Panama Residency By Investment
Overview
Panama is consistently ranked among the best places in the world to retire and invest. With a US dollar-based economy, excellent connectivity, 23+ free trade agreements, and over 180 multinational companies operating within its borders, Panama is a global business hub with exceptional lifestyle offerings.
Panama’s legal infrastructure allows qualified foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency and later full citizenship — without physical stay requirements, in a short timeframe, and via secure, low-risk investment vehicles.
Key program details
Visa-free countries (after citizenship): 148
Average processing time: 1 month
Minimum Investment: $200,000 USD
Residency requirement: No physical stay required but it is recommended to visit Panama at least once every 2 years.
Leads to citizenship: Yes, after 5 years.
Investment holding period: 3 years
Eligible Family Members:
- Spouse
- Children under 25 years old.
- Parents of any age
For personalized assistance, contact ROC Citizenship & Immigration to schedule a free consultation. Our team will assess your eligibility and guide you through every stage of the application process.
Benefits of Panama Residency
- Immediate Permanent Residency PR in ~30 business days
- Remote application possible – no travel to Panama required.
- One visit is needed to collect the PR card (Biometrics).
- Minimal physical stay requirement: Maintain PR by Visiting Panama once every 2 years.
- Family Inclusion: spouse, children (under 25), and parents of any age.
- Multicurrency stability with USD-Based economy.
- Access to the central, south, and north American Markets.
- The right to live, work, and study in Panama.
- Path to citizenship: Eligible to apply for citizenship after 5 years (No physical presence required for naturalization, but strong economic and social ties must be shown (e.g., property, bank accounts, visits). And after 7 years through the friendly nations visa.
- After naturalization, you will have the eligibility to apply for Spanish citizenship after legal residence in Spain of 2 continuous years only.
Investment Options
Qualified Investor
- $300,000 USD – Real estate (including off-plan)
- $500,000 USD – Panama Stock Exchange investment
- $750,000 USD – Fixed-term deposit in a Panamanian bank
Friendly Nations Visa
Open to passport holders from “friendly nations”
- Invest in real estate or Bank CD – $200,000 USD (held for 3 years)
Pensionado (Retirement) program
Tailored for retirees with lifelong income, seeking a peaceful and affordable destination with strong expat communities.
- No investment required or asset requirement, but to prove pension income of $1,000/month for life.
Application Process
- Choose Investment
- Prepare documentation
- Make the investment and submit the application
- Application is reviewed and processed in about 30 business days.
- Biometrics and PR card collection
- Maintain residency
- By visiting Panama at least once every 2 years to keep your PR valid.
- Path to citizenship
What is the Panama residency by investment program?
Panama’s Residency by Investment Program, known as the Qualified Investor Program, allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency by making an eligible investment in the country. Options include investing in real estate, a fixed-term bank deposit, or Panamanian government securities, starting from USD 300,000. The program offers a fast-track process, granting permanent residency in as little as 30 days, and provides a pathway to citizenship after five years of legal residency.
What are the investment options in Panama?
There is a diversity in the Investment option, you could choose between real estate, stock exchange investment, or a deposit in a Panamanian bank.
Can I add family members to the application?
Yes, you could add your spouse, dependent children under 25, and parents of any age.
