+34 68 911 88 69 
+382 69 704 986 Panama permanent residence by investment
No minimum stay requirements, no tax on foreign-source income and no financial reporting obligations
- Investment amount: from USD 300,000
- Processing time: from 1 month
- Option to complete the process remotely
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
Program overview
Panama permanent residence can be obtained through an investment programme offering several qualifying options. Foreign applicants may purchase property, place funds in a fixed-term bank deposit, invest in the securities market or finance a new company.
The programme has no minimum residence requirement. To maintain the status, residents only need to visit Panama once every two years. Income earned outside Panama is not subject to local taxation.
Benefits of Panama permanent residence
High-quality healthcare and education
Permanent residents have access to quality healthcare and prestigious educational institutions on the same terms as Panamanian citizens.
Immediate permanent residence
Investors receive permanent residence status and all associated rights as soon as the application is approved by the competent authority.
One visit every two years
To maintain the status, residents only need to spend 24 hours in Panama once every two years. This is particularly convenient for digital nomads and investors who value flexibility and do not want to be tied to a single jurisdiction.
One application for the whole family
The application may include a spouse, children under the age of 25 and parents with no age limit, allowing the investor to relocate to Panama together with their family.
No tax on foreign-source income
Income earned outside Panama is not subject to local taxation, making the jurisdiction particularly attractive to entrepreneurs seeking to reduce their tax burden.
US dollar-based economy
The US dollar is used as legal tender, reducing currency risk and supporting economic stability. This makes investments more predictable and less exposed to exchange rate fluctuations.
What Panama permanent residence offers
Get a detailed guide to obtaining a Panama residency
- A step-by-step action plan for investors
- Detailed requirements and costs
- A tailored strategy for obtaining a second passport
- The latest program terms
Get a detailed guide to obtaining a Panama residency
Who is Panama permanent residence suitable for
- Property investors
- International entrepreneurs
- Wealthy retirees
- Digital business owners
Property investors
Panama’s property market continues to grow, with rental yields reaching up to 5.48%. Panama City, Coronado and Playa Bonita are among the most sought-after locations. Property investment can generate regular income, while obtaining permanent residence through a qualifying purchase simplifies relocation.
International entrepreneurs
Panama’s proximity to Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela provides access to key Latin American markets. Foreign-source income is not subject to local taxation, while the Panama Canal strengthens the country’s logistics advantages. Permanent residence can also support the international expansion of a business.
Wealthy retirees
Retirees are attracted to Panama by its affordable cost of living, tropical climate, high-quality private healthcare and established English-speaking community. The Pensionado programme also offers discounts on transport and various services, while permanent residence provides a secure and comfortable long-term base.
Digital business owners
Panama offers reliable IT infrastructure, high-speed internet and a convenient time zone for working with partners in Europe and the United States. Its territorial tax system allows entrepreneurs to serve international clients without paying local tax on income earned abroad.
Panama permanent residence — a strategic choice for a stable future
- Social security for the whole family
- Access to premium banking services
- No tax on foreign-source income
- Confidentiality and personalised support
Unlock your options — consult with an expert today
Investment options
Property investment
The Qualified Investor programme allows applicants to obtain permanent residence by purchasing property worth at least USD 300,000. From October 2026, the minimum investment will increase to USD 500,000. The property must have a clear legal title and may be purchased directly or from a developer through an irrevocable trust. To maintain the status, the property must be held for at least five years.
Fixed-term bank deposit
Applicants may place at least USD 750,000 in a bank holding a general licence. The funds must remain on deposit for five years and their source must be documented. This low-risk option offers fast processing and does not require a personal visit, making it suitable for investors who prioritise stability.
Investment through the Panama Stock Exchange
Applicants may invest at least USD 500,000 in securities through a licensed broker on the Panama Stock Exchange. The investment must be maintained for five years. This option allows investors to diversify their capital and potentially receive regular dividend income.
Establishing and financing a company
Applicants may establish a company in Panama using at least USD 500,000 in foreign capital and must comply with all applicable tax obligations. The investor must retain ownership of the business for at least five years. This option is designed for entrepreneurs planning to expand into Latin American markets.
Expense item
Property investment
Bank deposit
Stock exchange investment
Company establishment
Investment amount
USD 300,000
USD 750,000
USD 500,000
USD 500,000
Administrative fee
USD 3,000
USD 3,000
USD 3,000
USD 3,000
Fee per additional family member
USD 1,500
USD 1,500
USD 1,500
USD 1,500
Property purchase tax (2.5%)
USD 7,500
—
—
—
Total amount
USD 312,000
USD 754,500
USD 504,500
USD 504,500
Request a personalized investment plan for obtaining Panama residency
A Mirsatori specialist will develop a tailored residence permit strategy with a detailed breakdown of each stage, taking into account your family composition, investment amount, government fees and related expenses.
