promotion of the Qualified Investor Program. The agreement, announced during IMI Connect Rome, marked an important step in strengthening international awareness of the country as an investment and residency destination.
For Mercan Group, the partnership builds on decades of international experience. Founded in Canada in 1989, the Group has developed expertise across investment migration, hospitality, and real estate development, working with international investors, local partners, and globally recognised hotel brands. Its European portfolio, particularly in Portugal and Greece, has provided the Group with a strong operational base and a proven track record in developing investment-linked hospitality projects.
Panama therefore represents a complementary market within Mercan Group’s international portfolio, rather than a shift away from its European activities. Portugal and Greece remain key markets for the Group, while Panama introduces an additional opportunity for investors seeking exposure to the Americas.
Investing Directly in the Destination
Mercan Group is not entering Panama as a promoter alone. The Group is also investing directly in the market. Its flagship project in the country is the Pullman Panama City Hotel on Vía España, a development representing a commercial value of over USD 135 million, comprising 126 hotel residences and 180 hotel rooms under Pullman, part of Accor Group.
The project brings together branded hospitality, private ownership, and professional hotel management in one of Panama City’s established commercial areas, reinforcing Mercan Group’s long-term commitment to the destination.
Planned amenities include restaurants, leisure areas, a rooftop infinity pool, and a casino, while the property is located only minutes from the city’s banking district.
Residence prices start at approximately USD 319,500, subject to change and availability. Eligible units may meet the investment threshold applicable to first-sale property under the Qualified Investor Program, subject to all applicable program conditions and to the structuring of the investment in accordance with the legal requirements. The grant of residency remains subject to assessment and approval by the competent Panamanian authorities.
Beyond the Pullman, Mercan Group is also advancing a residential development in Santa Maria, one of Panama City’s most established and sought-after areas. The planned 44-storey tower will further expand the Group’s presence in the market and broaden its real estate offering beyond hospitality-led investment.
Together, the Pullman and Santa Maria projects reflect Mercan Group’s broader development strategy in Panama and its long-term commitment to building a diversified portfolio in the country.
Wondering whether you’d qualify? Mercan Group offers a free, no-obligation profile review against the program’s requirements.
This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, investment, or immigration advice. Program requirements, prices, and project details are subject to change, and prospective applicants should obtain independent professional advice before making any decision.
