Permanent Resident in Panama

The permanent resident is the foreigner who enters the national territory for economic reasons, investment, special policies, and demographics. If your objective is to obtain a Permanent Residency in Panama at B&A Law Firm we can advise you.

Residency categories are:

The Panama Investor Visa, established by Executive Decree 722 on October 15, 2020, created a new category of permanent residency for economic reasons. Through this program, the applicant can become a permanent resident by making a qualified investment in Panama, including the following options:

Real Estate: Invest US$300,000, free of liens (view related article). The investor must hold the property for a term of 5 (five) years.
Real Estate projects in pre-sale: sign a purchase and sale contract for the sum of US$300,000 or more, free of liens.
Investment in the Panamanian Stock Market: Purchase securities through a qualified and licensed Panamanian brokerage firm, for US$500,000 or more, for a term of 5 (five) years.
Fixed term deposit in the Banking Sector: open a time deposit of US$750,000 or more, free of liens, in a qualified Panamanian bank, for a term of 5 (five) years.

Requirements

Apostilled or authenticated complete passport copy.
Apostilled or authenticated National Criminal Background Check- valid for 6 months.
Five (5) passport-size photos.
Payment of USD $5,000 to the National Immigration Service.
Payment of USD $5,000 to the National Treasury.
In case of dependents 12+ years olds: additional payment of USD $1,000 per dependent to the National Treasury and another payment of US$ 1,000 to the National Immigration Service.
In case of dependents under 12 years olds: additional payment of USD $1,000 per dependent to the National Treasury.
Certificate of good health.
Declaration of personal backgrounds.
Foreign or Local Bank Certification certifying the funds received or sent, respectively. If the letter is coming from abroad, it has to be authenticated or apostilled.
Bank statements from the foreign bank, duly legalized, or a local bank, with authentication stamps from the issuing bank, to certify the transaction with the funds sent.
Notarized letter, issued by the recipient of the funds, or bank certification (original) that confirms the deposit or reception of the transfer, in accordance with any of the investment options described in the law.
If the application includes dependents:
- Letter of accountability for these dependents.
- Proof of ties between the applicant and each dependent.
- Proof of address – applicant and dependent must live in the same address.
- If the dependent is 18 years old or more, single status and student status certificate.

Would you like to find out if you qualify for a Panama Qualified Investor Visa?

The Business Investor Visa allows foreigners to obtain residency by investment in Panama by creating a formal Panamanian company or holding a substantial share in one. It is a special alternative for entrepreneurs who wish to start operations in a growing market, taking advantage of the tax, logistical, and commercial benefits offered by the country.

Unlike other immigration programs, this visa is meant to attract capital, drive job growth, and support local businesses. It focuses on structured investments that have a clear impact on Panama’s economy.

Requirements

To obtain a Panama Business Investor Visa, you must comply with certain documentation, commitment to a corporate contribution, and essential requirements:

An investment in a company registered in Panama of at least USD 160,000 in share capital. This amount must be duly accredited by an audited financial statement and supported by official records.
The company must be operational* and generate direct employment for at least five Panamanian citizens, who must be affiliated with social security.
A copy of the company’s Articles of Incorporation and its respective inscription in the Public Registry.
Certification from an authorized public accountant (CPA) validating the contribution made.
Proof that the applicant is listed as a shareholder and legal representative of the company.
Certificate of criminal record from the country of origin or residence.
Personal documents such as passport, photographs, and official forms. Among others.

*Important: This Panama’s residency by investment program requires your business to operate, pay wages, and follow tax and labor laws. As a result, Panama benefits from real contributions to its economy.

Would you like to find out if you qualify for a Business Investor Visa?

The Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa allows university-educated foreign nationals to work and live in Panama without employer sponsorship. This visa grants a work permit that enables professionals to apply for jobs in approved fields without needing a pre-existing employment contract.

Unlike other Panama work visa options, this immigration program does not require a job offer before applying, and it covers both temporary residency and work authorization.

