Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa

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Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa—officially a residence permit for nationals of specific countries that maintain friendly, professional, economic, or investment relations with Panama—provides a two-stage pathway to Panamanian residence. Qualifying applicants first receive provisional residence for two years and may subsequently apply for permanent residence, subject to the requirements in effect at each stage.

Under the current requirements published by Panama’s National Immigration Service, an eligible applicant must qualify through one of three routes: employment in Panama, an investment of at least US$200,000 in qualifying real estate, or a fixed-term deposit of at least US$200,000 with a bank holding a general license in Panama. The real estate acquisition may be financed through a local bank, while the qualifying fixed-term deposit must generally remain unencumbered for three years.

The employment route requires supporting documentation from the Panamanian employer and evidence that the corresponding work permit application has been submitted to Panama’s Ministry of Labor. Obtaining residence does not, by itself, provide unrestricted authorization to work; the applicant must also comply with the applicable labor and work-permit requirements.

The program is governed principally by Executive Decrees No. 197 of May 7, 2021, and No. 226 of July 20, 2021, together with the general immigration rules and subsequent official modifications. Because eligibility, documentary requirements, and the list of qualifying countries may change, applicants should verify the current requirements before filing.

What are the specific requirements to apply for the Friendly Nations Visa?

Applicants may also consult the National Immigration Service’s official Países Específicos requirements for the current government checklist.

To qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa, the applicant must be a national of a country included in Panama’s official list and must meet both the general immigration requirements and the specific requirements of one qualifying route.

General requirements currently published by Panama’s National Immigration Service include:

• A notarized power of attorney and application.
• Three passport-sized photographs.
• A duly authenticated or notarized copy of the applicant’s passport.
• A criminal background certificate.
• A health certificate.
• A certified check for B/.250 payable to the National Treasury.
• A certified check for B/.800 payable to the National Immigration Service.
• A sworn personal background declaration.

In addition, the applicant must qualify through one of the following routes:

1. Employment in Panama, supported by the required employer documentation and evidence of the corresponding work permit application.
2. An investment of at least US$200,000 in qualifying real estate. The acquisition may be financed through a bank operating in Panama.
3. A fixed-term deposit of at least US$200,000 with a bank holding a general license in Panama. The deposit must be free of encumbrances and maintained for three years.

Additional documents are required for dependents and vary according to the applicant’s qualifying route and individual circumstances.

What documents are needed to support the visa application?

The exact supporting documents depend on whether the applicant qualifies through employment, real estate investment, or a fixed-term deposit. The general application file currently includes:

• A notarized power of attorney and formal application.
• Three passport-sized photographs.
• A duly authenticated or notarized copy of the passport.
• A criminal background certificate.
• A health certificate.
• A sworn personal background declaration.
• The applicable certified checks payable to the National Treasury and the National Immigration Service.

Route-specific documents include:

• Employment route: A notarized employment letter stating the applicant’s position and salary, the employer’s Public Registry certificate, the company’s operating notice or applicable justification, and a copy of the work permit application submitted to Panama’s Ministry of Labor.
• Real estate investment route: A Public Registry certificate confirming the applicant’s qualifying ownership or beneficial ownership and a minimum property value of US$200,000.
• Fixed-term deposit route: A certificate from a bank holding a general license in Panama confirming a deposit of at least US$200,000, free of encumbrances and maintained for three years.

Applications that include a spouse or other eligible dependents require additional civil-status, relationship, student-status, responsibility, and financial-support documents, as applicable. Documents issued abroad may also require apostille or consular authentication and an official Spanish translation, depending on the country of issuance and the document

How long does it take to process the visa application?

Processing times vary according to the completeness of the application, document verification, requests for additional information, and the workload of the immigration authorities. The initial application is for two-year provisional residence; permanent residence requires a subsequent application after the provisional period. No specific processing time or approval date can be guaranteed.

Is there a minimum investment or economic activity requirement?

Yes. An applicant must qualify through employment in Panama or through one of two investment routes. The employment route does not impose a fixed investment amount, but it requires qualifying employment and the corresponding employer and work-permit documentation.

The two investment routes currently require either:

1. At least US$200,000 in qualifying real estate, which may be financed through a bank operating in Panama; or
2. At least US$200,000 in a fixed-term deposit with a bank holding a general license in Panama. The deposit must be free of encumbrances and maintained for three years.

