Panama Qualified Investor Visa 2025

The Qualified Investor Visa It is a Panamanian form of migration that allows obtaining Permanent Residence to foreign individuals who make a substantial and verifiable investment in the country. Unlike other investment residency visas that require several years of renewal or mandatory physical presence, this option offers a direct, expedited route with no intermediate steps.

This type of visa was formally introduced through the Executive Decree 722 of 2020, with the objective of stimulating the inflow of foreign capital and generating indirect employment through real estate, financial and business development.

What makes this visa attractive compared to other Latin American countries is its agile approach: it allows the applicant (and their immediate family) to obtain the permanent residence in Panama In an estimated time of 40 Days or Less, provided that investment requirements are met.

Essentially, the Qualified Investor Visa is for those who want to:

• Establish a strategic fiscal presence in Panama.
• Invest in real estate or investment instruments within the country.
• Obtain residency without being required to reside full time
• Gain legal stability with a lifetime visa (does not require frequent renewal).

This program applies to both individual investors and families. The spouse and dependent children up to a certain age can be included in the application, which significantly expands the appeal of this migratory route.

In short, it is a migratory scheme designed for those who want Live in Panama with Legal Residence without going through cumbersome or slow processes. It represents one of the most efficient routes in Residency by Investment in Latin America, ideal for foreigners with a vision of wealth, interest in setting up businesses or simply securing a second residence in a stable jurisdiction.

To successfully apply to the Qualified Investor Visa in Panama In the year 2025, it is essential to comply with a series of legal and financial requirements that have been established by the National Migration Service And the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MICI).

The main rule is: you must invest a minimum amount in Panamanian assets that is fully documented and free of financial loans (i.e. investment with own funds). The investment can be made in three approved modalities:

1. Real Estate Investment

One of the most popular options. It consists of acquiring real estate registered in the name of the investor.

Minimum amount in 2025: USD 300,000 (There was previously a promotional minimum of $500,000, but this has been adjusted.)

Key requirements:

• The property must be free of mortgages.
• The purchase agreement and the certificate from the Public Registry must be submitted.

2. Investment through a Fixed-Term Deposit in a Panamanian bank

Alternative for conservative profiles who don't want to buy a property.

Minimum amount: USD 750,000.

The deposit must be made in a bank authorized by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama, with a minimum term of 5 years and cannot be canceled early.

3. Investment in shares on the Panama Stock Exchange

Ideal for investors familiar with financial markets.

Minimum amount: USD 500,000.

You can invest in shares of Panamanian companies through authorized brokers with regulatory support.

Essential Documentation

Regardless of the type of investment, the applicant must submit:

• Valid passport and apostilled copy.
• Bank certification of invested funds, demonstrating legal origin.
• Certificate of ownership registered in the name of the applicant.
• Certificate of good health.
• Criminal record from the country of origin (apostilled).

For Whom Are You Wondering “How much does residency per investment cost in Panama?”, must take into account both investment and legal costs: attorney fees, immigration fees and notary fees. These aspects will be detailed in a later section.

In conclusion, the Requirements to obtain the Qualified Investor Visa in 2025 are well defined, but require prior analysis accompanied by financial planning. Choosing the right type of investment will depend on your personal and financial objectives.

One of the reasons why the Qualified Investor Visa in Panama, its direct and efficient process has become so attractive. Unlike other types of Residence by Investment that require multiple steps, extensive interviews or extended stays in the country, this visa allows foreigners to obtain the Permanent Residence in less than 30 days if the documents are in order.

1. Choose the type of investment

The first step is to define the type of Eligible investment What will you do to apply. The most common options currently accepted include:

• Buying real estate for at least USD $300,000 (starting in 2025).
• Investment in the Panama Stock Exchange with intermediaries authorized by the Superintendency of the Securities Market.
• Bank fixed-term deposit for the same amount in a Panamanian entity with a general license.

Whatever the option, the investment must be duly registered and demonstrated at the time of applying for the visa.

2. Prepare the documentation

The essential documents you must gather include:

• Step by Step of the Investment Test: purchase agreement, stock or bank certificate.
• Photocopy of the complete passport validated by a notary.
• Criminal record from the country of origin, apostilled or legalized
• Bank certification confirming the legal origin of the funds.
• Affidavit of source of funds.

These materials must be in Spanish or duly translated by a public interpreter registered in Panama.

3. Submit the immigration application

Once all the documentation is ready, it is formally submitted to the National Migration Service through a qualified lawyer in Panama. This step includes the payment of immigration fees and the delivery of the complete file.

