Residency by Investment in Panama
Introduction
Prosperous Living Investment’s (PLI) Panama Residency by Investment programme assists investors in securing Permanent Residency through the Qualified Investor Visa (QIV).
Invest from US$300,000 in new-build property, US$500,000 in securities or from US$500,000 in a bank deposit. Includes spouse, children and parents. Processing time is approximately 3–6 months. No foreign income tax. Pathway to citizenship after 5 years.
Programme Overview
Investment level
New-build property: US$300,000. Resale property: US$500,000. Securities: US$500,000. State bank deposit: US$500,000, private bank deposit: US$750,000. Capital must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years.
Processing time
Approximately 3 to 6 months. Applications can be submitted remotely via an authorised lawyer, with no requirement to visit Panama during the application stage.
Benefits
Immediate permanent residency (PR) from the outset — no temporary residency phase. The right to live, work, and study in Panama indefinitely.
Residence requirement
No permanent residency stay requirements. Investors only need to visit Panama once to provide biometrics and receive their E Cédula card (permanent resident ID card).
Family
Includes spouse, children under 18 (or up to 25 if studying), children with disabilities, and dependent parents. An additional fee of US$2,000 applies for each dependent over 12 years old.
Citizenship
Eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency. Requires passing a test on Spanish language, Panamanian history, and geography. Under Law 493/2025, investors are also issued a Special Travel Passport.
Benefits of Panama permanent residency
Permanent resident from the start
Panama’s QIV grants permanent residency from the outset — unlike the Friendly Nations Visa (which requires 2 years of temporary residency before converting to PR). This is a major advantage over most other Golden Visa programmes.
Special Travel Passport
Under Law 493/2025, QIV investors and their dependents are issued a Special Travel Passport — a special passport facilitating travel to countries with visa-free agreements with Panama. Note: this is not a citizenship passport and does not replace a Vietnamese passport.
Citizenship roadmap
After 5 years of permanent residency, investors are eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship. The Panamanian passport provides visa-free access to 142 countries, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Singapore.
Territorial tax system
Panama operates a territorial tax system — foreign-sourced income is not taxed. Ideal for HNWIs with international income streams. No foreign capital gains tax, no inheritance tax, and no wealth tax.
Official US Dollar currency
Panama uses the US Dollar alongside the Balboa (PAB) — eliminating foreign exchange risk for international transactions. A well-developed banking system makes it one of the largest financial centres in Latin America.
Strategic location
Panama is located at the heart of the Americas, connecting North and South America via the Panama Canal. Tocumen International Airport is the largest aviation hub in Latin America with direct flights to 90+ cities. Stable tropical climate year-round.
Residency by investment pathway
Real estate
Purchase real estate in Panama with a minimum value of US$300,000 for new-build properties or pre-construction projects (with a notarised sales contract); resale properties purchased from a previous owner require a minimum of US$500,000 under Decreto Ejecutivo 17, effective from 16/09/2026. Capital must be maintained for 5 years, after which it can be sold. This is the most popular option.
Panama Securities
Minimum investment of US$500,000 in Panama-listed securities through a brokerage firm licensed by the Panama Securities Commission. Capital must be maintained for 5 years. Suitable for investors prioritising liquidity and portfolio diversification over property ownership.
Bank deposit
Deposit a minimum of US$500,000 in a Panamanian state bank (Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros), or US$750,000 in a private bank, as a fixed-term deposit for 5 years. Suitable for investors who prioritise absolute capital safety and wish to avoid market risk. Interest can be earned based on the bank’s deposit rates.
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Programme requirements
Lawful source of funds
Prove the lawful source of all investment funds. Capital must originate from foreign sources (foreign source funds) — funds originating in Panama are not permitted.
Investment level
New-build property: US$300,000, resale: US$500,000. Securities: US$500,000. State bank deposit: US$500,000, private bank deposit: US$750,000. All investments must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years.
Government fees
National Immigration Service fee: US$5,000. National Treasury fee: US$5,000. Fee for dependants over 12 years old: US$1,000 per person (for each agency, total US$2,000). Total government fees: US$10,000 for the main application.
Bank account
Opening a bank account in Panama is mandatory during the visa application process. PLI assists in connecting with partner banks to open an account.
