“Citizenship by Investment” is a immigration program enacted in Panama, as well as other countries, which allows foreigners to become permanent residents leading to citizenship after making a minimum investment. The requirements for minimum investments differ amongst the countries. Some countries require at least $1 Million USD while others require more or less. The Panama Citizenship by Investment programs offers two options.
Reforestation Investment Visa
Panama has a unique citizenship by investment program known as the Reforestation Investment Visa. Reforestation plants new trees replacing cut down trees for lumber. This is also called the “Green Investment” because it replaces harvested trees preventing diminished tree populations. Only an U.S. $80,000 minimum investment is required into a reforestation plantation certified by the Panama government. This program requires buying a minimum of 5 hectares of forest land inside a government certified reforestation plantation. Most certified reforestation programs can sell five hectares for $80,000 USD. For every dependent, an additional investment of $2,000 USD is required and includes an immigration visa for them.
Most Panama government certified reforestation plantations are owned by European companies. Teak is the most popular reforestation tree whose wood is very valuable around the world because it can be used on luxury boats, sail boats, furniture, and outdoor decking. Teak wood resists bug infestations, is durable and water resistant which is perfect for boat construction and outdoor furniture and decks.
It takes 5 years of being a permanent resident to obtain Panama citizenship after 2 years of being a temporary resident. Thus, it takes 7 years to become a Panama citizen under reforestation investment visa program.
Friendly Nations Immigration Program
There is a 2nd Panama citizenship by investment program which offers faster citizenship with less investment than the Panama reforestation visa. This is called the “Friendly Nations” immigration program where there are currently 48 countries on the list who Panama considers to be friendly. Any citizen of the 48 nations can become permanent resident without waiting 2 years as temporary residents. All one has to do is to start a new Panama business or buy an existing Panama business. Creating a Panama offshore corporation will not qualify because this must be a business actively engaged in Panamanian commerce.
Panama immigration has been granting permanent residency in less than two months from applying. In 5 years the immigrant and entire family can apply for Panama citizenship including a passport. This is the cheapest investment required by any nation offering an investment to citizenship program.
Panama Citizen Investment Program Compared to Other Countries
In comparison, Belgium has an invest to become a citizenship program requiring a 400,000 Euros minimum investment. Malta offers a citizenship by investment visa with citizenship in three months by investing at least 650,000 Euros into a National Development Fund. European Union (EU) membership is included allowing the Malta passport holder to easily visit more than 150 countries along with the right to be employed with no work permit or immigration visa in the other 27 EU nations.
Portugal has a citizenship by investment program requiring a minimum investment of 500,000 Euros into a Real Estate Investment Program with citizenship in 6 years. St. Kitts & Nevis Islands has a citizen by investing program in less than six months with minimum $250,000 USD investment.
The Panama Citizenship by Investment program is the fastest and cheapest way to obtain citizenship in the world. Contact Us for more information.
