Panama offers different types of immigration residency visa programs, from temporary or permanent residency permits to full citizenship and Panama passports.
Friendly Nations Visa
A permanent residency visa can be obtained for citizens of any of the 50 nations that Panama considers to be “friendly.” They can move here with their immediate family. To qualify, the residents of the these countries can either purchase a property in Panama for a worth of US$200,000 or be utilized by a Panama organization. The 50 nations that are consider to be friendly are: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Marino, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, South Africa, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom (Great Britain & Northern Ireland), and Uruguay.
Professional Employment Visa
After two years as a temporary resident, foreigners who work for a Panama company in a “professional” capacity and pay social security taxes can become permanent residents. They must also hold a college degree and a professional license (if required by their country). The Constitution of Panama’s definition of a professional or the laws defining a professional for citizens are not the only definitions of the term “professional.”
Pensioner (Retiree) Visa
Anyone over the age of 18 who has a pension or annuity that pays a minimum of $1,000 USD per month for life is eligible. Another $250 should be paid each month by the annuity or annuity for every dependent. A private company, the military, government agencies, corporations, a bank, an insurance company, or a Trust can pay the annuity or pension. This visa gives a few discounts from cinemas, cafés, inns, restaurants, drug stores, shows, airlines alongside other items and services.
Qualified Investor Program
With this program, investors have three options for expedited permanent residency in Panama (leading to citizenship and a Panama passport after five years):
- Invest in a property (with no mortgage). Please note that after October 15, 2022, the minimum investment required to purchase mortgage-free real estate in the Republic of Panama was increased to Five Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$500,000).
- Use any reputable and licensed Panamanian securities brokerage firm to make an investment in the purchase of securities on the Panama Stock Market. The duration of the investment must be five (5) years.
- Put seven hundred fifty thousand United States dollars (US$750,000) into a five-year time deposit at a Panamanian bank with a general banking license.
As long as the investor is the sole and exclusive final beneficiary of the Panama corporation or Panama private interest foundation, any one of the three above-mentioned Qualified Investor investment options can be made in the investor’s personal name or in the name of the investor’s Panama corporation or Panama Private Interest Foundation. Banks outside of Panama must have been the source of the invested funds.
Self Economic Solvency Visa
The following options have been added to Panama’s Reforestation Investor Law since its recent revision:
- A base speculation of US$80,000 in a reforestation project confirmed by the public authority, awards brief residency for a time of 5 years.
- A two-year temporary residency is granted with a minimum investment of US$100,000 in a government-certified reforestation project. After that, one can apply for permanent residency.
- In a reforestation project certified by the government, a minimum investment of $350,000 grants permanent residency status within 30 days.
Investments in reforestation can be made in your own name or in the name of a Panamanian organization, foundation, or corporation, and must be held for five years.
Business Investor Visa
A minimum investment of $160,000 in a Panama corporation’s capital stock. The foreigner can be an investor as well as an official. Investing an additional $2,000 is required for each dependent.
Married to a Panamanian Citizen Visa
This should be a substantial marriage (not a hoax) to a Panamanian resident, and the candidate can apply for a permanent resident status.
Parents of Child Born in Panama Visa
This permanent visa can be applied for by the parents of a child born in Panama who is over five years old.
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