Can family members be included in the visa application?

Yes. A spouse and eligible dependent children may be included, subject to the documentation and financial-support requirements applicable to each dependent.

The application generally requires a letter of responsibility and proof of the family relationship, such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate, or applicable judicial documentation. A dependent who is over 18 but under 25 must provide evidence of regular full-time studies and a sworn declaration of being unmarried. The principal applicant must also demonstrate sufficient financial means, including the applicable additional amount for each dependent.

Is there a minimum stay requirement in Panama?

The published requirements for the Friendly Nations program do not establish a specific minimum number of days that an applicant must spend in Panama each year. However, applicants must maintain their lawful immigration status and comply with the conditions applicable to the provisional and permanent stages.

Under Panama’s general immigration law, permanent residence may be canceled when a resident remains outside Panama for more than two years, unless the absence has been justified and authorized by the National Immigration Service. Residents should therefore obtain case-specific advice before planning an extended absence.

What are the benefits and privileges of holding a Friendly Nations Visa?

The principal benefit of the Friendly Nations program is a structured pathway from two-year provisional residence to permanent residence for qualifying nationals. Depending on the case, eligible family members may also be included as dependents.

Approved residents may live in Panama while their residence status remains valid and may conduct ordinary personal and financial activities subject to the rules of the relevant institutions. Employment is regulated separately and requires the applicable authorization from Panama’s labor authorities.

Permanent residence may be requested after completing the two-year provisional period and satisfying the requirements applicable at that stage. Approval is not automatic and remains subject to review by the National Immigration Service.

List of Friendly Nations for Panama Visa

The Friendly Nations Visa program is available to nationals of the countries and territories included in Panama’s official list. As most recently amended in 2026, the list includes:

• Andorra
• Argentina
• Australia
• Austria
• Belgium
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• Costa Rica
• Croatia
• Cyprus
• Czech Republic
• Denmark
• Ecuador
• Estonia
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• Hungary
• Ireland
• Israel
• Japan
• Latvia
• Liechtenstein
• Lithuania
• Luxembourg
• Malta
• Mexico
• Monaco
• Montenegro
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Norway
• Paraguay
• Poland
• Portugal
• Republic of Korea
• San Marino
• Serbia
• Singapore
• Slovakia
• South Africa
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland
• Taiwan
• United Kingdom
• United States of America
• Uruguay

Clarifying the Residency Requirements

Under the current Friendly Nations requirements, an eligible national must establish the qualifying connection with Panama through employment, a qualifying real estate investment, or a qualifying fixed-term bank deposit. Forming or owning a Panamanian corporation, without satisfying one of the current qualifying routes, is not sufficient by itself.

Option 1: Employment in Panama

An applicant using the employment route must have qualifying employment with a Panamanian company and provide the documentation required by the National Immigration Service.

The supporting documents include a notarized employment letter stating the applicant’s position and salary and the employer’s commitment regarding repatriation expenses; the employer’s Public Registry certificate; the company’s operating notice or applicable legal justification; and a copy of the corresponding work permit application submitted to Panama’s Ministry of Labor.

The residence application and the work permit are separate legal processes. Approval of residence does not, by itself, authorize the applicant to work without the applicable labor authorization.

Option 2: Real Estate Investment

An applicant may qualify by investing at least US$200,000 in real estate in Panama. A certificate from Panama’s Public Registry must confirm the ownership and qualifying value of the property. The acquisition may be financed through a bank operating in Panama.

The qualifying property may be held personally or through a Panamanian corporation in which the applicant is the ultimate beneficial owner. It may also be held through a private interest foundation when the applicant is both its founder and ultimate beneficiary, subject to the documentation required by the National Immigration Service.

Ownership of a corporation by itself does not qualify the applicant. The corporation or foundation must hold the qualifying real estate and the applicable ownership, beneficial-ownership, and minimum-value requirements must be satisfied.

Option 3: Fixed-Term Bank Deposit

An applicant may qualify by maintaining a fixed-term deposit of at least US$200,000 with a bank holding a general license in Panama. The bank must certify the existence, ownership, amount, term, and unencumbered status of the deposit, which must be maintained for three years.

