Updated on April 30, 2026
Lifetime residency with tax benefits, investment return, a path to citizenship and no stay requirement
The Panama Golden Visa, also known as the Qualified Investor Programme, offers investors and their families a direct path to permanent residence in Panama.
Investors can choose from three options: real estate, securities, or a fixed‑term bank deposit. Real estate remains the most popular route, with a minimum investment of $300,000. The property is held for 5 years and may generate returns. After that, it can be sold or reinvested while retaining lifetime residency.
The Panama Golden Visa stands out for its investor-friendly conditions, including no stay requirement, a favourable territorial tax system, and a fast processing time of around 3+ months. After 5 years of residence, investors may also become eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship.
$300,000
Minimum investment
3+ months
Processing time
In 5 years
Investment return
1
Investors and their family members receive immediate permanent residence with the right to live, open bank accounts, and conduct business in Panama without additional permits.
Investors and their family members receive immediate permanent residence with the right to live, open bank accounts, and conduct business in Panama without additional permits.
2
Panamanian immigration law does not require residents to live in the country. Investors may reside anywhere in the world while retaining their permanent residency status.
Panamanian immigration law does not require residents to live in the country. Investors may reside anywhere in the world while retaining their permanent residency status.
3
Applicants can choose between real estate, securities, or a fixed-term bank deposit. This flexibility allows investors to select an option aligned with their financial strategy.
Applicants can choose between real estate, securities, or a fixed-term bank deposit. This flexibility allows investors to select an option aligned with their financial strategy.
4
Participation in the programme is available to the investor’s family members, including a spouse, dependent children, and parents. All family members receive residence permits under a single application with the investor.
Participation in the programme is available to the investor’s family members, including a spouse, dependent children, and parents. All family members receive residence permits under a single application with the investor.
5
The application process typically takes around 3 months, making it one of the fastest residency-by-investment programmes available.
The application process typically takes around 3 months, making it one of the fastest residency-by-investment programmes available.
6
Panama applies a territorial tax regime, meaning foreign-source income is generally not taxed. This creates opportunities for efficient international tax planning.
Panama applies a territorial tax regime, meaning foreign-source income is generally not taxed. This creates opportunities for efficient international tax planning.
7
Participants must maintain the investment for at least 5 years. After this period, they can sell the asset or reinvest the capital while keeping their lifetime residency status.
Participants must maintain the investment for at least 5 years. After this period, they can sell the asset or reinvest the capital while keeping their lifetime residency status.
8
Depending on the chosen investment option, investors can get rental income from real estate, dividends and capital gains from securities, or fixed interest income from bank deposits.
Depending on the chosen investment option, investors can get rental income from real estate, dividends and capital gains from securities, or fixed interest income from bank deposits.
9
Permanent residents can open local bank accounts, access international banking services, and benefit from Panama’s strategic position as a regional business hub with the US dollar as official currency.
Permanent residents can open local bank accounts, access international banking services, and benefit from Panama’s strategic position as a regional business hub with the US dollar as official currency.
10
After 5 years of permanent residence, investors may become eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship if they reside in the country and pass a language and civic tests.
After 5 years of permanent residence, investors may become eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship if they reside in the country and pass a language and civic tests.
Over 18
Can prove legality of investment capital
With a medical certificate of good health
Clean criminal record
In an officially registered marriage
Same-sex marriages are accepted
Of any age
Children over 18 must be financially dependent on the investor, be unmarried and have proof of ongoing studies
Of any age
Financially dependent on the investor
Investors can obtain permanent residency in Panama by choosing one of three investment options. The funds must originate from abroad, and the selected investment must be maintained for at least 5 years.
In addition to the investment, government fees include $5,000 to the National Migration Directorate and $5,000 to the National Treasury for the main applicant. For dependents, an additional $1,000 per person goes to both authorities. Fees are paid via certified checks upon filing.
1. Real estate purchase — $300,000+
Eligible properties include residential, commercial, or pre-construction developments. Multiple properties may be combined to meet the required threshold. The property can generate rental income and, after 5 years, be sold or reinvested.
2. Securities investment — $500,000+
Investors qualify by purchasing securities through a licensed Panamanian brokerage firm. Eligible assets include government bonds or other approved financial instruments.
3. Fixed-term bank deposit — $750,000+
The bank provides official confirmation of the deposit amount, duration, and source of funds. The capital must remain untouched during the term, as early withdrawal may result in the loss of residency status.
Explore the benefits and drawbacks of the Panama investment program versus other Golden Visas
Obtaining Panama residency by investment typically takes around 3 months, depending on the selected investment route and document readiness. The process is structured, confidential, fully managed by lawyers, and includes at least one mandatory visit to Panama.
To obtain Panama permanent residency by investment, the investor provides the following documents:
All foreign documents must be apostilled or consular-legalised and be translated into Spanish by a certified Panamanian translator.
Investment amount — €250,000+
Investment amount — €250,000+
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