Education and language
No Spanish language proficiency, qualifications, business experience, or maximum age limit required. Investors must be 18 years of age or older. Spanish language proficiency is only required when applying for citizenship (after 5 years).
Background
Clean criminal record — provide a police clearance certificate (valid for 6 months, with an apostille). Medical certificate confirming no infectious diseases. Not subject to an entry ban to Panama.
Implementation process
Obtain Panama permanent residency for the entire family with the team of experts at Prosperous Living Investment.
Consultation and selection
PLI specialists evaluate financial eligibility, residency goals, and family size. Advice on selecting the most suitable investment option: real estate, securities, or bank deposit. PLI connects clients with reputable immigration lawyers and real estate partners in Panama. Timeframe: 1–2 weeks.
Complete the investment
The investor transfers capital from abroad and completes the transaction (property purchase, securities investment, or bank deposit). PLI assists with legal checks, contract signing, and investment confirmation. Note: capital must originate from foreign sources. Timeline: 2–4 weeks.
Preparation and submission of the application via a lawyer
PLI coordinates with Panamanian lawyers to prepare the application file, including proof of investment, criminal record (apostille), medical certificate, and supporting documents. The file is submitted to the Panama National Immigration Service via special power of attorney — the investor does not need to visit Panama during this stage. Timeline: 1–2 weeks.
Approval and issuance of PR
The Panama Immigration Service reviews applications and grants permanent residency approval. Processing time is approximately 3–6 months.
Visit Panama to receive the E Cédula
Once approved, the investor visits Panama to provide biometrics and receive the E Cédula (permanent resident ID card). Time spent in Panama: only a few days. After 5 years of permanent residency: eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship. Under Law 493/2025: investors are also issued a Special Travel Passport.
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Why choose PLI?
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Effectiveness
There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.
Transparency
Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.
Professionalism
The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below are common questions from clients regarding the Panama residency by investment programme. If you require a more detailed consultation, please contact us.
What is the minimum investment for the Panama QIV?
- New-build property: US$300,000. Resale from a previous owner: US$500,000.
- Securities: US$500,000 through a licensed brokerage firm.
- Bank deposit: US$500,000 (state bank) or US$750,000 (private bank) for 5 years.
Additionally, government fees totalling US$10,000 must be paid.
Why is the US$300,000 real estate investment level limited?
From 16/09/2026, Decreto Ejecutivo 17 replaces Decree 109 and removes the previous expiration date. The US$300,000 threshold now applies to new-build property with no expiration date; resale properties purchased from a previous owner require a minimum of US$500,000. Programme conditions as announced by Panama National Immigration Service.
How long does it take from application submission to receiving permanent residency?
Approximately 3 to 6 months. Applications can be submitted remotely via an authorised lawyer, with no requirement to visit Panama during the application stage.
Can family members be included in the application?
The Panama QIV includes a spouse, children under 18 (or children in education up to 25), disabled children, and dependent parents. An additional fee of US$2,000 applies for each dependent over 12 years old (including US$1,000 for the Treasury and US$1,000 for the Immigration Service).
Is it necessary to live in Panama?
There is no requirement for frequent residency. The investor only needs to visit Panama once to provide biometrics and receive the E Cédula. However, proof that the investment is maintained must be provided annually. If applying for citizenship after 5 years, some actual residency requirements may apply.
What is the Special Travel Passport?
Under Law 493 enacted in October 2025, QIV investors and their dependents are issued a Special Travel Passport — a special passport that facilitates travel to countries that have visa-waiver agreements with Panama. Important note: this is NOT a citizen passport, does not replace a Vietnamese passport, and does not grant Panamanian citizenship.
What tax incentives does Panama offer investors?
Panama applies a territorial tax system — no tax on foreign-sourced income, no capital gains tax on foreign assets, no wealth tax, and no inheritance tax. The US Dollar is used alongside the Balboa, with no exchange rate risk. Ideal for HNWIs with international income sources.
After receiving permanent residency, can one apply for Panamanian citizenship?
Yes. After 5 years of effective permanent residency, the investor is eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship through naturalisation. Requirements include passing a test on the Spanish language, Panamanian history, and geography. Note: Panama requires an oath to renounce original citizenship; however, Vietnam does not recognise this oath — in practice, many investors still retain both passports.