Panama's Investor Visa for foreigners
Permanent residency through real estate investment. From USD 300,000 until October 15, 2026. Here is exactly what you need, how long it takes, and what it costs.
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 as dependents.
Tax-friendly jurisdiction
Panama uses territorial taxation: foreign-sourced income is not taxed in Panama.
Four steps, 30 to 90 days end-to-end
The official timeline is 30 business days. Realistic end-to-end time, including document preparation, is 30 to 90 days.
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 |
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.
How long does the investor visa process take?
Official timeline is 30 business days once the complete application is filed. In practice, including document preparation and apostille, the end-to-end timeline is 30 to 90 days.
Can I work in Panama with the investor visa?
The Qualified Investor Visa grants permanent residency. To work as an employee, you also need a work permit from the Ministry of Labor. Self-employment and managing your own investment are allowed.
What documents do I need?
Valid passport, apostilled criminal record from the past 2 years, medical exam performed in Panama, proof of lawful source of funds, proof of investment, 5 passport photos, bank references, and a notarized power of attorney to a licensed Panamanian attorney.
Does this visa lead to Panamanian 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 current immigration requirements.
Can my family be included?
Yes. Spouse, minor children, and dependent children up to 25 years old (if studying) can be included as dependents. Each dependent requires their own documentation and pays additional fees.
What is the total cost on top of the investment?
Approximately USD 15,250 to USD 20,700 in associated costs: legal fees (USD 5,000–10,000), government fees (USD 10,000 = USD 5,000 application + USD 5,000 repatriation deposit), medical exam (USD 150–300), and document apostille (USD 100–400).
Ready to start the process?
Santiago can connect you with vetted immigration attorneys and walk you through target properties that qualify for the USD 300,000 threshold.