Updated 18 June 2026
15 October 2024 • The minimum investment for real estate was lowered from $500,000 to $300,000 • Source
15 October 2020 • The Panama Qualified Investor Programme was introduced by Decreto Ejecutivo No. 722 of 15 October 2020 • Source
Changes are monitored by Stepan Makarov Stepan Makarov

Panama Golden Visa

Investors can obtain permanent residence in Panama by investment to live and do business in a country with a US dollar-based economy. After 5 years of residence in Panama, they may become eligible to apply for citizenship.

Panama Golden Visa

No residence requirement

Before or after obtaining status

Indefinite

Residence validity period

3 options

For investors

After 5 years

Passport may be obtained and investment returned

Panama grants permanent residence to foreigners who invest at least $300,000 in the country’s economy. The programme is called the Qualified Investor programme and is regulated by Decree No. 722 of October 15th, 2020.

Applicants choose one of 3 options: purchasing real estate, investing in securities, or opening a deposit with a Panamanian bank.

Family members can be included in the residence application: a spouse, children, and parents.

5 years after obtaining permanent resident status, the investment can be realized. 5 years of residence in Panama also entitles the investor to apply for citizenship.

9 benefits of Panama permanent residency

Immediate permanent status

Successful applicants receive permanent residence upon approval, subject to maintaining the qualifying investment for at least five years.

Fast process

Investors obtain permanent residence within approximately 4 months. Part of the process is remote, but a visit to Panama is required to submit biometrics and collect the issued documents.

No need to relocate

The investor does not need to live in Panama to maintain status. It is enough to keep the investment for the first 5 years and visit the country every 2 years.

Status for the whole family

The investor’s family obtains permanent residence together with them. The application can include a spouse, children, and parents. There are no age limits, but financial dependence must be confirmed.

Returnable investment

After 5 years, the investor can sell the real estate or securities, or close the deposit. Resident status will remain valid.

Reinvestment opportunity

The status is linked to the investment amount, not to the investment object. For example, the investor can sell one property and buy another. The new property must meet the conditions for permanent residence.

Citizenship prospects

The investor may apply for a Panamanian passport after 5 years of living in the country. A Panama passport allows visa-free entry to more than 130 countries, including the Schengen Area and the UK.

Stable economy

Panama’s currency, the balboa, is pegged to the US dollar, which helps avoid currency crises and high inflation. Thanks to the Panama Canal, the country is considered an important logistics hub for global trade.

Tax optimisation

Panama does not tax income received abroad. The country also has free economic zones where companies benefit from tax and customs incentives.
Get maximum information about the process

Get maximum information about the process

  • Step by step procedure
  • Requirements for applicants
  • Answers to frequently asked questions
Download practical guide

Requirements to apply for Panama residency by investment

Aged over 18
No criminal record
In good health

Legally married partner

Children aged up to and including 17

Study
Financially dependent on the investor
Not married

Financially dependent on the investor

Investment options for obtaining Panama permanent residency

Option Purchase of real estate — $300,000+
Details

The investor buys residential or commercial real estate. Both new buildings and secondary market properties qualify.

Real estate can be bought with a mortgage, provided that the down payment is at least $300,000.

The Government of Panama plans to raise the property value threshold to $500,000 in October 2026.

Additional costs

$5,000+
National Migration fee

$5,000+
National Treasury fee

Calculated individually
Apostille, notary and translator services

Option Investment in securities — $500,000+
Details

The investment is directed to the purchase of securities through a licensed brokerage firm in Panama.

The applicant transfers the investment from an account outside Panama. 

The securities must remain in ownership for at least 5 years.

Additional costs

$5,000+
National Migration fee

$5,000+
National Treasury fee

Calculated individually
Apostille, notary and translator services

Option Fixed-term bank deposit — $750,000+
Details

The applicant opens a fixed-term deposit with a licensed Panamanian bank.

The money for the deposit must be transferred from a foreign account.

The investment must be maintained for 5 years after obtaining status, then the deposit can be closed.

Additional costs

$5,000+
National Migration fee

$5,000+
National Treasury fee

Calculated individually
Apostille, notary and translator services

Schedule a meeting

Help with the choice

Passportivity experts will analyse your situation and offer the most suitable solution.

