The Panama Qualified Investor Visa grants indefinite residency through titled real estate, listed securities, or a bank deposit. The current real estate minimum is $300,000; this is scheduled to increase to $500,000 on October 15, 2026.See the full visa breakdown.
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Why Panama
Panama uses the US dollar and taxes only income sourced inside the country. The Qualified Investor Visa is the residency route for people who want that structure on a permanent basis, with citizenship available after five years.
0%
Tax on foreign income
USD
Dollarized economy
PR
Permanent residency on approval
5 yrs
Path to citizenship
Who this is for
Americans, Canadians, tech founders, H-1B holders, and crypto investors use the same visa for different structural reasons. Tax treatment, timing, and source-of-funds detail live on each dedicated page, not here.
Your benefits
The visa grants permanent legal status from day one: the right to live and work in Panama, a territorial tax system that does not tax foreign-sourced income, and no language or cultural exam. After five years of residency, holders may apply for citizenship. Spouse, dependent children, and qualifying parents can typically be included.
The program
A qualifying investment in titled real estate, listed securities from $500,000, or a five-year bank deposit from $750,000. The current real estate minimum is $300,000; this is scheduled to increase to $500,000 on October 15, 2026. The other two routes are not affected. Route-by-route requirements and ownership rules are on the visa page.
Investment requirements
Real estate is the lowest cash outlay. The current real estate minimum is $300,000; this is scheduled to increase to $500,000 on October 15, 2026. Securities require $500,000 held for the duration of residency. The bank deposit is $750,000 locked for five years. Lock-in periods, timelines, and ongoing management sit side by side on the visa page.
The process
Applications are filed with Panama's National Immigration Service. Processing is 30 to 90 days from document submission to provisional permit. A short in-country trip is typically required for biometrics. The step-by-step sequence and document list are on the process page.
Eligibility
The program is open to citizens of any country. There is no age restriction, no language requirement, and no interview. Applicants must make a qualifying investment, pass a standard background check, and document the legitimate origin of the funds.
The program
A permanent residency visa requiring a qualifying investment in Panamanian real estate, listed securities, or a bank deposit. The current real estate minimum is $300,000; this is scheduled to increase to $500,000 on October 15, 2026. It grants the holder the right to live and work in Panama indefinitely, with a path to citizenship after five years.
Permanent. You receive a provisional permit, followed by a permanent residency card. Timing varies by case. There is no renewal requirement. The residency is indefinite.
30 to 90 days from document submission to provisional permit. The permanent card follows after that.
Yes. Spouse, dependent children, and qualifying parents are typically included at no additional investment. Exact dependent eligibility should be confirmed with an attorney.
No. Panama does not enforce a strict minimum stay requirement, though maintaining some periodic presence is recommended.
No. No Spanish test or cultural exam of any kind.
Yes. Permanent residency grants full work authorization.
Yes. After five continuous years of permanent residency, you can apply for naturalization. Panama allows dual citizenship.
Financial
Panama generally uses a territorial tax system. Income earned within Panama is generally taxed there. Foreign-sourced income, including investments, remote salaries, and overseas business profits, generally is not. Confirm how this applies to your situation with a qualified tax professional.
An investment. You own the asset. Real estate is yours to sell. Bank deposits are returned after 5 years. Securities stay in your brokerage account. The current real estate minimum is $300,000; this is scheduled to increase to $500,000 on October 15, 2026.
A $5,000 application fee paid to Panama's National Treasury, a $5,000 repatriation deposit paid to the National Immigration Service, and $2,000 per adult dependent if applicable, split between the National Treasury and the Immigration Service. Legal and professional fees vary by firm and scope. Get a written quote. This site does not state a dollar range for legal work because that figure is not a fixed government amount.
The current real estate minimum is $300,000; this is scheduled to increase to $500,000 on October 15, 2026. That amount must be a direct investment. Mortgaged properties may qualify if your equity meets the threshold, but this varies. Confirm with your attorney.
Yes. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of residency. Panama residency does not change your US tax obligations. Panama generally does not add tax on foreign-sourced income; confirm how this applies to your situation with a qualified tax professional.
No government renewal fees. You maintain your qualifying investment.
Practical
Panama City is comparable to most major Latin American cities. Expat neighborhoods (Punta Pacífica, Costa del Este, Casco Viejo) are generally safe. Common-sense precautions apply. Panama has not experienced political violence or civil conflict in decades.
Panama has excellent private hospitals in Panama City, including Hospital Punta Pacífica (Pacífica Salud), which is affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International. Many doctors are US or European trained. Costs are 40–70% lower than the US. International health insurance is available and affordable.
Fiber internet is widely available in Panama City, with speeds of 100–500 Mbps. Starlink is available as a backup. Sufficient for remote work, video calls, and streaming.
You can use your foreign license for 90 days. After that, you can exchange it for a Panamanian license. The process is straightforward for permanent residents.
Panama City has multiple international schools offering American, British, and IB curricula. Tuition ranges from $5,000–$15,000 per year depending on the school.
Widely in business, banking, and healthcare. Panama's history with the Canal Zone means English proficiency is higher than most Latin American countries. In daily life outside expat areas, basic Spanish helps.
15 minutes with an advisor who specializes in your situation. No obligation, no pressure, just clarity on whether the QIV is right for you.
Your information is confidential. We respond within one business day.
30–90 days
From document submission to provisional permit
$300k
Current real estate minimum; scheduled to increase to $500,000 on October 15, 2026
0%
Tax on foreign-sourced income under Panama's territorial system
What to expect on the call:
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