Procedure guide · Immigration and citizenship
Panama Friendly Nations Visa
Which nationalities qualify, what economic tie it requires (a job or an investment), requirements, documents and steps for Panama's Friendly Nations residency.
- Open to
- Nationalities on the official list
- Tie to Panama
- Employment or investment
- Residency
- Temporary, then permanent
- Updated
On this page
In short
The Friendly Nations Visa offers residency in Panama to nationals of the countries on an official list who can show an economic tie to Panama: an employment contract with a Panamanian company or a minimum investment. It starts as temporary residency and can later become permanent.
Requirements
- Hold the nationality of one of the countries on the official list.
- An employment contract with a Panamanian company, an investment in real estate of at least USD 200,000, or a fixed-term deposit of the same amount at a Panamanian bank, free of liens and for 3 years.
- A valid passport and no criminal record.
- File the application through a Panamanian lawyer.
Required documents
Passport
Full authenticated copy.
- Apostille or legalisation
Criminal record certificate
From your country of origin or residence.
Proof of the economic tie
Employment contract, property title deed or deposit certificate.
Health certificate
Issued by a doctor in Panama.
- Apostille or legalisation
Marriage and birth certificates
Only if you include dependents.
Step by step
01
Check your nationality
The list is set by Executive Decree 197 of 2021 (amended by Decree 226 of 2021) and may change.
02
Establish the economic tie
Sign the employment contract or make the investment.
03
Your lawyer files the application
With the National Immigration Service, with the documents and fees.
04
Get temporary residency
You receive a temporary resident ID card.
05
Apply for permanent residency
After 2 years of temporary residence, if you keep the economic tie (see permanent residency).
Costs
- Official government fees
- USD 250 application fee and USD 800 repatriation deposit
- Lawyer's fees
- Depends on the case
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my country is on the list?
According to Executive Decree 197 of 2021, the list includes: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Uruguay. The United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and most of the European Union are on it; Colombia and Venezuela, for example, are not. Because the list can change, confirm it before you start.
Is buying a home enough?
Only if the investment reaches the minimum amount and meets the requirements of the regulations. Structure it with residency in mind from the start. Before buying, see how foreigners buy property.
What if my country is not on the list?
You have other options, such as residency through economic solvency, a job with a work permit or, if you are a professional, the foreign professional residency (see degree recognition).