Panama Immigration Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get residency by investment in Panama?

Citizens of friendly nations can get residency by depositing $5,000 in a bank account in Panama and showing economic activity. The 48 friendly nations are mostly European countries, several Latin American countries, the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Israel, South Korea and South Africa. Foreigners from other countries can become residents through the Panama Reforestation visa or the Self Economic Solvency visa or the Business Investor visa or the Panama Pensionado visa. 

How much do I have to invest to get residency in Panama?

A citizen of a friendly nation has to deposit $5,000 in a bank account in Panama and pay a $1,050 fee. A citizen of any other country can get the Panama Reforestation visa by investing at least $80,000 in government approved reforestation projects. The Self Economic Solvency visa requires a $300,000 investment in real estate, a certificate of deposit or a mix of both. To get the Business Investor Visa, a foreigner has to invest at least $160,000 in a Panamanian corporation hiring at least five local employees. Anyone interested in retiring in Panama has to show a lifetime monthly income of at least $1,000. These amounts do not include government and legal fees.

How much do I have to invest to get citizenship in Panama?

Panama does not have a direct citizenship by investment program, but permanent residents can become eligible for citizenship three to five years after they get their residency documents.

What are the requirements for residency by investment in Panama?

Citizens of friendly nations have to make a $5,000 deposit in a bank account in Panama and pay a $1,050 fee. They also have to prove that they work for a Panamanian company or own a company in Panama, have no criminal history and are in good health. Citizens of other countries can apply for one of the other available visas -- the Panama Reforestation visa, the Self Economic Solvency visa, the Business Investor visa -- and make the minimum investments required for each, which range from $80,000 to $300,000. The Panama Pensionado visa, which is available for anyone over 18, requires proof of lifetime income of at least $1,000 a month. Applications have to be in Spanish and filed by a lawyer in Panama. Applicants have to have their documents authenticated and have to pay government and legal fees.

How long does it take to get residency by investment in Panama?

The process can take up to three years.

How many countries can I visit with a Panamanian passport? 

A passport from Panama allows visa-free access to 141 destinations.

Do I have to be present in Panama before getting the residency-by-investment application approved?

Different steps of the process require visits to Panama but it is not necessary to live there the whole time.

Can I add my spouse and children on my application?

Yes, a spouse and children can be included in the process and the addition comes with extra costs.

What are the criteria for my children to qualify for residency or citizenship in Panama? 

Children qualify for residency by investment if they are under 18 or under 25 if they are full-time students.

Do I have the right to work in Panama after I obtain the residency through this program?

Residents can apply for a work permit.

What is the tax situation after obtaining Panamanian residency or citizenship? Will the investor be required to pay taxes on income obtained from sources abroad?

Tax residents and citizens of Panama pay taxes only on local income. They do not have to pay taxes on income or capital gains from abroad.

How long do I have to wait before I can sell my investment in Panama? 

Citizens of friendly nations can technically take out their $5,000 bank deposit even before the residency is approved, but experts recommend keeping it there until the visa is granted.

Will my Panamanian citizenship expire?

No, but the passport must be renewed every five years.

Powered by Froala Editor