The process
Panama Qualified Investor Visa process 2026 covers each step from first inquiry to residency card.
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Timeline
The sequence below is a typical path. Processing takes 30 to 90 days from document submission to provisional permit.
A 15-minute assessment call to understand your goals, financial situation, and preferred investment route. We'll confirm eligibility, explain the process in detail, and provide a fixed-fee quote. No obligation, no pressure. By the end of this call, you'll know exactly what the process looks like and what it will cost.
You'll provide: a valid passport, a police background check from your country of residence (apostilled), a personal reference letter from your bank, proof of income or net worth, a health certificate from a licensed physician, and four passport-style photos. If you're including dependents, their documents are collected in parallel. We provide a detailed checklist and review every document before submission.
Once your documents are in progress, you execute the qualifying investment. For real estate: you select and purchase a property with our vetted partners, and the title is registered in your name. For securities: we connect you with a licensed Panamanian brokerage to open an account and purchase qualifying instruments. For bank deposit: we introduce you to licensed banks offering fixed-term CDs. We coordinate with the relevant institution to ensure the investment meets immigration requirements.
Your complete application package, documents, proof of investment, photographs, and forms, is filed with Panama's Servicio Nacional de Migración. We handle all filings, correspondence, and follow-up with the immigration office. You do not need to be present for the filing.
You travel to Panama for a short trip, typically just a day or two, to complete a biometrics appointment (fingerprints, photograph) at the immigration office. Many applicants receive a provisional residency permit (permiso provisional) during this stage. Timing varies by case. The permit gives you full legal residency status while your permanent card is manufactured.
Your permanent residency card (carné de residente permanente) is produced and issued. This is your long-term residency document. With this card, you can open bank accounts, sign contracts, purchase property, and enjoy all the rights of a permanent resident. The card is valid indefinitely. There is no renewal requirement.
Documents required
Valid Passport
At least 6 months validity remaining. Color copy of the biographical page.
Police Background Check
From your country of current residence. Must be apostilled or authenticated. Issued within the last 6 months.
Bank Reference Letter
A letter from your bank confirming you are a client in good standing. Apostilled.
Proof of Economic Solvency
Bank statements, investment statements, or income verification demonstrating the source and availability of your investment funds.
Health Certificate
A basic physical exam confirming you are free of communicable diseases. Can be obtained in Panama or your home country.
Passport Photos
Four recent passport-style photos (white background).
Proof of Investment
Title deed (real estate), brokerage statement (securities), or CD certificate (bank deposit) confirming the qualifying investment.
Power of Attorney
Authorizes your attorney to file on your behalf. Signed and notarized.
Costs
The qualifying investment is yours; it is not a fee. You own the asset (property, securities, or deposit). The current real estate minimum is $300,000; this is scheduled to increase to $500,000 on October 15, 2026. Separately, there are processing costs that cover government fees, legal representation, and document preparation.
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.
We provide a complete, itemized fee breakdown during your initial consultation: no hidden costs.
Common questions
Applicants generally need a valid passport, a criminal background check, proof of the qualifying investment, and birth or marriage certificates when applicable. A Panamanian attorney prepares the application forms and confirms any additional documents required for the applicant and dependents.
Yes. Applicants must appear in Panama at least once for biometrics and other immigration formalities.
Yes. The QIP requires representation by a licensed Panamanian lawyer.
After approval, the applicant receives a permanent residency card. A tax residency certificate may also be available if the applicant needs one and meets the relevant requirements.
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.
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