Does this affect my Social Security or Medicare?

No. Holding Panamanian residency has no impact on your Social Security benefits or Medicare eligibility. You continue to accrue benefits as normal. If you retire in Panama, Social Security payments can be deposited directly into a US or Panamanian bank account.

Panamanian flag waving against a blue sky

For Americans

The Panama Qualified Investor Visa for Americans: a tax-efficient Plan B that doesn't require giving anything up.

How US citizens and residents are using the Panama Qualified Investor Visa for Americans to secure permanent residency abroad, without renouncing citizenship, triggering new tax obligations, or leaving their lives behind.

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The reality

Why more Americans are looking beyond US borders.

The conversation has shifted. Five years ago, second residency was something ultra-high-net-worth families discussed with their wealth managers. Today, it's founders, tech workers, remote professionals, and retirees asking the same question: what's my backup plan?

The reasons vary. Some are watching the political landscape and want optionality. Others are thinking about retirement in a lower-cost, dollar-denominated economy. Many are simply diversifying: the same way they diversify their investments, they want to diversify where they have the legal right to live.

The challenge for Americans is that most international residency programs create tax complications. The US taxes its citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live, so moving abroad doesn't reduce your tax burden unless you renounce citizenship, which most people don't want to do.

Panama is different. Its territorial tax system only taxes income earned inside Panama. If you're an American living in Panama on investment income, remote work for a US company, or capital gains from US markets, Panama doesn't tax any of it. You still file with the IRS as you always have, but you don't add a second country's tax authority on top of it.

Why Panama works for Americans

Built for your situation.

No Worldwide Taxation

Panama's territorial system means your US-sourced income, investments, and capital gains are not taxed by Panama. You only deal with the IRS.

Dollar-Denominated

Panama uses the US dollar as its official currency. No conversion fees, no currency risk, no surprises on your bank statements.

No Renunciation Required

Permanent residency in Panama has zero impact on your US citizenship. Keep your passport, your rights, and your voting ability.

FATCA-Friendly Banking

Panamanian banks are accustomed to working with US clients and comply with FATCA reporting. Opening an account is straightforward.

Direct Flights Everywhere

Tocumen International Airport has direct flights to Miami (2.5 hrs), New York (5 hrs), Houston (4 hrs), and Los Angeles (6 hrs).

Familiar Legal System

Panama's legal framework for property ownership and business formation is well-established. US investors have operated here for over a century, since the Canal.

How the visa works

Three routes to the same residency.

The Qualified Investor Visa has three paths: real estate, listed securities from $500,000, or a $750,000 fixed-term deposit. The current real estate minimum is $300,000; this is scheduled to increase to $500,000 on October 15, 2026. See the full breakdown of all three routes.

Processing is 30 to 90 days from document submission to provisional permit. See the process.

Common questions

Questions Americans ask most.

Do I still have to pay US taxes if I move to Panama?

Yes. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income regardless of where they live. However, Panama does not add a second layer of taxation. Your US tax situation stays the same. You don't gain a new tax burden, and you may qualify for the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion or Foreign Tax Credit depending on your situation.

Can I keep my US bank accounts and brokerage?

Yes. Panamanian residency does not require you to move your financial accounts. Most Americans maintain their US banking, brokerage, and retirement accounts while opening a local Panamanian account for daily expenses.

What if I only want to spend part of the year in Panama?

That's fine. You can keep a US home and split the year. Days in Panama for the visa are not the same test as the IRS substantial-presence or Foreign Earned Income Exclusion rules.

Is $300,000 refundable if I change my mind?

The capital stays in your name as an asset, which is how it should be treated for IRS reporting. It is not a fee paid to the government. A bank deposit is returned after the five-year term. Real estate can be sold after the required holding period. Securities remain in your brokerage and can be traded. The $300,000 real estate investment minimum is scheduled to rise to $500,000 on October 15, 2026.

The program

About the Program

What is the Panama Qualified Investor Visa?

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.

Is this a temporary or permanent visa?

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.

How long does the process take?

30 to 90 days from document submission to provisional permit. The permanent card follows after that.

Can I include my family?

Yes. Spouse, dependent children, and qualifying parents are typically included at no additional investment. Exact dependent eligibility should be confirmed with an attorney.

Do I need to live in Panama full-time?

No. Panama does not enforce a strict minimum stay requirement, though maintaining some periodic presence is recommended.

Is there a language requirement?

No. No Spanish test or cultural exam of any kind.

Can I work in Panama?

Yes. Permanent residency grants full work authorization.

Can I eventually get citizenship?

Yes. After five continuous years of permanent residency, you can apply for naturalization. Panama allows dual citizenship.

Ready to explore your options?

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