Residency in Panama by Investment: Legal Guide 2025

Residency by investment in Panama is a legal mechanism that allows foreign citizens to obtain a permanent residence permit by making a significant investment in the country. This option is designed to encourage the arrival of foreign capital, promote economic development and attract entrepreneurial or wealth talent to the country.

In other words, if you decide Invest in Panama, the Panamanian State allows you to legally establish yourself as a resident without the need for traditional family or work ties. It is a direct and transparent way to achieve the legal residence in Panama and access its multiple benefits, both personal and business.

Who can apply to this modality?

Any foreigner of legal age who has the economic capacity to develop a qualified investment can apply. It is important to highlight that investments can be made both in a personal capacity and through a company (legal or corporate).

• Individual investors who want to move to Panama for retirement, business or economic stability.
• Entrepreneurs seeking to establish operations in Panama and take advantage of the country's fiscal and geographical benefits.
• International people with diversified assets who want to protect their capital by investing in stable assets within the country.

It is essential to have the support of a lawyer specializing in migration in Panama, since this type of procedure involves notarial processes, bank certifications, document validation and strict immigration compliance. In addition, a professional will be able to evaluate the applicant's profile to determine if it meets the Requirements for an investment visa in Panama and which type of program is best suited depending on your migratory goal.

This migratory route is open to citizens of almost all countries, with the exception of some countries with diplomatic restrictions. Another key point is that you don't need to know Spanish or have previous business experience to access the benefit of Panama residence investment.

Whether you want living in Panama full-time or establishing a legal basis for global business, this visa is one of the most efficient and secure forms available on the continent.

In 2025, Panama offers several options for Investment Visa, each with specific requirements that adapt to different migratory profiles and objectives. Knowing the different programs available will allow you to choose the type of Panama resident visa more appropriate depending on the amount you are willing to invest and your short and long term plans.

Main types of investment visa in Panama

Here are the main categories in force this year:

1. Qualified Investor Visa

This modality was created to simplify and speed up obtaining the permanent residence in Panama through significant investments. It allows approval in as little as 40 business days, ideal if you want fast and reliable results.

For 2025, these investment requirements remain:

• Minimum of U.S. $300,000 in real estate (registered in the name of the investor).
• Alternatively, investment of US$500,000 on the Panamanian stock exchange or securities of the financial system.
• Also available: fixed-term deposit of US$750,000 at an authorized bank in Panama.

This visa was specially designed to attract qualified investors looking for an expedited process. In addition, it does not require a mandatory minimum annual stay.

2. Own Economic Solvency Visa

Also known as a traditional investor visa, this modality requires a fixed-term deposit in a Panamanian bank for at least U.S. $300,000 to five years, in the personal name of the applicant.

This visa eventually allows you to apply for permanent residence after 2 years under temporary permission. It is ideal for those who want to start their migration more gradually, or for those with a stable conservative investment profile.

3. Real Estate Investor Visa

With a minimum investment of U.S. $300,000 in real estate, this visa allows you to start the residency process. It is useful for foreigners interested in acquiring properties, whether residential, commercial or tourist.

In addition to the value of the property, bank certificates and proof of origin of the funds must be submitted.

4. Business Investment Visa

This option allows you to invest in Panamanian companies that are legally constituted and operating in the country. It applies a minimum of US$160,000 in share capital for an active company, in addition to employing at least five Panamanians.

It is especially suitable for entrepreneurs who want to open a business in Panama, actively contributing to the national economy.

Each of these visas offers a clear legal path to moving to Panama and enjoy the privileges of permanent residence: legal peace, fiscal optimization, regional mobility and quality of life.

It is recommended to review each category with a lawyer specializing in investment visas in Panama to help you structure your immigration plan aligned with your financial capacity and personal goals for 2025.

To obtain the legal residence in Panama Through investment, it is essential to comply with a series of Legal requirements established by the National Migration Service and the Ministry of Security. These requirements may vary slightly depending on the type of investment visa you choose, but they all share key criteria related to economic solvency, the legality of the origin of the invested capital and the applicant's personal documentation.

Required documentation to apply

The first step before formalizing any request is to gather the required documents. Some of these papers must be apostilled or legalized in your country of origin.

• Passage of birth and full copy of the current passport, in good condition, valid for at least 6 months.
• Criminal record certificate from the country of residence for the last 2 years.
• Documents that prove the investment: deeds of purchase of property, certificate from the securities broker, deeds from the public limited company or bank deposit (depending on the type of visa).
• Proof of the legal origin of the funds: affidavit, bank movements or bank letter.
• Passport-size photographs, affidavits, signed and stamped official forms.

Minimum investment amounts valid in 2025

Depending on the category of Panama investment visa selected, there are minimum amounts:

- Qualified Investor Visa: minimum investment of USD 300,000 in Panamanian real estate, USD 500,000 in fixed term or USD 700,000 in shares/listed on the stock exchange.

- Economic solvency visa: USD 300,000 in real estate or fixed deposit. Starting in 2025, if a dependent is added, the amount must be increased by USD 2,000 for each one.

