Panama Qualified Investor Visa:
Immediate permanent residency in a neutral, tax-efficient jurisdiction
Panama offers discerning investors one of the fastest and most efficient investor residency programs in the world. Through the Panama Qualified Investor Visa, permanent residency is granted directly, typically within 30 days of application submission. This fast-track program allows investors to secure permanent legal residence, favorable tax status, and long-term access to a stable financial hub at the crossroads of the Americas.
Unlike treaty-based residency programs, the Qualified Investor Visa provides immediate permanent residency, minimal physical presence requirements, and a clear pathway to Panamanian citizenship, all within a trusted legal framework that supports international wealth structuring.
Who can
be included?
Panama residency through the Friendly Nations Investor Visa allows full family inclusion:
-
Spouse or legal partner.
-
Children under the age of 25.
-
Dependent parents.
Applicants with dependents must maintain a local bank account reflecting a minimum balance of USD 5,000 to support the application. Each dependent is subject to a government fee of USD 2,000.
Key advantages:
why Panama residency?
-
Initial two-year residency, convertible to permanent residency after renewal.
-
Citizenship eligibility after five years of permanent residency.
-
Highly favorable territorial tax regime: no tax on foreign income.
-
No wealth, estate, or gift taxes.
-
Strategically positioned for global business in the Americas.
-
Pro-business legal and financial framework with robust banking infrastructure.
-
Political stability, safe environment, and consistently growing economy.
-
Direct access to a secondary passport option after full naturalization.
What about taxes?
Panama residency offers one of the most favorable tax regimes for global investors:
-
Only Panama-source income is subject to taxation.
-
Foreign income remains fully exempt for both individuals and corporations.
-
Individuals pay progressive income tax up to 15 percent, with no tax on the first USD 11,000.
-
Corporations with Panama-source income are taxed at 25 percent; dividends taxed at 10 percent.
-
Foreign-source corporate income is exempt if no Panama business license is required.
With careful structuring, Panama residency allows international investors to legally separate global wealth from tax exposure, while maintaining full compliance under Panama’s territorial tax system.
How does it work?
1
Initial onboarding and engagement. Full due diligence, documentation review, and client agreement.
2
Application preparation. Complete legal file assembled and pre-cleared for submission.
3
Initial government processing. Due diligence conducted over approximately six months.
4
In-country appointment. Visit Panama for 8 days to open a bank account, provide biometrics, and attend required appointments.
5
Residency granted. Initial two-year residency permit issued upon approval.
6
Permanent residency conversion. After two years, submit renewal to obtain permanent residency.
Can it lead to citizenship?
Yes. After holding permanent residency for five years, applicants may apply for Panamanian citizenship. Naturalization requires:
-
Continuous residency.
-
Demonstrated integration into Panamanian society.
-
Clean criminal record and good standing.
-
Sufficient Spanish language proficiency.
Successful applicants obtain a Panamanian passport, granting visa-free access to over 140 countries.
Take control of your future
Panama residency through the Friendly Nations Investor Visa provides global investors with an efficient, discreet, and highly flexible second residency option. With minimal physical presence requirements, favorable tax treatment, and a straightforward citizenship pathway, Panama offers a strategic residency foundation for wealth preservation, global mobility, and long-term family security.
Request a private consultation to explore how Panama residency can support your global strategy.
Investment options: secure Panama residency through the Qualified Investor Visa
The Panama Qualified Investor Visa offers three investment pathways
Real estate investments may be partially financed, provided the required equity threshold is met. Applications can be submitted based on a fully executed title or a promissory purchase agreement, with funds held in trust by a licensed Panamanian bank. All qualifying investments must be maintained for a minimum of five years.
USD 300,000
minimum equity investment in Panamanian real estate.
USD 500,000
investment into the Panama Stock Exchange.
USD 750,000
placed with a Panamanian bank for a minimum period of three years.