The deposit may be held personally or through a legal entity in which the applicant is the ultimate beneficial owner. A private interest foundation may also hold the deposit when the applicant is both its founder and ultimate beneficiary, subject to the required supporting documentation.

Opening a Panama bank account remains subject to the bank’s own compliance, due-diligence, and approval procedures. The former US$5,000 balance used as proof of solvency under an earlier version of the program is not a current qualifying investment.

If the application is approved, the National Immigration Service may grant provisional residence for a period of two years. After completing that provisional period, the applicant may submit a separate application for permanent residence and must satisfy the requirements applicable at that stage.

Important Documents & Procedures:

• Scheduling: Contact our law office before booking travel so that we can confirm the appropriate qualifying route, review the available documents, and identify the steps that require the applicant’s presence in Panama. The time needed in Panama depends on document readiness, appointment availability, banking or labor requirements when applicable, and current government procedures.
• Document Validity: Validity periods vary according to the type of document and the requirements applicable when the application is filed. The health certificate must generally be issued within the three months preceding the application. Criminal background certificates, civil-status records, and route-specific documents should be reviewed before filing because their accepted issuance periods may differ.
• Document Authentication: Documents issued abroad that require official authentication must generally be apostilled or authenticated through the applicable Panamanian consular procedure. Documents not issued in Spanish must also be translated by an authorized public translator for use in Panama. The correct process should be confirmed according to the issuing country and type of document.
• Document Review: Send clear scanned copies of the available documents to our law office before traveling to Panama or sending original documents by courier. A preliminary legal review can identify missing information, authentication or translation issues, and documents that may need to be reissued. Final acceptance remains subject to the competent authorities.
• Document Preparation: After reviewing the scanned copies, our legal team will confirm which original documents are required, whether they are ready for filing, and when they should be delivered or sent by courier. Applicants should not send original documents until the applicable apostille, authentication, translation, validity, and delivery requirements have been confirmed.
• Clients With Dual Nationalities: Applicants should disclose all nationalities and countries of residence to the legal team before preparing their documents. The passport used to establish eligibility should be used consistently for the immigration application and, when advised, for entry into Panama. Criminal background and identity documents may be required from the applicant’s country of nationality or residence, together with proof of lawful residence when applicable. The exact document set should be confirmed before travel.
• Dress Code: Applicants who must appear at government offices should wear appropriate business or business-casual attire. To reduce the risk of being denied entry, avoid shorts, sleeveless or cut-off shirts, beachwear, flip-flops, and other overly casual clothing. Our team will confirm any current office-specific requirements before the appointment.

Friendly Nations Visa Required Immigration Documents:

The application must satisfy the general immigration requirements established under Decree Law No. 3 of 2008, together with the specific requirements of the Friendly Nations program and the applicant’s qualifying route. The current principal requirements include:

1.  Three (3) passport-sized photographs per applicant.

2.  Criminal background certificate: The applicant must provide a criminal background certificate from the country of origin or country of residence, as applicable. It should be issued by the competent national, federal, central, or equivalent authority and must satisfy the applicable apostille or consular-authentication requirements. If issued in a language other than Spanish, an official Spanish translation is required. Additional proof of identity or lawful residence may be requested when the certificate is issued by a country other than the applicant’s country of nationality.

(a) If the criminal background certificate is issued by a country where the applicant resides but is not a citizen, the applicant may also be required to provide proof of lawful residence in that country. Any foreign residence document submitted for the application must comply with the applicable apostille or consular-authentication and Spanish-translation requirements.

Note 1: The acceptable issuance period for criminal background certificates may vary according to the issuing country and the requirements applied by Panama’s immigration authorities. Applicants should confirm the applicable validity period before requesting the certificate or scheduling travel.

Note 2: Applicants must disclose any arrest, charge, conviction, or other entry appearing on a criminal background certificate before document preparation begins. Depending on the circumstances, Panama’s immigration or security authorities may require additional records, explanations, certifications, or a separate review before deciding whether the application may proceed. Any additional procedure, timing, or legal fees will be confirmed after the specific record has been reviewed.

3. Documents supporting the applicant’s qualifying route: The applicant must provide the documentation applicable to the selected route: qualifying employment in Panama, a qualifying real estate investment of at least US$200,000, or a qualifying fixed-term bank deposit of at least US$200,000 maintained for three years. The specific supporting documents required for each route are described above.