- Visa for investors in macro-companies: minimum investment of USD 160,000 in a Panamanian company with at least 5 Panamanian workers on the payroll.

Other requirements to consider

In addition to capital, it is essential to have a fixed address in Panama and to carry out all the procedures through a authorized migration lawyer in Panama. This ensures that the documents are processed correctly, in compliance with the immigration laws in force in 2025.

In some cases, it will be necessary for the applicant to travel to the country to start the procedures or make the investment deposit. If you include your family (spouse or minor children), they must also submit their passports, personal documents and apostilled civil acts.

Comply with all of these Requirements for an investment visa in Panama it is essential to avoid unnecessary rejections or delays in your process.

Request the investment visa in Panama It is a process that, if approached with good advice and preparation, can be completed in a few months. Here we explain the practical step by step on how to apply correctly in 2025.

1. Initial Consultation with Migration Attorney

The starting point is to contact a lawyer specializing in investment visas in Panama. This professional will help you verify which type of visa best suits your profile, ensure that you meet the requirements and accompany you legally in every step.

It is advisable to avoid procedures on your own, as minor errors can lead to significant delays or even the rejection of the request.

2. Preparation of documents and certifications

Once the type of permanent permit in Panama that you want to obtain, start collecting the documents. Some require legalization or an apostille — this can take several weeks depending on the country of origin.

Your lawyer will also prepare the official forms, the affidavit of liability, financial solvency, and the contract of legal representation, among others.

3. Execution of the required investment

This step varies depending on the type of visa:

• Purchase of real estate for the minimum required value and in the name of the natural applicant.
• Make a fixed-term bank deposit with an authorized bank, for at least 5 years.
• Establishment of a commercial entity with direct investment and hiring Panamanian employees.

Legal and financial evidence must be presented of the origin of the money invested, a key element for the legality of the process.

4. Entry to Panama and formal submission of the application

When all the documents are ready, it is necessary travel to Panama to start the procedure in person. The lawyer will submit the complete file to Migration and will accompany the applicant in the biometric data collection process.

At this stage, a temporary residence card for 6 months while the final application is being processed.

5. Immigration review and delivery of residency

Once the documentation has been reviewed and the investment has been confirmed, the National Migration Service issues the resolution approving the permanent residence permit. With the document in hand, you can start your stay in the country legally.

In common cases, all the legal process for residence Panama 2025 It can take 3 to 6 months from the first meeting with the lawyer to obtain permanent residence.

Following every step with legal guidance, your transition to living in Panama safely, clearly and quickly it is within reach. This process also gives rise to significant benefits, which we will explain in the next section.

One of the great advantages of Panama investment visa The fact is that, despite being a legal procedure, the process can be efficient and quite fast if properly planned. In general, the total time to obtain the permanent residence in Panama As an investor you can take between 30 and 180 days, depending on the type of visa requested, the quality of the documentation submitted and whether appropriate advice is available.

Estimated time of the process in 2025

Based on the experience of procedures carried out in previous years, and the adjustments introduced by the National Migration Service, the approximate deadlines for each stage are as follows:

• Preparing the application: 1 to 2 weeks (collection of documents, notarial procedures, opening of accounts, etc.)
• Presentation to Migration: 1 to 2 weeks.
• Final resolution and delivery of permanent resident ID: 10 to 25 weeks after approval

In total, those who apply to the Panama 2025 qualified investor visa they can expect a final resolution in a maximum of 6 months. This agility makes Panama one of the most efficient jurisdictions for those who want Moving Legally with Investment.

Key Benefits of Obtaining Residency by Investment

In addition to legal access to living in the country, investment residency offers multiple advantages that go beyond immigration status. Here are some of the most notable benefits:

1. Permanent residence from the start

Unlike other programs that grant temporary status, the permanent or provisional permit in Panama Grants Residence indefinitely from day one, eliminating the need for periodic renovations. The status granted depends on the visa that is applied for.

2. Freedom to Live, Work or Invest

Once the visa is approved, there are no mandatory requirements for permanence. The resident can choose whether to live full time, travel frequently, or simply maintain residency for tax or property purposes.

3. Access to a favorable tax environment

Panama is recognized for its territorial income system, which means that Revenues generated outside the country are not subject to local taxes. This is very attractive for international investors and entrepreneurs who work remotely.

4. Possibility to include dependents

With several of the modalities of Investment Visa, is it possible to include Spouse and Children on the same request, facilitating family reunification and access to country services.

5. Path to Panamanian Citizenship

After maintaining residence for 5 years, those who meet the requirements can apply for nationality, opening the door to a second passport and greater travel freedom.

Is it worth investing to live in Panama?

For many people, yes. Get legal residence in Panama represents an effective strategy to diversify assets, improve quality of life or establish a secure base in Latin America. Although it requires an initial investment amount (starting at $300,000 and up, depending on the type of visa), immigration and wealth benefits often justify it for those with a long-term vision.

And thanks to the structure of this program, accompanied by a immigration lawyer in Panama with experience, the process goes far beyond a formal procedure: it becomes a high-value strategic investment.