Procedure guide · Immigration and citizenship
Panama Qualified Investor Visa
Requirements, investment options (real estate, securities or deposits), minimum amounts and steps for permanent residency by investment in Panama.
- Residency
- Permanent
- Minimum investment
- USD 300,000
- Process
- Fast track through a lawyer
- Updated
On this page
In short
The Qualified Investor program grants permanent residency to anyone who makes an investment in Panama of at least USD 300,000 in one of the options the regulations allow: real estate, securities or bank deposits. It is processed through a fast track.
Requirements
- Invest at least the minimum amount in one of the permitted options.
- The funds must have a lawful, documented origin and come from abroad.
- Keep the investment for at least 5 years and prove it every year.
- A valid passport and no criminal record.
- File the application through a Panamanian lawyer.
What can you invest in?
- New real estate on first sale, for at least USD 300,000; resale property, for at least USD 500,000.
- Securities traded on the Panama stock exchange, for at least USD 500,000.
- A fixed-term deposit at a Panamanian bank, for at least USD 750,000, or USD 500,000 at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros.
Required documents
Passport
Full authenticated copy.
- Apostille or legalisation
Criminal record certificate
From your country of origin or residence.
Proof of the investment
Registered title deed, or a certificate from the brokerage firm or the bank.
Proof of the source of funds
Transfers and bank records.
- Apostille or legalisation
Marriage and birth certificates
Only if you include dependents.
Step by step
01
Choose the option and make the investment
With funds transferred from abroad and documented.
02
Gather the documents
Apostilled or legalized, and translated if they are not in Spanish.
03
Your lawyer files the application
Through the National Immigration Service's fast track.
04
Collect your permanent resident ID card
Once the application is approved.
Costs
- Official government fees
- USD 5,000 to the National Immigration Service and USD 5,000 to the National Treasury, plus USD 1,000 per dependent in each case
- Lawyer's fees
- Depends on the case
- Investment costsNotary, Public Registry or bank fees, depending on the option.
- Variable
Frequently asked questions
Can I include my family?
Yes, your spouse and dependent children can obtain residency as dependents. For other relatives, see family reunification.
Can I sell the investment later?
You must keep it for the minimum period set by the regulations. Selling it earlier can cost you your residency.
How is it different from economic solvency residency?
The Qualified Investor visa grants permanent residency directly through a fast track, in exchange for a larger investment. See the guide to economic solvency or ask us to compare them for your case.