Panama Residency by Investment 2026 | Frederick Capital
Panama Qualified Investor Visa: permanent residency from USD 300,000 in new property (USD 500,000 resale). No continuous residence requirement. 5-year pathway to Panamanian citizenship. Territorial tax system.
Executive Decree 17, in force 16 September 2026. The live page is /panama.
As of October 2026 — Statutory Quick Facts & Investment Tiers
| Route | October 2026 statutory position |
|---|---|
| New property from a developer | US$300,000 |
| Resale property | US$500,000 |
| Securities | US$500,000 |
| Fixed deposit | US$750,000, or US$500,000 at a state bank |
- Minimum outlay
- US$300,000 for new property bought first-hand from a developer. Family of 4 minimum: The same investment can include the family. Resale property is US$500,000.
- Government / processing fees
- Securities through a licensed broker US$500,000 for five years. A fixed deposit is US$750,000, or US$500,000 at Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros, for five years.
- Processing timeline
- Not a short statutory deadline.
- Visa-free / mobility
- Residence in Panama. Not Schengen.
- Tax and residency highlights
- Territorial tax features need personal advice. Permanent residence. Later citizenship has its own rules.
- Governing legal framework
- Executive Decree 17, in force 16 September 2026. The live page is /panama.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much do I need to invest for Panama residency?
- The Panama Qualified Investor Visa requires a minimum investment of USD 300,000 in new Panamanian real estate bought from the developer, or USD 500,000 in resale property (Executive Decree 17 of 2026; held free of liens for 5 years), USD 500,000 in securities through a licensed Panamanian brokerage, or USD 750,000 in a fixed-term bank deposit. The real estate route is the most popular and cost-effective entry point.
- How long does it take to get Panama permanent residency?
- Panama grants permanent residency immediately upon approval — there is no temporary permit stage. Processing typically takes 30 to 45 business days from submission of a complete application. Government fees are USD 10,000 for the main applicant and USD 2,000 per dependent aged 12 and over.
- Do I need to live in Panama to keep my residency?
- No. The Panama Qualified Investor Visa has no continuous physical presence requirement. You are not required to reside in Panama to maintain your permanent residency status, provided you continue to hold your qualifying investment.
- Can I get Panamanian citizenship through the Qualified Investor Visa?
- Yes. After 5 years of permanent residency, investors become eligible to apply for Panamanian naturalisation. Applicants must pass a Spanish language and civic knowledge test. The Panamanian passport is ranked 25th globally (Henley 2026), offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 147 countries.