How to obtain residency in Panama by opening a business

La Investor Visa It is an immigration permit granted by the Panamanian government to foreign citizens who wish to establish a business activity in the country, with the objective of obtaining legal residence. This is a modality contemplated within the migratory policy of attracting productive foreign capital, and is aimed primarily at people who plan create a company in Panama in a legitimate and stable manner.

This visa allows you to apply for the temporary residence for two years, and after this period, opt for permanent residence. Depending on the type of investment and the applicant's profile, there are different variants, such as the equity investor visa, the Colón Free Zone investor visa, or the qualified investor visa.

Who can apply for this visa?

In general terms, foreigners of legal age can apply who:

• Demonstrate economic capacity to carry out a minimum investment in Panama (amounts established by law).
• Establish and duly register a company in Panamanian territory.
• They have no criminal record in their country of origin or in Panama.
• Submit the documentation required by the National Migration Service.

This makes the visa for businessmen in Panama is an excellent alternative for entrepreneurs, investors, and independent professionals who want to establish a solid presence in the country.

In addition to offering a path to permanent residence, these visas also allow access to benefits in areas such as commerce, taxation and, in some cases, family inclusion for spouses and dependent children.

Why choose this type of residence?

Panama stands out for its dollarized economy, its strategic location between North and South America, and a time-efficient legal system for establishing businesses. This makes it one of the most attractive options in the region for those who want to combine entrepreneurship and immigration.

In short, if you meet the basic criteria and are willing to make a real and operational investment, you could become a legal resident through this type of visa.

Before beginning the application process for the investor visa, it is essential to understand the legal requirements to open a business in Panama, since these documents will be the legal basis for your future immigration application.

Panama allows foreigners to Create companies without having permanent residence, but requires that they comply with a series of legal steps to formalize their venture and demonstrate their intention to contribute to the country's economic development.

Essential documents and processes

In order for your business project to be legally recognized and to support your application for investment residency, you must complete the following steps:

1. Constitution of the company: Drafting the statutes and registering them with the Public Registry of Panama. It is customary to form a public limited company, although it is also valid to opt for limited liability companies.
2. Get the operating notice: This document enables the company to carry out its commercial activity legally in the country.
3. Registration in the DGI (Directorate General of Revenue): This is the required step for tax purposes. Every company must have its tax registration number.
4. Opening a business bank account: Where you can deposit the invested capital. This step is crucial to prove that a real investment.
5. Special Licenses or Permits: Depending on the sector in which you are going to operate, you may need additional permits (health, environment, industry, etc.).

Business-related immigration requirements

Once your company is legally constituted, it will be necessary to prepare the documentation required by the National Migration Service to opt for residency. These are some of the documents required for investment visa in Panama:

• Sponsorship letter from your own company, stating that you are a shareholder.
• Certification from the Public Registry that proves the existence of the company.
• Affidavit from the applicant confirming the legal origin of the invested funds.
• Bank statements that support the amount invested and the active operation of the business.
• Copies of your passport, passport-type photographs and criminal records from the country of origin.

Meeting these requirements represents the first formal step within the Procedure for investor visa in Panama 2025, and must be done carefully to avoid delays or rejections.

Don't forget that although you don't need to have a residence to start your business, it will be necessary that all legal aspects are in order to apply for a visa. Having professional advice can make a difference.

Let's now continue to discover how much you should invest in 2025 and which sectors are being considered strategic for this type of residence.

One of the key aspects of obtaining the residency by investment in Panama It is the fulfillment of the minimum amount required by law to qualify the investor visa. By 2025, Panamanian authorities maintain clear and defined criteria to ensure that the foreign investment in Panama make a real contribution to the local economy.

Currently, the minimum amount of investment required to access the visa for entrepreneurs It rises to US$160,000, and must be officially registered and verified. This investment must be used for commercial activity for profit within the country, through a duly constituted Panamanian company.

What should that capital be invested in?

The investment must be directed to the company's share capital, purchase of assets, business operations, hiring Panamanian personnel or acquisition of goods and supplies necessary for commercial activity. The amount is not allowed to come from local loans and a purely speculative or passive investment is not accepted.

• It must be in the name of the applicant or of a company where the applicant has majority ownership and effective control.
• Proof of the legal origin of the funds is required.
• The company must have at least five Panamanian workers on the payroll, registered with the Social Security Fund.

It is important to note that this capital is not given to the government, but is used for create a company in Panama and generate concrete economic activity. This differentiates this residency program from other more passive models such as state bonds or real estate options.

How much does it cost to obtain residency in Panama with this model?

In addition to the minimum capital invested, it is advisable to consider other expenses associated with Procedure for investor visa in Panama 2025, such as immigration fees, legal fees, accounting certifications and costs of setting up and operating the initial business. On average, the total outlay can be between US $170,000 and US $200,000 depending on the type of company, sector and location.

This initial amount may seem high, but it becomes a solid and strategic investment, allowing not only access to migratory rights but also to develop a business activity in one of the most open environments in Latin America. Even so, it is advisable to have professional advice to verify that all legal and financial criteria are met from the start.

