Types of Visas/Residency in Panama & Their Benefits

Visa / Residency Type Who it’s For / Requirements Advantages / Benefits

Friendly Nations Visa Citizens of “friendly” countries (50+ such as US, Canada, UK, EU). Need to show economic or professional ties (e.g. job, business, or purchase/investment), bank deposit or real estate in some cases. 

Panama Properties

• Path to permanent residency (after temporary period, often ~2 years) 

• Ability to live, work, study in Panama

• Access to public services, health care

• Favorable tax treatment under Panama’s territorial tax system (you’re taxed only on income earned in Panama) 

• Relatively moderate costs compared to investment-only visas

• Family members (spouse, children) can often be included as dependents 

Pensionado Visa (Retiree Visa) Anyone 18+ with a life-long pension (governmental, private, etc.) of at least US$1,000/month; +US$250/month for each dependent. If you own property over US$100,000 (mortgage-free), the pension requirement may drop to US$750/month. 

• Immediate permanent residency (no need for temporary first in many cases) 

• Discounts: on medical services, entertainment, restaurants, airfares, public transport, etc. (part of “Pensionado Discount Program”) 

• Importation privileges (personal goods, vehicles) under favorable duty conditions 

• Lower cost of living, comfortable lifestyle; good option for those who want stability without needing to invest huge sums in business or real estate

Qualified Investor Visa (“Golden Visa” / Residency by Investment) Foreigners able to invest significant sums in real estate, securities, or bank fixed-term deposits. Some thresholds: e.g. US$300,000 in real estate (or will increase to US$500,000); US$500,000 in securities; US$750,000 in bank deposits. The investment usually must be held for a number of years. 

• One of the fastest paths to permanent residency (as quickly as ~30 days in 

• Include dependents under your application (spouse, children)

• Access to Panamanian ID (“cédula”) once permanent residency achieved

• Can live, study, work in Panama; fully integrating as resident

• Potential path to citizenship after 5 years in many cases 

Reforestation / Forestry Investor Visa For those willing to invest in government-certified reforestation projects. Some programs require US$80,000, US$100,000, or US$350,000 depending if temporary vs permanent residency sought. 

• “Green” / eco-friendly investment

• Helps contribute to environment and conservation while securing residence

• Some routes allow immediate permanent residency if the investment is high enough (e.g. US$350,000) in approved projects. 

• For more modest investments, you may get temporary residency which after some years leads to permanent status

• Good option for those wanting to invest but preferring agrarian/environmental projects rather than real estate or business

Self-Economic Solvency Visa For financially independent persons who can show sufficient capital—via bank deposit, real estate, or a combination. Often amount is around US$300,000. Dependents included. 

 • Path to permanent residency (after temporary period, often 2 years) 

• You don’t necessarily need to run a business; you just need to prove you can support yourself and dependents

• More flexible than big investment / business visas for some people

• Include dependents; Panamanian ID; rights similar to permanent residents

Macro Business Investor Visa (“Business Investor Visa”) Foreigners who invest in or start a Panamanian company. Minimum share capital around US$160,000 for the business plus conditions like hiring Panamanian employees. Dependents included. 

 • Residency (temporary, then permanent) via investment in business

• You can be an owner / director, have control of the business

• Helps in integrating into the Panamanian economy

• Spouse/dependents included

• May give advantages in contracting, business operations locally

Professional Residency Visa Foreigners with professional qualifications who are employed by or contracted to work with a Panamanian company. Usually need a recognized degree or license, possibly pay into social security. Often temporary first, then possible permanent residency after a period (e.g. two years). 

 • Right to live and work permanently / long-term in your profession in Panama

• Access to employment in Panama without needing to shift to an investor or retiree visa

• Once permanent residency achieved, similar rights to other permanent residents

• Possible path to citizenship after required years (<- usually 5)

• Family included in many cases as dependents

Dependent / Family-Based Visas Spouse, minor children, parents of someone who already has permanent residency in Panama. Also parents of child born in Panama. 

 • Unification of family; live together legally

• Access to resident rights (work, study, health) depending on status

• Less demanding in terms of investment or income, since dependent on principal applicant

• Allows children to receive education, other social services like any resident

• Eventually may benefit similar routes to permanent residency/citizenship depending on overall stay and compliance

Key Considerations / Common Conditions

Many visas require proof of clean criminal record / background check

Some require owning real estate, bank deposits, or making an investment and maintain it for a set time. 

Dependent fees often required (extra investment or fees per dependent). 

For some visas, you must spend a minimum time in Panama per year (or keep some connection) to maintain status. 

Path to citizenship is often possible after 5 years of permanent residency, but requirements apply (language, knowledge of country, etc.).

Key Considerations / Common Conditions

*Many visas require proof of clean criminal record / background check. 

*Some require owning real estate, bank deposits, or making an investment and maintain it for a set time. 

*Dependent fees often required (extra investment or fees per dependent). 

*For some visas, you must spend a minimum time in Panama per year (or keep some connection) to maintain status.

*Path to citizenship is often possible after 5 years of permanent residency, but requirements apply (language, knowledge of country, etc.).

If you need any help please contact me I did it and I am in Panama since 20 years now and i still love it .  Come and stay with us at the BnB El Litoral and we will share all our tips for free , hope to meet you very soon.