Panama Qualified Investor Visa: Requirements and Process
The Qualified Investor Visa, also known as Panama's “Golden Visa,” grants immediate permanent residency in exchange for a qualifying investment in the country. In September 2026 the government updated the applicable thresholds through Executive Decree No. 17, so it's important to work with current information.
Investment Options
There are three routes: real estate (from US$300,000 for first-sale properties acquired directly from the developer, or US$500,000 for resale properties on the secondary market), Panamanian securities through a licensed brokerage (from US$500,000), or a fixed-term bank deposit at a Panamanian bank (from US$750,000).
General Requirements
In addition to the investment amount, applicants must prove the lawful source of funds, submit a criminal background certificate, a health certificate, and maintain the investment for a minimum of five years free of liens or early withdrawals.
Timeline and Costs
The process is usually resolved in 1 to 3 months. Beyond the investment amount, there are associated government fees, such as an application fee to the National Treasury and a repatriation deposit to the National Immigration Service.
Benefits
Unlike other programs, it grants immediate permanent residency with no provisional phase. Panama also offers a territorial tax system, so foreign-source income is generally not subject to Panamanian tax.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I finance part of the real estate investment?
If the property's value exceeds the required minimum, the surplus may be financed through a local mortgage; the minimum amount required by the program must be covered with the investor's own funds.
What happens if I sell the investment before five years?
It could affect your permanent residency status, unless it is replaced with an approved substitute investment.
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