Strategically positioned between Central and South America, Panama is a global center for international banking. The 65-km-long engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, allows for efficient and significant seaborne trade across the world — offering investors a prime opportunity to tap into not just the American commercial goods markets but also those worldwide, from the USA to East Asia, to Europe, and to Oceania. The government’s residence by investment program is an opportunity for global investors to contribute to the tropical maritime nation’s development while acquiring residence status and the investment opportunities that come with the program.
PANAMA
((Residence by Investment Program))
VISA FREE DESTINATIONS:
149
PASSPORT INDEX RANK:
31st
OVERVIEW:
PROCEDURE:
Applications must include completed application forms and should be accompanied by the appropriate fees and supporting documents, including details and the source (abroad) of the investment funds and the investor’s general data. Depending on the investment option chosen, the following documentation will be required: certificates from the Panama Public Registry, the National Authority of Land Ownership, the Securities House, and a license and/or registration certificate from the Panama Stock Exchange, as well as authenticated copies of the resolution granting the entity keeping the invested securities and a copy of the time deposit certificate.
MINIMUM CAPITAL REQUIREMENT:
Minimum investment of USD 100,000
MAIN APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants are required to select one of the following three investment routes:
1. Qualified Investor
- Investments must be held for at least five years to maintain permanent residence status.
- Additional government fees for the main applicant and dependents apply.
One of the following options:
- Real estate investment of USD 300,000.
- Stock exchange investment of USD 500,000.
- Fixed-term deposit of USD 750,000 in the banking sector.
2. Friendly Nations
- For citizens of one of Panama’s ‘friendly nations’ (contact us for the latest list of friendly nations);
One of the following options:
- Real estate investment of USD 200,000.
- Fixed-term deposit of USD 200,000.
- Employment by a company in Panama for residence by labor reasons
3. Forestry Investor
Investment in a company that has a forest registry with the Ministry of Environment
One of the following options:
- Real estate investment of USD 100,000.
- Investment of USD 100,000 in teak reforestation—this option grants two years of temporary residence, after which the applicant can apply for permanent residence.
- Investment of USD 350,000 in teak reforestation — this option grants immediate permanent residence.
PROCESSING TIME:
30 days under the Qualified Investor route, or 4–6 months under the Friendly Nations and Forestry Investor route
KEY BENEFITS:
- Access to the Central, South, and North American markets.
- Residence is applicable to a spouse, children under 18, children aged 18–25 who are single, full time students with no children, children of any age who are physically or mentally differently abled, and parents of any age.
- The Panama Canal is one of the world’s most strategically placed and used waterways, with the chief commodities carried through it being motor vehicles, products and grains, petroleum, and coal.
- Proximity to Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela, allowing for better access to business opportunities with these nations.
- Eligibility to apply for citizenship after five years of residence, and after one–three years for citizens of some Latin American countries and Spain.
