Residency by Investment in Panama: Real Costs 2025

In 2025, the Panamanian government offers several legal avenues to obtain Residence by Investment, each with different requirements and minimum amounts. The most common type of visa within this category is still the Qualified Investor Visa and the program for citizens of Friendly Nations who invests in real estate or local businesses.

How much do you need to invest?

Depending on the type of residence you are looking for, these are the minimum investment amounts required by immigration authorities:

• Qualified Investor Visa: $300,000 USD in real estate or bank investment (in 2025, this figure is reduced, but in 2026 it returns to the original amount).
• Friendly Nations Visa: $200,000 USD in real estate investment if you want to apply directly for permanent residence. It is also possible to apply with an employment contract or company opening, but it does not guarantee immediate permanent residence.
• Reforestation Investor Visa: Starting at $100,000 USD in certified projects.

It is important to note that these amounts They don't include management costs, taxes or fees, only represent the “minimum legal” investment to qualify. In addition, they must be own and demonstrable funds, which comply with the mechanisms of banking due diligence required by Panama.

Do I need to make this investment before or after starting the procedure?

The investment must be made prior to the application, depending on the program. For example, in the case of real estate visas, you must submit notarial certificates from the public registry to prove the purchase.

In addition, you must demonstrate the Legal Origin of Funds, submitting financial and banking documents and affidavits. This is a standard requirement in all Immigration Offices in Panama 2025.

Practical example:

If you decide to apply using the Qualified Investor Visa in real estate, your minimum investment will be:
Property purchased in Panama City for $310,000 → Applies for almost immediate permanent residence.

But remember: that initial amount only covers the investment. The process also involves other costs as we will see below.

Once you are clear about the minimum investment amount, the next step is to consider all the Residency Costs additional ones that are part of the migration process in Panama. This is where many applicants face Budgetary surprises, because investment alone does not guarantee successful processing without proper legal representation and full compliance with formal requirements.

Legal Fees and Immigration Counseling

The average cost of hiring an immigration lawyer in Panama to process your Investment Visa may vary depending on the type of residence and the complexity of your case. In 2025, these are approximate figures:

• Legal Fee for Qualified Investor Visa: between $5,000 and $10,000 USD.
• Visa under the Friendly Nations program: from $3,000 to $7,000 USD.

This amount usually includes:

- Preparation and review of documentation.
- Official translation of foreign documents.
- Representation before the National Migration Service.
- Accompaniment in interviews and notarial procedures.

Administrative and government costs

In addition to legal fees, there are official fees that must be paid to the government of Panama:

• Immigration Application Fee: $250 USD per person.
• Repatriation Fund: $800 USD (only mandatory payment for migratory processes).
• Issuance of the immigration card: $50 - $100 USD per document.

You should also consider the costs of bank processing, opening accounts in Panama (if local financial solvency is required), company registration (if applicable), and other formalities such as police records or medical tests, depending on the individual case.

Estimated total cost (not including investment)

Adding up fees, official fees and documentation, Migratory Spending in 2025 to obtain legal residence in Panama they can range from $5,000 to $12,000 USD in addition to the basic investment. This calculation can go up if family members, spouses or dependents are included in the request.

For this reason, it is essential to have a well-planned budget from the start and professional legal support. In the next section, we will explore the taxes and tax obligations that you should also consider, such as Foreign Investor in Panama.

One of the most important aspects at the time of obtain legal residence in Panama as a foreign investor it is to understand the fiscal landscape. Although Panama is reputed to be a country with attractive incentives for Foreign investment, the tax reality depends both on the type of investment and on the applicant's personal or business income model.

As a general rule, Panama applies the principle of Fiscal Territoriality. This means that revenues generated outside Panamanian territory are not subject to local taxes, which is an enormous advantage for international investors.

However, there are certain Tax Obligations in Panama that cannot be overlooked:

• Local Income Tax: If your investment generates income within Panama (for example, real estate income), you must declare and pay the corresponding tax, which varies between 0% and 25% depending on the amount.
• Property Tax: Properties with a cadastral value greater than $120,000 pay between 0.0% and 0.7% per year, depending on the value. There are 20-year exemptions for new projects, but they apply only if they are approved by tax authorities.
• ITBMS payment (VAT): For some commercial investments or services contracted within the country, the Transfer Tax on Movable Property and Services (similar to VAT) of 7% may apply.
• Accounting expenses: To comply with annual tax returns, hiring an authorized accountant is mandatory. This generates an additional cost of between $500 and $1,000 per year, depending on the complexity of the income.