One of the most common questions asked by those who want Open business in Panama To obtain residency it is: What type of company can I set up as a foreigner? The good news is that the Panamanian legal framework is quite flexible and allows non-citizens to be part of — and even have full control — of different legal structures.

What types of companies can foreigners form?

The most used corporate models for migratory and commercial purposes are:

• Public Limited Company (S.A.): It's the most common way to create a company in Panama. It allows its own legal identity, limitation of liability, transferable shares and can be formed by foreigners, even if they do not reside in the country.
• Limited Liability Company (S.R.L.): Alternative for family businesses or small businesses. It requires fewer requirements, but it has less flexibility than the S.A. in terms of structure and shareholders.
• Individual Company: Although valid, it is not the most recommended option for residence by investment, since it is limited to the amounts required and does not provide as many legal benefits.

The type of company will depend on the sector of activity, number of partners and fiscal or migratory strategy. In all cases, it is essential that the entity is duly registered in the Public Registry of Panama and has an updated business license.

Recommended strategic sectors for entrepreneurship in Panama

When considering the visa for entrepreneurs in Panama, choosing the right sector in which to operate can make a big difference, both to facilitate approval and to ensure long-term commercial success. Some of the most attractive sectors in 2025 include:

1. Digital Technology and Services: Startups, software, ecommerce and IT solutions find in Panama a growing ecosystem with good regional connectivity.

2. Logistics and international trade: Thanks to its strategic position and the canal, Panama is ideal for companies that export, transport and distribute goods.

3. Tourism and hospitality: From eco-lodges to foreign-focused tourism agencies, demand continues to grow, especially in areas such as Bocas del Toro or Boquete.

4. Professional Services: Lawyers, architects, engineers, doctors and advisors can set up consulting or technical service companies and operate under local business laws.

5. Sustainable agriculture and organic food: There is a growing trend towards responsible production, especially in regions in the interior of the country.

Not only are these sectors profitable, but they are aligned with the Panamanian government's objectives of attracting structured investment, generating employment and encouraging innovation. In addition, they provide clear opportunities to demonstrate the economic impact required by immigration authorities.

Correctly selecting the company and the commercial sector is a strategic step within the Procedure for investor visa in Panama 2025. Next, we will see how to formally organize the entire process to legally request the Panamanian residence by investment.

Once you've decided create a company in Panama as a way to obtain your residence, it's time to understand the step-by-step immigration process. Although the process may seem complex at first, with the right guidance and documentation in order, it becomes perfectly manageable.

1. Legal constitution of the company

The first step is formally open business in Panama. This involves:

• Register the company with the Public Registry of Panama.
• Obtain the Notice of Operation through the PanamaEmprende portal.
• Apply for the Single Taxpayer Registry (RUC) with the General Directorate of Revenue (DGI).
• Enroll in the Social Security Fund (if you plan to hire employees).

Once your company is operational and meets local requirements, you can begin the migration process as an investor.

2. Gather personal and business documentation

The documents needed to apply to the investor visa in Panama should support both your identity and the legitimacy of your investment. Some of the most common documents include:

• Current passport and full copy of it.
• Criminal record certificate from the country of origin (apostilled or legalized).
• Proof of invested capital (minimum of USD $160,000 in 2025), such as purchase contracts, bank certificates or financial statements.
• Company documents: certificate of legal existence, income statement, payment receipts to the Social Security Fund, etc.

In addition, any foreign document must be duly apostilled or notarized, and officially translated into Spanish if it is not in this language.

3. Formal application to the National Migration Service

With all the documentation collected, you must submit your application at the offices of the Panamanian National Migration Service. In this step, it is advisable to have the support of an immigration lawyer to assist you during the process.

At this stage, official forms, documentation are submitted, the corresponding immigration fee is paid and a provisional residence card valid for several months is obtained while your case is being evaluated.

4. Evaluation and Approval

The evaluation process can take between 3 and 6 months depending on the complexity of your file. During this time, authorities will verify that:

• Your company is active and in compliance with the law.
• The investment meets the minimum required threshold.
• There is no legal or migratory impediment against you.

If everything is in order, you will receive your permanent residence card by investment.

5. Renewal or change of status

In some cases, you may initially be granted temporary residence for a period of two years. In that case, before it expires, you must start the process to change your status to permanent residence, always demonstrating that the investment and operation of the business is still active.

Where to apply and when to do it?

The Requests for This Visa for entrepreneurs in Panama are presented in person at the offices of the National Migration Service located in Panama City. It is advisable to start all business procedures on time and to collect documentation in advance of your trip.

Remember that the migration process is strictly formal, so any error in documents or steps can lead to delays or even rejections. Having legal advice is a key factor in avoiding unnecessary obstacles.

By following this path correctly, you will not only be able to obtain legal residence in Panama, but also position your business to take advantage of the fiscal and strategic benefits offered by the country to Foreign investment.