4. Documents for dependents: Applications that include a spouse or eligible dependent children require a letter of responsibility from the principal applicant and documents proving the family relationship, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate. A dependent who is over 18 but under 25 must provide evidence of regular full-time studies and a sworn declaration that he or she is unmarried. Foreign documents must comply with the applicable apostille or consular-authentication requirements and, when not issued in Spanish, must be accompanied by an official Spanish translation.

5.  Sworn Personal Background Declaration: The applicant must complete a sworn declaration containing the personal background information required by Panama’s National Immigration Service. The applicable form will be prepared or provided by the firm’s immigration attorney.

In “summary”, client must provide the following documents:

1. Three (3) passport-sized photographs per applicant.

2. A criminal background certificate issued by the competent national, federal, central, or equivalent authority, complying with the applicable apostille or consular-authentication requirements and accompanied by an official Spanish translation when required.

3. Documents supporting the selected qualifying route: employment in Panama, a qualifying real estate investment, or a qualifying fixed-term bank deposit.

4. When dependents are included, the applicable marriage certificate, birth certificate, proof of full-time studies, unmarried-status declaration, and other supporting documents required according to each dependent’s circumstances.

5. A duly authenticated or notarized copy of each applicant’s passport, as required by Panama’s National Immigration Service.

6. A completed Sworn Personal Background Declaration in the form required by Panama’s National Immigration Service.

7. A certificate of good health issued by a qualified physician, in the form accepted by Panama’s National Immigration Service.

Required Documents that our Law Firm will process:

1. Application for residency under the Friendly Nations program, together with a Special Power of Attorney authorizing International Relocation Firm to represent the applicant. The applicable documents will be prepared by the firm and notarized in Panama with the required government stamps.

2.  A duly authenticated copy of the applicant’s passport, prepared and notarized in Panama as applicable.

3.  A certificate of good health issued by a qualified physician in Panama. The firm will coordinate the medical appointment and provide assistance as arranged for the applicant’s case.

4. Two certified checks, as required for the application:

(a) US$250 payable to the “Tesoro Nacional” (National Treasury); and

(b) US$800 payable to the “Servicio Nacional de Migración” (National Immigration Service) for repatriation purposes.

IMPORTANT: Government fees and certified checks submitted as part of the immigration application are generally non-refundable once accepted or processed by the corresponding authorities, regardless of whether the application is approved or denied.

5. Official Spanish translations of documents issued in another language, prepared and signed by an authorized public translator when required. Translation requirements and any applicable fees will be confirmed according to the language and documents involved in the applicant’s case.

Visa Application Procedure & Stages:

The application process depends on the applicant’s qualifying route and individual circumstances. The following stages provide a general overview and may be adjusted according to current government procedures, appointment availability, document readiness, and any additional requirements applicable to the case.

Stage 1: Initial Case Assessment and Qualifying Route Preparation

The first step is to confirm the applicant’s eligibility, nationality, intended qualifying route, dependent family members, and document requirements. The firm will review the proposed route before the applicant makes travel arrangements, requests foreign documents, transfers investment funds, or begins any employment-related procedure.

Once the qualifying route has been confirmed, the applicant must prepare the corresponding supporting evidence. Employment-route applicants must coordinate the required employer and work-permit documentation. Real estate applicants must document the qualifying ownership, value, and financing arrangements, when applicable. Fixed-term-deposit applicants must complete the bank’s compliance process and establish the qualifying deposit. Any bank account or banking product remains subject to the financial institution’s independent due-diligence and approval procedures.

Applicants should contact the firm before scheduling travel or financial appointments. The firm will confirm the appropriate sequence of legal, immigration, employment, property, or banking steps according to the selected qualifying route and help the applicant prepare the documents required for the relevant appointments.

For applicants who require banking services in connection with their qualifying route, a bank may request documents such as:

1. A valid passport and a clear copy of the identification page.
2. A second government-issued identification document, when requested.
3. Personal, professional, or banking reference information, according to the bank’s internal requirements.
4. Documents demonstrating the applicant’s occupation, income, source of funds, and source of wealth, such as employment records, tax returns, pension documents, business records, or investment statements, as applicable.
5. A résumé or curriculum vitae describing the applicant’s education and professional or business history.
6. Information explaining the purpose of the account or banking relationship, the services requested, the anticipated transactions, and the expected account activity.
7. Proof of residential address, tax residency information, and beneficial-ownership documentation when applicable.
8. A personal interview and any additional information or documentation requested by the bank during its compliance and due-diligence review.

