Immigration and Residency
Visa and residency procedures in Panama, coordinated with Immigration and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We support immigration processes from start to finish, for people relocating alone, as a couple, or with their whole family.
Services We Offer
- Residency under the Friendly Nations Visa program
- Pensionado Visa (retirees with a qualifying lifetime pension)
- Qualified Investor Visa (real estate, securities or bank deposit)
- Work permits for foreigners and proceedings before MITRADEL
- Renewals, immigration status changes and naturalization procedures
Immigration Programs
Friendly Nations Visa
Available to citizens of countries with friendly, professional, economic or investment relations with Panama. Requires demonstrating an economic connection through employment with a Panamanian company, real estate investment (from US$200,000), or a fixed-term bank deposit. It grants two-year provisional residency first, and permanent residency once requirements are met.
Pensionado Visa
For those receiving a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000/month (or US$750/month if they own Panamanian real estate worth over US$100,000, plus US$250 per dependent). Grants immediate permanent residency and includes legally mandated discounts under Law 6 of 1987.
Qualified Investor Visa
Grants permanent residency through a qualifying investment: real estate (from US$300,000 for first-sale properties, or US$500,000 on the resale market), Panamanian securities (from US$500,000), or a fixed-term bank deposit (from US$750,000), maintained for a minimum of five years.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to obtain residency in Panama?
It depends on the program: the Qualified Investor Visa can be resolved in 1 to 3 months; the Friendly Nations Visa grants provisional residency within days and permanent residency after an evaluation period; the Pensionado Visa usually takes 3 to 6 months.
Can my family apply with me?
Yes. Most Panamanian immigration programs allow you to include a spouse, dependent children under 25 who are studying, and in some cases dependent parents.
Do I need to travel to Panama during the process?
Generally at least one visit is required for biometric registration and delivery of the resident ID card. We'll tell you exactly when your presence is needed.
Ready to move forward with your case?
Write to us and we'll schedule a first conversation, no obligation.