Request a plan
Request a personalized investment plan for obtaining Panama residency
Who can be included in the permanent residence application
Spouse
- The applicant’s legally married spouse or registered partner
Children under 18
- Biological children and children from previous marriages
Children aged 18 to 25
- Unmarried, with no children and enrolled as students
Children with disabilities
- No age or other eligibility restrictions
Parents of any age
- Financially dependent on the main applicant
Stages of obtaining Panama permanent residence
Stages of obtaining Panama permanent residence
Due diligence and assessment of the likelihood of approval
3 business days
The Mirsatori team conducts a preliminary due diligence review and assesses whether the investor’s profile meets the requirements of the selected programme. The applicant’s financial history and business reputation are carefully analysed. Based on the results, an optimal immigration strategy is developed.
Learn moreDocument preparation and application submission
from 2 weeks
Mirsatori lawyers prepare the application file in accordance with the requirements of the immigration authorities and arrange apostilles, Spanish translations and notarisation. Each document is carefully reviewed to ensure compliance with applicable legislation.
Learn moreApplication review and approval
From 3 weeks
Under the priority processing procedure, applications submitted through the Qualified Investor route are reviewed by the authorities within 21 days. The progress of the application can be tracked in real time, and the client receives timely updates at every stage of the government review.
Learn moreCompletion of the investment
After approval
Once the application has been approved, Mirsatori specialists arrange the secure transfer of the investment funds. After the property has been purchased or the bank deposit opened, evidence confirming fulfilment of the investment requirements is submitted to the immigration authorities.
Learn moreObtaining the resident ID card (Cédula)
2–3 business days
At this stage, the investor travels to Panama to provide biometric data and receive the resident ID card. A local bank account and driving licence may also be arranged during the visit. The Mirsatori team organises the trip and provides full support throughout the process.
Learn moreThe latest updates in a format that works for you
The latest news, helpful tips, and insider information — all on our social media channels. Join Mirsatori’s communities and channels:
Comparison of Panama permanent residence with other programs
Panama PR
Cyprus PR
Malta PR
Turkey RP
Investment amount
from USD 300,000
from EUR 300,000
from EUR 182,000
from USD 200,000
Family members can be included
yes
yes
yes
yes
Status validity
indefinite
indefinite
indefinite
from 1 year
Processing time
from 1 month
from 9 months
from 3 months
from 2 months
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Other ways to obtain residency by investment
Country
Investment
Processing time
Key benefits
Cyprus
Investment
from EUR 300,000
Processing time
from 9 months
Key benefits
Details
- Residence in an EU country
- Streamlined application procedure
- Investment in liquid real estate
Malta
Investment
from EUR 182,000
Processing time
from 3 months
Key benefits
Details
- Premium real estate ownership
- Option to apply with family members
- Residence in the European Union
Turkey
Investment
from USD 200,000
Processing time
from 2 months
Key benefits
Details
- Residence status for the main applicant and family members
- One-year residence permit with the option to renew
- Path to citizenship after 5 years of residence
Expert insights
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05.08.2026
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22 June 2026
Legal and compliance
05.08.2026
Temporary residence, permanent residence, and citizenship: key differences
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum investment required to obtain Panama permanent residence in 2026?
The minimum investment depends on the selected option. Applicants must invest at least USD 300,000 in property, increasing to USD 500,000 from October 2026. The minimum investment through the Panama Stock Exchange or in establishing a company is USD 500,000, while the bank deposit option requires USD 750,000.
Property investors must also pay government fees of USD 5,000 for the main applicant and USD 2,000 for each financially dependent family member.
How long does it take to obtain permanent residence in Panama?
Applicants investing in property can obtain permanent residence within one month through the priority processing procedure for applications submitted to the immigration authorities.
Is residence in Panama required to maintain the status?
The programme does not impose strict physical presence requirements. Permanent residents only need to spend 24 hours in Panama once every two years. This arrangement is particularly convenient for investors with international projects who do not want to change their usual way of life.
Which family members can be included in the permanent residence application?
The application may include the main applicant’s spouse or registered partner, children under the age of 18 and adult children up to the age of 25, provided that they are unmarried and enrolled in education.
Different rules apply to children with disabilities, who may be included regardless of age. Financially dependent parents and grandparents of any age may also be added to the application.
Can the investment be recovered after permanent residence is granted?
Under the programme rules, the qualifying investment must be maintained for at least five years. Once this period has expired, the investor may sell the property or withdraw the funds held in the bank deposit.
Does Panama permanent residence provide a pathway to citizenship?
Yes. Applicants may qualify for Panamanian citizenship by naturalisation after five years of residence as permanent residents. They must also demonstrate ties to the country, show basic proficiency in Spanish and attend an interview.
For nationals of certain Latin American countries and Spain, the required residence period may be reduced to between one and three years.
Get expert advice from a Mirsatori specialist at your convenience
Consult with a Mirsatori specialist in the way that works best for you. We will review your request, assess the scope of work, calculate the cost of support, and offer a solution aligned with your goals. Fill out the form to schedule a meeting in the office or online
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