Panama's Investor Visa Calculator
Investor Visa Panama 2026: eligibility and ROI calculator. From USD 300,000 in real estate (until October 15, 2026), permanent residency from day one, full process in 30 to 90 days.
Three ways to qualify
Each route has its own minimum threshold. Real estate is the most common path for US expats and foreign buyers.
Until Oct 15, 2026 — rises to USD 500,000 afterward. Title in your name, residential or commercial use.
Through a Panama-licensed brokerage. Held in your name, minimum 5-year hold.
In a Panama bank, certificate in your name, 3-year minimum term.
What the Qualified Investor Visa gives you
Permanent residency
Full permanent residency from day one, with path to citizenship after 5 years.
Family inclusion
Spouse, minor children and dependents up to 25 (if studying) can be added.
Tax-friendly jurisdiction
Panama uses territorial taxation: foreign-sourced income is not taxed in Panama.
Total out-of-pocket on top of the investment
Typical range for a solo applicant. Adding dependents raises government fees by USD 1,000–2,000 per dependent.
| Legal fees | USD 5,000 – 10,000 |
| Government application fee | USD 5,000 |
| Repatriation deposit | USD 5,000 |
| Medical exam (Panama) | USD 150 – 300 |
| Document apostille | USD 100 – 400 |
| Typical total | USD 15,250 – 20,700 |
Check your eligibility
The interactive calculator (3-step wizard with nationality, amount, and investment type) is currently in Spanish. Or talk to Santiago directly — he can confirm your eligibility and connect you with vetted immigration attorneys.
Frequently asked questions
How much do I need to invest to qualify for Panama's investor visa?
From USD 300,000 in real estate (valid through October 15, 2026; threshold rises to USD 500,000 afterward), USD 500,000 in the Panamanian stock exchange, or USD 750,000 in a 3-year fixed-term bank deposit. The real estate route is the most common for foreign buyers.
What is the total ROI of the Panama investor visa?
Beyond the USD 300,000 minimum investment, expect USD 15,250 to USD 20,700 in associated costs (legal, government fees, medical, apostille). The investment itself produces real estate yields of 5–8% gross in premium Panama City zones, plus property appreciation. Crucially, the investment converts into permanent residency from day one and a path to citizenship after 5 years.
Can foreigners qualify for the investor visa? Which nationalities?
Most nationalities qualify. Some countries (including those on FATF or Panama-specific watchlists) require enhanced due diligence but are not automatically disqualified. US, Canadian, EU, UK, Australian, and most Latin American passport holders typically face standard processing. The key requirements are clean criminal record (apostilled), proof of lawful source of funds, and the qualifying investment in your name.
How long does the Panama investor visa process take?
Official timeline is 30 business days once the complete application is filed with the National Immigration Service. In practice, including document preparation, apostille of foreign documents, and the medical exam in Panama, the realistic end-to-end timeline is 30 to 90 days. Having a Panamanian attorney coordinate from day one is the single biggest factor that compresses the timeline.
Does the Panama investor visa lead to citizenship?
Yes. The visa grants permanent residency from day one. After 5 years of permanent residency, you can apply for Panamanian citizenship by naturalization, subject to the immigration requirements in force at the time of application. Panama allows dual citizenship in many cases, but consult your home country's rules.
Can my family be included on my investor visa?
Yes. Spouse, minor children, and dependent children up to 25 years old (if studying) can be included. Each dependent requires their own documentation (apostilled birth or marriage certificate, criminal record where applicable) and pays additional government fees of approximately USD 1,000–2,000 per dependent.
Can I work in Panama with the investor visa?
The Qualified Investor Visa grants permanent residency, but employment as an employee requires a separate work permit from the Ministry of Labor. Self-employment, managing your own real estate or other investment, and serving on company boards are all allowed without an additional permit.
This calculator is informational only. Tax and legal compliance: consult your CPA and a Panamanian immigration attorney before committing capital. Estimates are based on Decreto Ejecutivo 193/2024 (modifying Decreto 722/2020), with the USD 300,000 threshold valid through October 15, 2026. Sources: Servicio Nacional de Migración (Panama), KPMG Panamá.