Immigration & Relocation
Exploring Panama: Your Destination for Migration and Opportunity
Consider Panama as your next home, offering an enviable mix of a tropical climate, a cost-effective lifestyle, thriving communities of expatriates, and the convenience of the U.S. dollar as its currency. Panama stands out as a compelling choice for those seeking to relocate, thanks to its robust economic landscape, breathtaking natural scenery, and strategic geographical position. Whether you’re looking for a serene retirement or exciting business opportunities, Panama presents a diverse palette of options to suit varied preferences.
Panama’s residency programs are designed to accommodate a wide range of applicants, including the Friendly Nations Visa, the Pensionado Visa for retirees, the Self-Economic Solvency Visa, and the Reforestation Investor Visa. Each program is tailored with specific criteria to meet the unique needs of potential residents. It is advisable to conduct thorough research into these options and engage with a legal expert specializing in Panama immigration to identify the program that aligns with your objectives.
Navigating Panama´s Residency and
Visa Programs
Below, we outline the various Panama residency visas available. These programs range from temporary to permanent residency and, in some cases, lead to citizenship and a Panamanian passport. Others may provide temporary residence or work permits. We recommend a personal consultation to determine the residency visa that best suits your requirements.
Panama’s Pensioner/Retirement Visa: Available to individuals over 18 with a guaranteed pension or annuity of at least $1,000 USD per month.
Friendly Nations Visa: Citizens of over 50 nations deemed “friendly” to Panama, along with their immediate families, can obtain permanent residency. Eligibility criteria include purchasing property in Panama worth at least US$200,000 or be employed by a Panamanian company.
Panama’s Pensioner/Retirement Visa: Available to individuals over 18 with a guaranteed pension or annuity of at least $1,000 USD per month.
Professional Employment Visa: Foreign nationals employed in a professional capacity by a Panamanian company, contributing to social security, and holding a college degree and professional license, may obtain permanent residency after two years of being a temporary resident.
Panama’s Reforestation Investor Visa: Government-certified reforestation investments starting at $80,000 USD for 5 years temporary residency, or $350,000 for permanent residency.
Self-Economic Solvency Visa: To be eligible for this visa, individuals have three investment pathways, each requiring a base investment of $300,000 USD, with an additional investment of $2,000 USD for every dependent:
- Investing a minimum of $300,000 USD into Panamanian real estate: This option allows for the investment to be made entirely in property, ensuring a tangible asset under the applicant’s name, with an added requirement of $2,000 USD for every family member dependent on the primary applicant.
- Depositing at least $300,000 USD into a three-year term fixed deposit in a Panamanian bank: This strategy secures the investment with a financial institution over a specified period, with the necessity of an extra $2,000 USD deposit for each dependent to ensure their eligibility under the visa.
- Merging the options by allocating funds towards both a fixed deposit in a Panamanian bank and real estate investment, with the combined value equating to a minimum of $300,000 USD. This mixed approach allows for investment diversification, requiring an additional $2,000 USD to be invested for every dependent.
Qualified Invesor Visa: Investors looking to fast-track (within 30 days) their path to permanent residency in Panama, which could lead to citizenship and a Panamanian passport after five years, have three distinct investment avenues:
- Real Estate Purchase: Make a $300,000 investment in Panamanian real estate outright, without a mortgage.
- Stock Market Investment: Allocate $500,000 towards on the Panama Stock Exchange.
- Bank Time Deposit: Deposit $750,000 into a fixed-term (five-year) time deposit at a Panamanian banking institution.
Business Investor Visa: A minimum investment of $160,000 into the equity of a Panamanian company. This investment allows the individual to act as either a shareholder and/or director of the corporation. Additionally, for each dependent included, an extra investment of $2,000 is required.
Married to a Panama Citizen Visa: Applicants must be in a marriage with a Panamanian citizen to apply for permanent resident status.
Parents of Child Born in Panama Visa: Parents of a child born in Panama who is over five years old can apply for this permanent visa.
As specialists in Panama immigration, visas, and relocation, we are dedicated to offering legal pathways that meet your residency goals. If you’re considering making Panama your new home or place of business, we’re here to help guide you through the process.
