Panama Qualified Investor Visa: Benefits, How to Apply

The Panama Qualified Investor Visa offers high-net-worth individuals a fast track to permanent residency through real estate, securities, or bank investments.

With minimal physical presence requirements and access to Panama’s tax-friendly, dollarized economy, this visa is designed for global investors seeking a stable second residency with long-term potential.

In this article, you’ll learn:

• What is the investment visa for Panama?
• How do you qualify for a golden visa in Panama?
• How much does it cost to become a permanent resident in Panama?
• What are the pros and cons of being a Panama Investor Visa holder?

If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, you can email me ([email protected]) or WhatsApp ‪(+44-7393-450-837).

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Some facts might change from the time of writing. Nothing written here is financial, legal, tax, or any kind of individual advice or a solicitation to invest. Nor is it a product or service recommendation.

What Is the Qualified Investor Program in Panama?

The Panama Qualified Investor Visa, commonly referred to as the Panama Golden Visa, is a residency-by-investment scheme that grants permanent residency from day one to individuals who make a qualifying investment in the country.

Launched in 2020 by Executive Decree No. 722, the program was designed to attract foreign capital and boost Panama’s economic resilience post-pandemic.

It offers a streamlined process and reduced physical presence requirements, making it especially appealing to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), global investors, and location-independent professionals.

Applicants can choose from three main qualifying investment routes which ranges up to $750,000 USD.

The visa is structured to support investors seeking not just residency, but long-term financial and geographic diversification.

How Do You Qualify for a Golden Visa in Panama?

To qualify for the Panama Qualified Investor Visa, applicants must meet the required financial threshold through one of three approved investment routes and submit documentation that proves the legality and origin of their funds.

Minimum investment thresholds:

• $300,000 USD in real estate, either residential or commercial. This amount will increase to $500,000 starting October 2026.
• $500,000 USD in securities purchased through a Panama-licensed brokerage firm and held in a local brokerage account.
• $750,000 USD fixed-term deposit placed in a Panamanian bank, held for at least five years.

All funds must be transferred from abroad and originate from the applicant’s personal bank account or legal business holdings.

Required documentation includes:

• Proof of the investment (property deed, brokerage statement, or bank certificate)
• Certified copies of passports
• Police clearance certificate from the country of origin
• Bank statements and a letter verifying the lawful source of funds
• Affidavit confirming the investment is for the applicant’s own benefit

Dependents (spouse and children under 25) can be included in the application, but additional documentation such as marriage or birth certificates and financial evidence of sufficient support are required.

The main applicant must demonstrate the ability to financially maintain dependents without relying on local income.

Once approved, the applicant and eligible family members are granted permanent residency immediately, without the need to first obtain temporary status.

Is Panama a Good Place to Invest in Real Estate?

Yes, Panama is considered one of the most attractive real estate markets in Latin America.

The country offers a mix of strong legal protections, tax advantages, and consistent demand driven by tourism and expat relocation.

Real estate trends and appreciation: Panama’s property market has shown resilience, especially in urban centers like Panama City and coastal areas such as Coronado and Bocas del Toro.

While the pandemic caused short-term slowdowns, real estate values have begun recovering, with appreciation expected to continue steadily in high-demand zones.

Ownership rights and restrictions: Foreigners have the same property rights as Panamanians, with 100% ownership allowed, including land and condos.

However, restricted zones (e.g., near borders) may require special approval, and caution is advised when buying untitled land.

Rental yields and demand: Panama City, beach towns, and mountain retreats continue to attract digital nomads, retirees, and remote workers.

This drives solid rental demand, particularly for furnished short- and medium-term leases.

Rental yields in prime areas can range from 5% to 8% annually, depending on location and property type.

How to Get Panama Permanent Residency Through Investment

Permanent residency through Panama’s Qualified Investor program is granted immediately upon approval without a temporary visa stage.

Here’s how the process works:

Step-by-Step Process

1. Choose your investment route
   Invest via one of three options previously mentioned.
2. Handle legal and financial preparations
   Prepare and apostille documents: passport copy, criminal record, health certificate, source-of-funds proof, investment documentation (deed, securities statement, or bank certificate).
3. Submit via a Panamanian attorney
   A local lawyer submits your dossier and certifies payment of required fees (typically B/.250 to the National Treasury and B/.800 to Immigration Service).
4. Receive permanent residency
   Applications are usually approved within 30 working days, and permanent residency is granted immediately upon approval; no temporary card required.

You typically don’t have to be in Panama to apply; you can use a Power of Attorney to initiate the process remotely.

Once approved, you must visit Panama to activate your residency status and have biometric data captured usually within a few weeks of approval.

Validity and Renewal Process

• Your permanent residency remains valid as long as you maintain the investment for five years and visit Panama at least once every two years.
• No annual renewals are required during the five-year investment term, though staying connected to Panama both financially and physically, remains essential.

What Are the Benefits of Panama Golden Visa?

Summary of Benefits

Benefit	Description
Fast-track permanent residency	Granted immediately upon approval
Path to dual citizenship	Eligible after 5 years (faster for some nationalities)
Tax-efficient structure	Foreign income remains untaxed
Minimal residency commitment	Visit once every 2 years
Access to infrastructure & stability	Dollar economy, strong banking, global connection

What Are the Disadvantages of a Golden Visa?

High Upfront Financial Commitment

You must commit $300K (real estate), $500K (securities), or $750K (bank deposit)—a substantial sum that may strain liquidity and limit flexibility.

Regulatory Changes

Investment thresholds and program rules can shift, as seen when real estate minimums were lowered to $300K, extended to 2026, and are subject to future legislative updates . Changes could affect current or prospective applicants.

Currency & Liquidity Risk

• Bank deposits: Panama’s banking system relies on liquidity and conservative practices, but uninsured deposits may pose a risk if a bank fails.
• Stock investments: Panama’s securities market is relatively illiquid and narrow, potentially complicating exit strategies within the required five-year holding period.

Due Diligence Delays or Documentation Rejections

Applications undergo stringent due diligence.

As with any investor visa, minor discrepancies in documentation or source-of-funds evidence or criminal background issues can lead to probate rejection or delays.

Summary: Weighing the Downsides

Disadvantage	Impact
Large upfront investment	Limits financial flexibility
Policy shifts	Eligibility criteria may change
Liquidity and banking risk	Especially for deposits and securities
Strict vetting process	Documentation errors can stall applications

Conclusion

The Panama Qualified Investor Visa is best suited for high-net-worth individuals seeking fast, permanent residency in a tax-friendly and globally connected country.

With no minimum stay requirement, direct permanent status, and several investment options, it offers a streamlined path for investors prioritizing flexibility and long-term planning.

While it requires a substantial upfront commitment, the benefits can outweigh the costs for the right investor.

For those seeking geographic diversification, estate planning advantages, or a backup residency with minimal obligations, Panama’s program remains one of the most accessible and efficient golden visa options available today.

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Adam is an internationally recognised author on financial matters with over 830million answer views on Quora, a widely sold book on Amazon, and a contributor on Forbes.