Banks independently determine whether to approve an account or banking relationship, and approval cannot be guaranteed within a particular timeframe. When appropriate, the firm may help coordinate suitable banking options, but each institution will conduct its own compliance and due-diligence review.

Stage 2: Filing the Provisional Residence Application in Panama

The applicant’s required presence and anticipated stay in Panama will depend on appointment availability, document readiness, the selected qualifying route, and the procedures in effect at the time of filing. The firm will confirm the recommended travel schedule before the applicant books the trip.

STEP 1 – FINAL DOCUMENT REVIEW

Before filing, the firm will conduct a final review of the applicant’s original documents, passport, qualifying-route evidence, dependent documentation, authentications, apostilles, and translations. Any missing or inconsistent item must be corrected before the application is presented.

STEP 2 – IN-PERSON IMMIGRATION FORMALITIES

The applicant must be present in Panama for the immigration formalities that require personal attendance. The firm will confirm the applicable appointments, original documents, photographs, identification, and dress requirements before the applicant attends a government office.

STEP 3 – PASSPORT AND LOCAL DOCUMENT PREPARATION

The applicant’s passport copy and any other documents requiring authentication or notarization in Panama will be prepared according to the requirements applicable at the time of filing. The original passport may be required temporarily for certain procedures.

STEP 4 – HEALTH CERTIFICATE AND TRANSLATIONS

The applicant must obtain the required certificate of good health in Panama. Documents issued in a language other than Spanish must be translated by an authorized public translator when required. The firm will coordinate these services according to the applicant’s file.

STEP 5 – FILING THE PROVISIONAL RESIDENCE APPLICATION

Once the application package is complete, the firm will submit the provisional residence application to Panama’s National Immigration Service. Filing remains subject to the authority’s document review, appointment procedures, and acceptance of the application.

STEP 6 – PROVISIONAL IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTATION

After the application is accepted, the applicant will complete any required photograph, registration, or identification procedure and receive the provisional immigration documentation issued at that stage. The Friendly Nations program currently provides an initial provisional residence period of two years.

STEP 7 – TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION AND PASSPORT RETURN

If the applicant intends to leave Panama while the application is pending, the firm will confirm whether a multiple-entry authorization or another travel formality is required under the procedures then in effect. The applicant must not make departure arrangements until the applicable requirements and the return of the original passport have been confirmed.

STEP 8 – APPLICATION FOLLOW-UP

The firm will monitor the application and communicate any request for additional documentation, correction, interview, or other action issued by the authorities. Processing times vary and cannot be guaranteed. Approval of the provisional residence application does not constitute approval of permanent residence.

NEXT STEPS

After approval of the provisional residence application, the applicant must maintain lawful immigration status and comply with the conditions applicable during the two-year provisional period. Near the end of that period, the applicant may submit a separate application for permanent residence, subject to continued eligibility and the documents and procedures required at that time. Permanent residence is not automatic, and the firm will confirm the applicable filing schedule, required presence, and updated documentation for the second-stage application.

Stage 3: Permanent Residence Application After the Provisional Period

Near the completion of the two-year provisional residence period, the firm will review the applicant’s continued eligibility and prepare the separate application for permanent residence. Updated documents and evidence relating to the applicant’s qualifying route, dependents, immigration status, or other circumstances may be required. The filing schedule, required presence in Panama, and anticipated processing procedures will be confirmed based on the rules and government practices in effect at that time. Approval of permanent residence remains subject to review and decision by Panama’s National Immigration Service.

Stage 4: Permanent Residence Documentation and Identification

If permanent residence is approved, the applicant must complete the identification and document-issuance procedures required by Panama’s National Immigration Service. The applicant may also be eligible to request a Panamanian personal identity card (“cédula”) through the competent civil identification authority, subject to the procedures in effect at that time.

The firm will inform the applicant when personal attendance is required and will coordinate the applicable appointments and supporting documents. Processing and issuance times vary between government authorities and cannot be guaranteed.

Contact Us to discuss your Friendly Nations Visa application or explore our Panama Immigration Services.