Panama Friendly Nations Visa
Panama PAN
Panama's Friendly Nations Visa grants immediate permanent residency to nationals of approximately 50 designated countries who can establish economic ties to Panama through investment or employment. Panama's territorial tax system, the use of the US dollar, and its strategic location make it a popular choice for retirees and location-independent professionals.
Program Details
- Category
- Passive Income
- Processing Time
- 3 months
- Application Fee
- $800
- Minimum Income
- N/A
- Minimum Investment
- $200,000
- Family Included
- Spouse and dependents can be included on the same application at minimal additional cost
- Path to PR
- Yes — 0 years
- Path to Citizenship
- Yes — 5 years
- Physical Presence
- Must visit Panama at least once every 2 years to maintain permanent residency
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Tax Impact
- Panama uses a territorial tax system; only Panama-sourced income is taxed. Foreign income — including remote work earnings, investments, pensions, and business income from abroad — is completely exempt from Panamanian income tax.
No minimum income for the standard Friendly Nations Visa, but applicants must demonstrate economic ties to Panama through either professional employment with a Panamanian company OR a real estate investment of at least $200,000, OR a time deposit (CD) at a Panamanian bank of at least $200,000.
Key Requirements
- ✓Must be a national of one of Panama's ~50 designated 'friendly nations'
- ✓Establish economic ties: real estate investment of $200,000+, OR time deposit (CD) of $200,000+ in a Panamanian bank, OR confirmed employment with a Panamanian company
- ✓Clean criminal record (apostilled from home country and all countries of recent residence)
- ✓Valid passport
- ✓Health certificate
- ✓4 passport photos
- ✓Application through a Panamanian immigration attorney (strongly recommended)
Nationality Restrictions
This program restricts applications from nationals of: Program is limited to nationals of 50 specifically designated 'friendly nations' including the USA, UK, Canada, most EU countries, Australia, and others; check current list with Panamanian Immigration