4. Receipt of a provisional card and waiting for a resolution

Upon confirmation of receipt of the file, a provisional applicant's card is issued. From this point on, the Investment Visa Approval Time in Panama It is usually 30 to 40 business days.

5. Obtaining permanent residence

Once the application is approved, the card is issued permanent residence in Panama without the obligation of periodic renewal. With this document, the foreigner can live, invest and operate locally without migratory restrictions.

This process is especially recommended for those looking for a Quick Residence in Panama without having to comply with long periods of previous stay in the country. In the next section, we explain why this option is not only efficient, but also strategic on a personal and financial level.

Opt for the Qualified Investor Visa Not only does it open the doors to the permanent residence in Panama, but it also offers a combination of migratory, tax and lifestyle advantages that make it one of the most attractive options in Latin America.

Permanent residence from the start

Unlike other immigration programs that grant temporary permits before allowing permanent residence, this visa allows you to obtain it right from the start. This means:

• There is no obligation to renew immigration status annually.
• Greater long-term legal security for you and your family.
• Possibility to use Panama as a center for personal or corporate operations.

Fast Process and No Stay Requirements

One of the biggest benefits of this Fast visa in Panama It is that It does not require you to remain in the country on a continuous basis while the visa is being applied for. This makes it an ideal strategy for those who want to have a second backup country without the need for an immediate move.

In addition, the process can be completed in 40 days or less if the file is complete, which represents an uncommon speed in other countries.

Attractive tax environment

Panama offers a territorial system in which Income generated abroad is not subject to local taxes. This means that investors who have businesses, properties or sources of income outside the country will not have to pay taxes for them in Panama.

This model is especially positive for digital entrepreneurs, independent professionals or investors with international operations.

Possibility to include dependents

The visa allows you to incorporate your spouse and children as dependents in the same application, facilitating full family relocation. They will also get legal residence in Panama under the same permanent terms.

Access to banking, education and medical services

By obtaining residency, you can access local bank accounts, enroll your children in Panamanian schools, take out health insurance or simply enjoy the benefits of Live Legally in Panama.

It is also the first step for those who eventually want to obtain Panamanian nationality after meeting the naturalization requirements.

In short, the Residency by Investment in Panama is positioned as a powerful tool for those seeking flexibility, asset protection and quality of life in a politically stable country. Next, we'll explore the associated costs and estimated approval times.

One of the great advantages of applying for the Qualified Investor Visa in Panama is the speed of the procedure. This program has been designed as an expedited way to obtain the Permanent Residence, which differentiates it from other migratory routes that take several years. With proper planning and advice, it is possible to complete the entire process in less than 40 days.

How long does it really take?

Once the formal application has been submitted to the National Migration Service, the estimated review time is usually 15 to 30 business days. It's important to note that this deadline only starts to count once the documents have been validated and accepted.

In most cases, investors receive a definitive answer in about 3 to 4 weeks. However, the total duration may be affected by factors such as document preparation in the country of origin, certified translations and notarial certifications.

Typical schedule example:

• Collection and legalization of documents: 1 to 2 weeks (depending on the issuing country)
• Verification of investment carried out (bank transaction or sale): 1 week
• Entry of application and appointment in Migration: 1 to 3 days
• Evaluation and approval by the SNM: 15 to 30 business days

This means that, realistically, you could receive your permanent residence by investment in Panama in just 4 to 6 weeks if you already have all the documentation ready and the investment made.

Approximate legal costs

The cost of applying to this Investment Visa includes both official immigration rates in Panama and professional fees for legal advice, file preparation and representation before Migration.

The values may vary depending on the firm and the complexity of the case, but in general:

• Legal Fees: between USD $4,000 and $7,000 per individual or family request
• State fee for immigration processing: USD $5,000 to the National Treasury
• SNM service fund: Additional $5,000 USD,
• For each dependent, $2,000 must be paid.
• Other additional expenses: official translations, apostilles, fingerprints, residence card, and others (USD $500 - $800)

In total, the full cost for a single person is usually between $16,000 and $20,000 (including the minimum investment of $300,000). Of course, this may be higher if you want to apply with dependents or if the investment project requires a corporate structure, trust or property purchase.

Is this investment worth it?

Although the amount may seem high, compared to similar investment residency programs in Europe or North America, Panama remains one of the most accessible, fastest and most friendly jurisdictions for foreigners.

In addition, directly obtaining the permanent visa in Panama —and not temporary, as in other regimes—represents a strategic advantage for those seeking to establish legal residence without annual renewal complications.

No less important, is the fact that when purchasing legal residence in Panama, many investors gain access to a territorial fiscal environment, free mobility and links with regional banks and financial institutions that value the country's stability.