Panama Golden Visa (Qualified Investor)
Permanent residency by investment in Panama, with agile timelines and a single point of coordination under Escudo Patrimonial Global 360.
The Qualified Investor Visa, often referred to as Panama's 'Golden Visa', is one of the most agile residency-by-investment programs in the region. It allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in up to 30 business days from the filing of a complete file, under Executive Decree 17 of 2026, in force since September 16, 2026. This is a reference timeline, not a guarantee: it depends on each case and on the authorities.
Investment Options
- New real estate (first sale): from USD 300,000, bought directly from the developer or through a qualifying purchase agreement.
- Resale real estate: USD 500,000.
- Five-year fixed-term deposit: USD 500,000 at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros, or USD 750,000 at a licensed private bank.
- Securities: minimum USD 500,000 in eligible instruments through a brokerage licensed by Panama's Securities Market Superintendency, held for at least 5 years.
Key Benefits
- Speed: residency resolved in up to 30 business days with a complete file.
- Special Travel Passport: benefit introduced by Law 493 of 2025 for the investor and dependents, subject to its regulations; it does not grant Panamanian nationality.
- Flexibility: you do not need to live in Panama; a visit to Panama at least every two years is typically enough to keep your status (confirm current conditions for your case).
- Path to naturalization: you may apply for naturalization after 5 years of permanent residency, subject to legal requirements and the authorities' decision.
Who is it for?
Families and investors seeking a residency Plan B in a dollarized country with a territorial tax system and a strategic location in the Americas. We coordinate the investment, bank onboarding, law firm and immigration filing in parallel.
Panama Golden Visa: frequently asked questions
What are the Panama Golden Visa requirements in 2026?
Under Executive Decree 17 of 2026 you need a qualifying investment (new real estate from USD 300,000; resale real estate, securities or a 5-year deposit at Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros of USD 500,000; or USD 750,000 at a private bank), a valid passport and the personal documents Immigration requests, apostilled where applicable; documents not in Spanish also need an official translation in Panama.
Can I get Panama residency by real estate investment?
Yes. Buying new real estate (first sale) from USD 300,000, or resale property for USD 500,000, qualifies for permanent residency as a Qualified Investor. Other residency by investment routes, such as Friendly Nations, have different amounts and conditions.
How much does the Panama Golden Visa cost?
Besides the investment itself, budget for legal fees, government fees, document apostilles and bank due diligence. The total depends on the investment route and family size, so we quote each case individually.
What are the benefits of the Panama Golden Visa?
Permanent residency in up to 30 business days with a complete file, no obligation to live in Panama, a dollarized economy, a territorial tax system and the Special Travel Passport of Law 493 of 2025, subject to its regulations.
Does Panama permanent residency lead to citizenship?
You may apply for naturalization after 5 years of permanent residency, subject to legal requirements and the authorities' decision. Residency itself does not grant nationality.
This content is general information and does not constitute legal, tax or immigration advice. Requirements, amounts and timelines may change and depend on each case and on the authorities.