If you are thinking of opening a company in Panama as part of your Emigrate legally, it is important to consider that public limited companies must also comply with their income tax returns, maintain a resident agent and pay the annual maintenance fee to the Public Registry (usually $300).

In short, although Panama's tax advantages are well known, careful tax planning is worth it. A common mistake among those looking for Residence by Investment It is to assume that there are no tax burdens, when in reality, the type and origin of your investment can generate obligations. Before making a decision, the ideal is to have local legal and accounting advice to help you design an optimized tax structure.

Now that you know the most important taxes for investors in Panama, let's explore what else Hidden or Unexpected Expenses you must take into account to avoid surprises during your immigration process in 2025.

In addition to the minimum investment, legal fees and taxes, there are additional costs that many people don't consider when planning their move or project investor visa in Panama. These so-called “hidden expenses” can significantly impact your actual budget if you don't anticipate them from the start.

Below, we review the most common ones for 2025, based on the cases we have handled at Limitless Legal for entrepreneurs, expatriates and families seeking to settle legally in Panama.

Official translations and notarized documents

All documents issued abroad (such as bank certificates, birth certificates, criminal records, etc.) must be duly apostilled and, in many cases, officially translated into Spanish by an authorized translator in Panama. This averages between $30 and $60 per document.

Local certifications and authentications

Some procedures within the immigration process require municipal certifications, notarial records or locally issued work letters. These steps can amount to between $50 and $200, depending on the type of request and the response time required.

Renewals or extensions of stay

During the approval process of the residency by investment in Panama, some applicants go through an extended waiting period that requires extending their temporary immigration status. The extension costs approximately $50 each time it is requested, not counting the fees of the immigration manager if applicable.

Initial cost of living and establishment

A part of the budget that is often underestimated at the time of emigrate to Panama is the cost of living upon arrival. These include:

• Security deposits for rent (equivalent to one or two months' rent)
• Private health plans while gaining access to the local system
• School expenses if you arrive with children
• Costs of opening bank accounts or setting up companies

Additional Government Fees

Depending on the type of visa or immigration program, there are immigration fees that are not always included in the initial estimates. For example, in some cases you have to pay fees for a green card ($100—$200), a migration card, or special consular stamps.

As you can see, beyond the legal and tax framework, it is recommended anticipate these additional costs to avoid cost overruns or delays. Good financial planning includes openness to various scenarios that go beyond the official “minimum amount”.

In the next section, we'll look at whether we really Is it worth investing in Panama in exchange for legal residence and what benefits could justify these real costs in 2025.

One of the most common questions among those considering emigrating to Panama is whether it really Is it worth it to get a residence by investment. At first glance, the residency costs they may seem high, especially if we add up the minimum investment, legal fees, taxes and additional expenses. However, in the long term, this type of visa can offer very significant benefits both personally and financially.

Tangible benefits beyond immigration status

When opting for a investment visa, you don't just get legal immigration status in Panama. You're also investing in an ecosystem with strategic advantages for foreigners. Some key benefits include:

• Stable and legal access to a country with a dollarized and growing economy.
• Possibility to open personal and business bank accounts more easily.
• Tax benefits depending on the type of investment and your legal structure.
• Opportunity to establish businesses with a low tax burden.
• Renewable permanent residence and possible access to nationality (depending on the program).

Comparing long-term cost and value

While on average the process can cost between US $20,000 and US $30,000 including investment, legalizations, legal and logistical expenses, for many investors the return on this investment comes from different sources:

For example, if you buy a property as part of the real estate residency program, you can benefit from revaluation of the property over time, rental options or even tax exemptions for tourist improvements. If you open a local company, you gain access to a modern business environment, with free trade agreements and an enviable logistics position.

This means that, for those who plan strategically, the initial cost is offset by economic and personal benefits in the medium term.

Comparison with other countries in the region

Compared to other options of legal residence in Latin America, requirements and processing times in Panama tend to be more streamlined. While countries like Costa Rica or Uruguay also offer similar programs, capital requirements and tax limits may be stricter or less predictable.

In addition, Panama offers unique advantages such as:

• Reduction of taxes on foreign income (fiscal territoriality).
• Developed infrastructure, including global financial centers and air connectivity.
• Clear legal framework and predictable procedures (although professional advice is key).

Who is an investment visa suitable for?

Not all profiles will immediately find value in this type of residence. But it's a great option if you are:

• Entrepreneur looking to expand your business in Central America.
• Real estate investor with an interest in diversifying assets.
• Retired person with assets ready to relocate on a stable basis.
• Foreign citizen seeking immigration stability and second residence or plan B options.

In all these cases, Panama 2025 remains a competitive destination to obtain legal residence through investment, with flexible options adapted to different budgets.