Panama Permanent Residency Visas
Panama offers several permanent residency visa programs. Whether you’re drawn by the warm climate, affordable cost of living, or strategic location in Central America, Panama offers a variety of residency options tailored to investors, retirees, professionals, and families. Thanks to its business-friendly environment, modern infrastructure, and territorial tax system (which doesn’t tax foreign income), Panama continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for those seeking long-term residency abroad.
In this updated guide, we’ll walk you through the fastest and most reliable ways to obtain permanent residency in Panama. From the popular Friendly Nations Visa and retirement options to investment and family-based residency programs, we break down the key requirements, costs, and benefits of each route. Whether you’re looking to start a business, invest in real estate, or simply enjoy a relaxed lifestyle in the tropics, this is your go-to resource for making the move to Panama as smooth as possible.
Here is a list with a short explanation of every Panama residency program and permanent immigration option:
Panama Friendly Nations Visa
Ideal for U.S., U.K., EU, and other friendly-nation citizens.
Requirements:
- Citizenship of one of Panama’s 50 “Friendly Nations” (e.g., USA, Canada, UK, Spain, Australia)
- Establish economic or professional ties: property purchase (≥ US$200,000), new business, or local job
- Open a Panamanian bank account (min. deposit US$5,000 + US$2,000 per dependent)
- Clean criminal record
Process:
- Start with a 2-year temporary residence visa
- After 2 years, apply for permanent residency
- Typical processing time: 3–6 months
Benefits:
- Straightforward route to second residence in Latin America
- Includes your spouse and dependents
- Panama’s territorial tax system does not tax foreign income
Learn more about Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa
Panama Self Economic Solvency Visa
There are 3 options available to qualify for this unique Panama economic solvency visa created to attract wealthy foreigners to become permanent Panama residents:
- Make an investment of at least $300,000 USD in Panama real property equity (not counting loans or mortgages amounts). For every dependent to be included with the visa, an additional $2,000 USD must be invested. The title can either be in a person’s name or in a Panama Private Interest Foundation (the primary applicant must either be a beneficiary or the creator). The property cannot be in the name of a Trust or a corporation. The primary applicant must also show the ability to support the family while living in Panama.
- Make an investment of at least $300,000 USD in a 3 year Panama bank time deposit (“Certificate of Deposit”). For each dependent, an additional $2,000 USD needs to be invested. The Panama bank CD can only be in the name of the primary applicant and not in a trust, corporation, or foundation.
- Combine the first two options by making an investment in both Panama real property and a Panama bank CD where the equity and cash amount total at least $300,000 USD (or foreign currency equivalent). An additional $2,000 USD must be invested for each dependent.
Panama Business Investor Visa
Foreigners can obtain a Panama Business Investor Visa by investing in a Panama business with at least $160,000 USD in capital stock. The investor can apply for the visa as an officer or shareholder of the Panama corporation. An additional $2,000 must be invested per dependent.
Panama Reforestation Investor Visa
The Panama Reforestation Investor program offers 3 investment options for an eco-friendly path to residency:
- Invest a minimum $80,000 USD investment in a government certified reforestation project, and be granted a 5 year temporary resident visa.
- Invest US$100,000, and the applicant may obtain a 2 year temporary resident visa, and then apply for a permanent resident status.
- Invest US$350,000, and the applicant can obtain expedited permanent resident status within a 30 day period.
Learn more about Panama’s Reforestation Investor Visa
Panama Retired or Pensioned Program
Retirees or people with lifetime annuities or pensions can qualify for the Panama Pensioner Visa, also know as the Panama retirement visa. This permanent residency visa is for anyone over 18 years of age who obtains monthly pensions or annuities of at least $1,000 USD for the rest of their lives. An additional $250 per month must be received for each dependent. Married couples can combine their annuities or pensions to meet the minimum requirement. An exception exists where the primary applicant purchases Panama real estate valued at least $100,000 lowering the monthly minimum to $750. The annuity or pension can come from a government, military, a corporation, a bank, an insurance company, a Trust, or private company. There are many discounts available to card carrying pensioners in Panama including pharmacies, restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, concerts, and domestic airfare.
Marry a Panama Citizen
A legal, valid marriage (not a sham) to a Panama citizen can lead to permanent residency. Be ready to provide documentation confirming the marriage’s legitimacy. Learn more about How To Marry in Panama
Parent of a Panama-Born Child
If your child is born in Panama and turns 5, parents can qualify for permanent residency.
Qualified Investor Program
The Qualified Investor program offers international investors an “expedited” (30 day process) opportunity to obtain legal permanent residency status in Panama, leading to citizenship in Panama (and a Panama passport). Applicants must choose one of the three available options:
- Invest $300,000 in real estate;
- Invest $500,000 in the purchase of securities on the Panama Stock Market;
- Invest $750,000 in a time deposit at a bank in Panama (the bank must have a general banking license), for a term of five (5) years.
Learn more about the Qualified Investor Program
Why Choose Panama for Residency?
- Canada-friendly visa paths for top nationals
- Tax benefits: territorial system favors foreign-sourced income
- Strategic gateway to the Americas
- High quality of life: affordable healthcare and retiree discounts
- Fast routes for investors, retirees, and family-based applicants