Panama Residency

Panama, strategically located between Central and South America, serves as a global banking hub with a rich cultural heritage, diverse ecosystems, and notable landmarks like the Baru Volcano and Bocas del Toro, fostering ecological research and conservation.

Strategically positioned between Central and South America, Panama serves as a global center for international banking, facilitated by significant seaborne trade through the Panama Canal. The country’s diverse cultural heritage, influenced by Spanish colonization and African traditions, is evident in its cities, cuisine, and lifestyle. Panama City, the cosmopolitan capital, blends modern architecture with historic charm, notably in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Casco Antiguo. The nation’s rich natural landscape encompasses five distinct ecosystems, including rainforests, deserts, and beaches along both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. Notably, Chiriqui province boasts the towering Baru Volcano, offering panoramic views of both oceans, while Bocas del Toro province showcases untouched Caribbean landscapes and serves as a hub for ecological research and conservation efforts.

Processing Time

The Qualified Investor route usually takes 30 days, whereas the Friendly Countries and Forestry Investor pathways takes four to six months

Investment Requirement

USD 100,000 minimum investment

Key Benefits of the Panamanian Golden Visa

The right to live, work, and study in Panama
Access to the Central, South, and North American markets
Residency extends to spouses, children under 18, unmarried full-time student children aged 18–25 with no children, physically or mentally disabled children of any age, and parents of any age
Panama is home to the Panama Canal, one of the world’s most strategically located and utilized waterways, transporting major commodities such as motor vehicles, goods, grains, petroleum, and coal
Close proximity to Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela enhances access to business opportunities with these countries

Panama’s Golden Visa Requirements

Applicants must choose one of the following three investment routes to be eligible for residency:

1. Qualified Investor

To retain permanent residence status, investments must be maintained for a minimum of five years, and additional government fees are applicable for the main applicant and dependents.

Applicants must choose one of the following options:

• USD 300,000 investment into real estate
• USD 500,000 investment of stock exchange
• USD 750,000 fixed term deposit in the banking sector

2. Friendly Nations

For citizens of countries deemed as “friendly nations” by Panama (contact us for the most up-to-date list), one of the following options is required:

• USD 200,000 real estate investment
• USD 200,000 fixed term deposit
• Residency based on employment with a company in Panama for labor purposes

3. Forestry Investor

Investing in a company registered with the Ministry of Environment for forestry purposes.

One of the following options is required:

• USD 100,000 real estate investment
• USD 100,000 investment in teak reforestation. This option provides two years of temporary residence, after which the applicant is eligible to apply for permanent residency.
• USD 350,000 investment in teak reforestation. This option provides instant permanent residency.

Procedures and Time Frame

Completed application forms, accompanied by appropriate fees and supporting documents, including details and the source (abroad) of the investment funds and the investor’s general data, must be submitted. Depending on the chosen investment option, required documentation includes certificates from the Panama Public Registry, the National Authority of Land Ownership, the Securities House, and a license and/or registration certificate from the Panama Stock Exchange, as well as authenticated copies of the resolution granting the entity keeping the invested securities and a copy of the time deposit certificate.

Upon completion of initial due diligence checks, the application can be submitted, followed by further due diligence checks. Once the applicant fulfills the requirements, the application may be approved.

Processing time for residence application ranges from 30 days under the Qualified Investor route to four–six months under the Friendly Nations and Forestry Investor routes.

Permanent residence permits are immediately issued (subject to review by the National Immigration Service) under the Qualified Investor and Forestry Investor routes, and after two years of holding a temporary residence permit under the Friendly Nations route.

Path to Panamanian Citizenship

Successful clients can apply for Panamanian citizenship after residing for five years. Citizens from certain Latin American countries and Spain may be eligible for citizenship after one to three years of residence.

If you would like to learn more about the Panama Golden Visa Program, please don’t hesitate to contact us at Tsavorite as we would love to connect with you.