Panama Residency Programs
Explore the main options to obtain residency in Panama and identify which route may fit your case.
Panama residency can be obtained through different routes depending on your profile and objectives.
Here you can review the main options and identify which may apply to your case.
Not sure which program applies?
You may contact us with your nationality, whether you are considering an investment and your current situation.
Choosing the right route from the start helps avoid delays.
Qualified Investor
For applicants able to qualify through real estate, securities or time deposit investment.
Best for: applicants seeking a faster and more direct route to permanent residency.
Friendly Nations
Available to nationals of eligible countries who qualify through employment, real estate, or a fixed-term deposit.
Best for: applicants who qualify based on nationality and may apply through investment (real estate or fixed-term deposit) or, in certain cases, through formal employment with a Panamanian company.
Self Economic Solvency
For applicants who qualify through a larger personal investment in Panama.
Best for: applicants who prefer to qualify through a personal investment in Panama rather than relying on nationality-based programs.
Panama-Italy Treaty
Available to Italian nationals under the bilateral treaty framework.
Best for: Italian nationals seeking a treaty-based residence route in Panama.
Pensioner
For retirees with a lifetime pension or annuity that meets the applicable threshold.
Best for: retirees planning to establish residence in Panama based on pension income.
General application points
Beyond the specific program, there are a few practical points to consider.
Approximate timing
Timelines may vary depending on the program, document preparation and government review.
Investment-based routes tend to move faster than other programs.
Lawyer Representation
Residency applications are filed through a Panamanian lawyer or law firm.
Fresh Documents
Foreign documents generally must be recent, apostilled or consularized, and properly translated where required.
Local Medical Requirements
Most applications require a Panamanian health certificate, and some routes may require additional local documents.
Dependents
Spouses and dependents can often be included, but the required documents and financial thresholds vary by program.
Qualified Investor
A residence route available to applicants who qualify through investment.
Real estate: from US$300,000
Securities: US$500,000
Time deposit: US$750,000
Current framework: Decree 193 of October 15, 2024.
What makes it attractive
This program remains one of the most attractive options for applicants already planning an investment in Panama and seeking a more direct route to residency. Real estate remains the most visible path, although securities and time deposit options are also available under the applicable rules.
In practice, it is often regarded as one of the fastest routes. It may also grant permanent residency directly once approved, without a provisional stage.
Friendly Nations
Friendly Nations continues to be one of the most frequently discussed residence routes. This route is available to nationals of countries included in Panama’s official list, depending on the applicable qualifying basis and current immigration rules. The route depends not only on nationality, but also on the specific qualifying basis used in the application, which must be supported by a real and verifiable underlying activity. We can help confirm whether this route may apply in your case.
Employment Route
The employment-based route should correspond to a real position with an operating company in Panama and genuine payroll support. It is intended for cases involving a legitimate employment relationship, properly documented under the applicable rules. Our firm assists clients whose case meets those conditions.
Real Estate Route
This route generally requires qualifying real estate in Panama with a minimum value of US$200,000, together with the required documents under the immigration rules.
Fixed-Term Deposit Route
This route generally requires a fixed-term bank deposit in Panama of US$200,000 for the required holding period, together with the required banking and immigration documents.
Self Economic Solvency
This residence route is commonly considered by applicants who prefer to qualify through a personal investment in Panama rather than through a nationality-based program.
Current threshold: US$300,000 through real estate, time deposit, or a combination of both, plus the applicable amount for dependents where relevant.
Panama-Italy Treaty
Available to Italian nationals, this program may offer indefinite residence when the treaty conditions are met and the supporting documentation is properly filed.
It is best assessed case by case, especially when the applicant’s professional activity, economic activity or establishment plan requires careful review.
Pensioner residence
The Pensioner program remains one of Panama’s best-known residence options for retirees planning to live in Panama. It is generally based on a lifetime pension or annuity of at least US$1,000 per month, with additional amounts for dependents and a limited exception tied to a qualifying property purchase.
For clients considering retirement in Panama, this route is usually assessed alongside housing, healthcare access, location and longer-term planning considerations.
Useful to keep in mind
Standard threshold: US$1,000 monthly pension
Dependents: additional threshold applies
Property-linked exception: limited lower threshold may apply in qualifying cases
Share a brief outline of your case and we will guide you on the most suitable residency option
You may contact us with your nationality, current situation, whether you are considering an investment in Panama and whether you wish to include dependents. We will review your initial information and indicate which route may apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to obtain residency in Panama?
Do I need to live in Panama to maintain residency?
Can I work in Panama with a residency permit?
What investment is required under the Qualified Investor Visa?
Can residency lead to citizenship?
Contact
Contact us to discuss your legal needs in Panama.
OUR OFFICE
Advanced Tower, 1st Floor
Panama City, Panama.
In the Banking District, next to Hyatt Regency Panama City.
CONTACT US
+507 264.5570 | 264.5931
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