Panama Residency for Venezuelans: Options, Documents and Family Assets
For many Venezuelan families, Panama is a second home. The hard part is usually the paperwork and proving where the money comes from.
Venezuela is the second nationality by residence permits in Panama: 5,061 permits approved in 2025, around 15% of the 33,262 approved that year. Source: National Immigration Service of Panama, residence permits 2025 (preliminary figures as of December 31, 2025; includes temporary, provisional, permanent permits and extensions).
Which routes exist, and which do not
Venezuela is not on the Friendly Nations list (Executive Decree 416 of 2012, as amended by Executive Decree 16 of 2026). Venezuelans with a second nationality from a listed country, such as Spain or Italy by descent, may apply with that passport. With a Venezuelan passport, the main routes are:
- Qualified Investor Golden Visa: the Qualified Investor Golden Visa (Executive Decree 17 of 2026, in force since September 16, 2026): new real estate (first sale) from USD 300,000; resale real estate USD 500,000; securities USD 500,000; or a 5-year fixed-term deposit of USD 500,000 at Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros, or USD 750,000 at a private bank. Immigration resolves in up to 30 business days once the file is complete; that is a reference timeline, not a guarantee. Requirements are summarized in this Qualified Investor visa guide.
- Pensionado: the Pensionado (retiree) visa, open to all nationalities: a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000 a month, or USD 750 if you buy your own property worth more than USD 100,000.
- Other categories: work, marriage or family reunification permits.
Documents take the longest
Venezuela is party to the Apostille Convention, so police records, civil documents and degrees are apostilled in Venezuela for use in Panama. In practice, appointments, valid passports and apostilles can take months. Start with documents, not with the investment, so capital is not tied up while the file is incomplete. Records from a second nationality issued in another language, such as an Italian civil record, need an official translation in Panama into Spanish.
Source of funds and banking
Panamanian banks apply enhanced due diligence to many Venezuelan clients. A clear, documented history of how the wealth was built (business or property sales, salaries, inheritances) and accounts with good history in third countries make the difference. Golden Visa funds generally have to come through the banking system, so the bank is the first filter.
Taxes in two systems
In general terms, Venezuela taxes its residents on worldwide income and treats as resident anyone who stays more than 183 days in a year; review your exit with a Venezuelan accountant. Panama's territorial tax system generally leaves foreign-source income outside Panamanian income tax.
Protecting family assets
A Panama Private Interest Foundation (Law 25 of 1995, minimum initial patrimony USD 10,000) can hold accounts and investments outside Venezuela and set how they are distributed, without a Panamanian probate over those assets. Venezuela also has forced heirship, transfers in fraud of creditors can be challenged and the beneficial owner is reported to Panama's restricted registry.
Frequently asked questions
Can Venezuelans apply for Panama's Friendly Nations visa?
Not with a Venezuelan passport: Venezuela is not on the official list. A second nationality from a listed country may qualify.
What is the minimum investment for a Venezuelan to get permanent residency?
Under the Golden Visa: from USD 300,000 in new real estate; USD 500,000 in resale property, securities or a 5-year deposit at Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros; or USD 750,000 at a private bank.
Do Venezuelan documents need an apostille?
Yes. Venezuela is party to the Apostille Convention, so public documents are apostilled in Venezuela for use in Panama.
Why do Panamanian banks ask Venezuelans for so much information?
They apply enhanced due diligence. A documented source-of-funds file speeds up account opening and the Golden Visa investment.
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. Review your home-country tax position with a qualified tax advisor before acting.