$300,000 real estate route confirmed through October 2026 — thresholds expected to rise
Panama Residency
& Citizenship
by Investment
Secure permanent residency in one of the fastest programs in the world — often approved within 30–90 days — through a qualifying investment in real estate, securities, or a bank deposit. Hold your investment, visit Panama once every two years, and become eligible to apply for citizenship after five years of residency.
Investment Options
Three routes. One result:
Permanent residency.
The Panama Qualified Investor Visa recognises three qualifying investment routes. Each leads to the same outcome — immediate permanent residency for you and your eligible family members, and eligibility to apply for citizenship after five years. Every investment must be maintained for five years to preserve your status.
All routes require the investment to be maintained for five years. Contact us for a customised quotation including government and professional fees.
Program Overview
The Qualified Investor Visa: permanent residency from day one
Introduced by Executive Decree in 2020, Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa is the country’s fast-track residency-by-investment program — and one of the fastest in the world. Unlike programs that begin with temporary permits, approved applicants receive permanent residency immediately, with approvals routinely completed within one to two months.
Residency is the legally required first step toward a Panamanian passport: after five years of permanent residency, you become eligible to apply for citizenship through naturalisation, subject to statutory requirements and government approval. There is no legal route to a Panamanian passport without this residency stage — which is why the program is often described as citizenship by investment done right.
Why Panama
A residency that works as hard as your capital
Panama is not a passport-of-convenience jurisdiction — it is a functioning regional hub where your residency, your assets and your business can all live in the same place.
US DOLLAR ECONOMY
Panama uses the US dollar, eliminating local currency risk on your investment
TERRITORIAL TAXATION
Foreign-sourced income is generally not taxed in Panama — a cornerstone for international tax planning
POLITICAL & ECONOMIC STABILITY
Decades of steady growth anchored by the Canal economy and a service-driven GDP
REGIONAL BANKING CENTRE
One of Latin America’s strongest and most sophisticated banking sectors
GROWING REAL ESTATE MARKET
Sustained demand in Panama City and coastal markets supports the $300,000 entry point
BUSINESS-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT
Free Trade Zones, the Panama Pacifico special economic area and full foreign ownership of companies
STRATEGIC LOCATION
The land bridge between North and South America, with Tocumen airport connecting 80+ destinations
LIFESTYLE & HEALTHCARE
Modern infrastructure, international schools and quality private healthcare at regional prices
Who applies
Our typical applicants include global entrepreneurs, real estate investors, internationally operating business owners, families seeking a second residency as a safety net, and high-net-worth individuals diversifying jurisdictional risk.
Family Inclusion
One investment.
The whole family.
A single qualifying investment covers your immediate family. Dependants are added to the same application and receive the same permanent residency status — and the same five-year track toward citizenship eligibility.
PROFESSIONALLY MANAGED END-TO-END
From the first conversation to residency approval, your case is handled by experienced immigration professionals who structure the investment, prepare the file and coordinate directly with the National Immigration Service. Most applicants only travel to Panama once during the process.
INITIAL CONSULTATION & ELIGIBILITY CHECK
1–2 days
A confidential consultation to review your objectives, timelines and budget, select the most suitable investment route, and confirm preliminary eligibility before you commit to anything.
INVESTMENT STRUCTURING
1–3 weeks
Property selection from vetted developments, legal due diligence on title, and escrow or trust arrangements — or account opening and placement with licensed institutions for the securities and deposit routes.
APPLICATION SUBMISSION
1–2 weeks
Your legal team assembles and files the complete application: passports and civil documents, source-of-funds evidence, investment documentation and due diligence materials, all reviewed before submission.
PERMANENT RESIDENCY APPROVAL
30–90 days overall
The National Immigration Service reviews the file. On approval, permanent residency is granted and residency cards are issued for you and every family member on the application.
THE CITIZENSHIP PATHWAY
from year 5
After five years of permanent residency you become eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship through naturalisation, subject to statutory requirements and government approval.
Required documents (summary)
Typical documentation includes: valid passports and government-issued ID; passport photographs; police clearance certificates; evidence of source of funds; investment documentation (purchase contract, brokerage or deposit certificates); bank references; a basic health certificate; and civil documents (marriage and birth certificates) for dependants. A personalised checklist is provided at the consultation stage.
Fees & Costs
Transparent costs, no surprises
Below is the complete cost framework for the Qualified Investor Visa. Exact totals depend on your family size, chosen route and property specifics — request a personalised quotation for a precise figure.
| Investment thresholds | |
|---|---|
| Real estate (through October 2026) | $300,000 |
| Securities — Panama Stock Exchange | $500,000 |
| Fixed-term bank deposit | $750,000 |
| Government fees (per person) | |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $10,000 |
| Each dependant | $2,000 |
| Professional & transaction costs | |
|---|---|
| Legal fees | Quoted individually |
| Real estate transfer tax (if applicable) | 2–2.5% of value |
| Legal conveyancing, notary & registry fees | Quoted with the property |
| Estimated all-in totals (real estate route) | |
|---|---|
| Single applicant | from $321,500 |
| Family of four | from $332,500 |
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact & Consultation
Speak with our team
Tell us about your timing, budget and mobility goals, and we will map the route that fits — including a personalised cost quotation and document checklist. Consultations are free, confidential and carry no obligation. We respond within one business day.