Investment property for obtaining Panama permanent residence

Two-level townhouses near the beach
Panama, Playa Caracol

$279,000+

Two-level townhouses near the beach

112 m²
2—3
2
Cosy apartments in Punta Chame
Panama, Playa Caracol

$253,000+

Cosy apartments in Punta Chame

70—91 m²
2—3
2
Stylish apartments in a prestigious district
Panama, Panama City

$289,000+

Stylish apartments in a prestigious district

74—133 m²
1—3
2

Key documents to apply for Panama residency by investment

  • Copies of passports of all applicants
  • Police clearance certificate for all applicants over 18
  • Medical certificate issued in Panama
  • Affidavit of personal background
  • Documents proving relationship, for example, a marriage or birth certificate
  • Education documents and confirmation of financial dependence for children over 18

How to obtain Panama permanent residency: step‑by‑step process

1.

Preliminary check

A compliance specialist checks the investor’s identity against international databases to identify possible risks of refusal to issue permanent residence in advance. The check takes 2 business days.

2.

Document preparation

Lawyers prepare an individual list of documents for the investor, and the investor provides the originals. Lawyers prepare the documents for submission for permanent residence: they assist with apostille and translation.

3.

Fulfilment of the investment condition

Depending on the selected option, the investor buys real estate, purchases securities, or transfers money to a fixed-term deposit. Confirmation of the investment is attached to the residence permit application.

The investment is transferred from a foreign account.

4.

Application submission

The investor issues a power of attorney to a lawyer located in Panama. On behalf of the investor, the lawyer submits the documents for permanent residence to the National Migration Service.

The applicant pays government fees to the National Migration Service and the Treasury.

5.

Application processing

The Migration Service reviews the documents and conducts a comprehensive check of the investor within 30 business days. In practice, the process can be delayed up to 90 days.

6.

Arrival in Panama and obtaining permanent residence 🔥

The investor comes to Panama, submits biometrics, and personally collects the issued resident cards. Resident status is valid indefinitely, but the card is renewed every 10 years.

Why choose us

1

Reliable partner

Passportivity acts strictly within the conditions set out in Executive Decree No. 722 of October 15th, 2020, and Law No. 3 of February 22nd, 2008.

2

Deep Expertise

11+ years in investment immigration and financial matters to solve the most complex client challenges.

3

Individual Approach

We develop step-by-step plans, taking into account client requirements, to achieve optimal results.

4

Support at every stage

From the first consultation and even after receiving the desired document, we provide legal support.

5

Additional services

Get a tax number, sign a rental agreement or apostille additional documents — we will fulfill any request.

6

Flexible communication and 24/7 availability

Meet us in person or online, whatever suits you best.

We respond to inquiries within two hours. Your case is handled by a dedicated lawyer who is always in touch.

From idea to residence permit with expert support

For over 10 years, we've been helping clients navigate the path to citizenship and residency. Our approach combines in-depth knowledge of international law with a practical understanding of local bureaucratic systems. Every case is handled with a bespoke strategy, refined to the last detail.

Personal meeting

Frequently asked questions

Yes, the investor has the right to buy real estate through a legal entity if they are the ultimate beneficial owner. The property value must be at least $300,000.

The investor can take out a mortgage for part of the property value. It is important that the down payment is not below the investment threshold of $300,000.

For example, if the property costs $450,000, only $150,000 can be taken out as a mortgage. The remaining $300,000 must be paid immediately.

The investor has the right to rent out real estate bought to obtain permanent residence in Panama. The annual yield is around 6%, according to the analytical website Global Property Index.

An application for permanent residence can be submitted remotely through a Panamanian lawyer by power of attorney. However, the investor will need to come to Panama to submit biometrics and personally collect the resident card.

An E-cédula is a foreigner’s identity card in Panama, which is obtained by residents of the country. It is used to open bank accounts, conclude lease agreements, receive medical care, and interact with government authorities.

Panama does not set age restrictions for an investor’s children. Children over 18 are allowed to be included in the application if they study and are financially dependent on the investor. It is also necessary to confirm that the child is not married.

Residents with permanent residence in Panama cannot travel visa-free to other countries. This right appears when a foreigner obtains a Panama passport. To do this, they will need to live in the country for at least 5 years.

Citizens of Panama travel visa-free to Schengen Area countries for up to 90 days within 180 days, but a visa is still required for the US.

Investors obtain Panama citizenship by naturalisation if they live in the country for at least 5 years. They will also need to pass an exam on the Spanish language, history, geography, and law of Panama. There are no requirements for the level of Spanish, but the applicant must be able to maintain a conversation on everyday topics, this is approximately A2–B1.

Panama prohibits second citizenship. The investor needs to renounce the passports of other countries.

Citizens of Panama travel visa-free to more than 130 countries, including Schengen Area countries.

Passportivity Head of the Investment Department Yulia Malloy

Contact us today

We will help you obtain Panama Golden Visa without unnecessary hassle. We minimize risks so you don't waste time and money.

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