FAQ
Panama Qualified Investor Visa FAQ: every question, answered.
Panama Qualified Investor Visa FAQ answers questions on taxes, family, costs, and citizenship.
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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.
Financial
Money, taxes, and costs.
What does Panama's territorial tax system mean for me?
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.
Is the $300,000 a fee or an investment?
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.
What are the total costs beyond the investment?
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.
Can I use a mortgage for the real estate route?
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.
What about US taxes? Do I still pay the IRS?
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.
Are there ongoing costs to maintain residency?
No government renewal fees. You maintain your qualifying investment.
Practical
Living in Panama.
Is Panama safe?
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.
What's the healthcare situation?
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.
How's the internet?
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.
Can I drive with my foreign license?
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.
What about schooling for children?
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.
Is English spoken?
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.
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