However, certain professions in Panama are reserved for citizens, so eligibility depends on the applicant’s field of work. Before starting the process, it is important to confirm whether the profession qualifies under Panamanian regulations.

Requirements

To qualify for the Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa, applicants must meet with the specific visa requirements and submit the necessary documentation.

Valid passport with copies of all stamped pages.
Four passport-size photos (recent, with white background).
The applicant’s profession must be on the list of permitted fields for foreign professionals.
Authenticated and validated copy of your university diploma, along with academic transcripts and the study plan or curriculum. Additionally, provide proof of payment for the degree validation fee to the University of Panama.
Proof of professional experience, if applicable.
Background check certificate, issued within the last six months.
Proof of financial solvency, such as a bank reference letter.
Health certificate from a licensed doctor in Panama.
Completed visa application form with official government stamps.

Each document must be properly apostilled or authenticated before submission. Missing or incomplete paperwork may result in processing delays.

Would you like to find out if you qualify for a Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa?

By Executive Decree 343 of May 16, 2012, the migratory subcategory of Permanent Residency for Friendly Nations was created, by virtue of which citizens of specific countries, with economic or professional ties with Panama, may apply for residency.

This decree was modified by Executive Decree 197 of May 7, 2021, and also by Executive Decree 226 of July 20, 2021.

Requirements

This immigration program first grants a provisional residency permit, for 2 years, before applying for and obtaining a permanent residency permit. In general, it takes three years to obtain permanent residency.

The requirements to obtain Provisional Residency are as follow:

Five passport size photos.
Passport and second id, such as driver’s license or state ID.
In terms of economic capacity, one of the following:
Employment contract in Panama: requires an employment contract between the applicant and a Panamanian company.
Real Estate Ownership: Requires the applicant to own a Panamanian property with a registered value of at least USD $200,000, which can be financed with a local institution.
Certificate of Deposit: Deposit of at least USD $200,000 in a national bank in Panama. This must include title, value, term, and must be free of encumbrances with a minimum validity of 3 years.
Clean criminal background check from the country of citizenship, or country of residence for the last two years (in this case proof of residence permit is required). The criminal check must be national, so for the U.S. for example, it must be from the FBI.
USD $800.00 per certified check issued to the National Immigration Service for the repatriation fee.
USD $250.00 per certified check issued to the National Treasury for the application fee.
Health certificate issued by a local doctor within the last 90 days prior to submitting the application.
Sworn declaration

To obtain permanent residency, the applicant must have hold the provisional residency for at least 2 years. The application for permanent residency requires the same documents used to obtain provisional residency, which must be up to date. On top of that, the applicant must also submit his provisional residency.

The requirements to obtain Permanent Residency are as follow:

Submission of your provisional residency.
Applicant must have hold the provisional residency for at least 2 years.

Qualifying countries

Andorra

Argentina

Australia

Austria

Belgium

Brazil

Canada

Chile

Costa Rica

Croatia

Cyprus

Czech Republic

Denmark

Estonia

Finland

France

Germany

Great Britain

Greece

Hong Kong

Hungary

Ireland

Israel

Japan

Latvia

Liechtenstein

Lithuania

Luxemburg

Malta

Mexico

Monaco

Montenegro

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Poland

Portugal

San Marino

Serbia

Singapore

Slovakia

South Africa

South Korea

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

United States of America

Uruguay

Peru

Paraguay

Would you like to find out if you qualify for a Friendly Nations Visa?

The visa for Italian citizens was created in Law 15 of 1966 – called Friendship, Business, and Navigation treaty between the Republics of Panama and Italy – with the objective to encourage Italians to establish economic and professional activities in Panama.

Requeriments

Enter Panama with an Italian Passport.
Notarized Power of Attorney and Application.
Five (5) passport-size photos.
Notarized photocopy of applicant’s passport.
Background check.
Certificate of good health.
Explanation of the applicant’s purposes in Panama (economic activity or occupation to develop). It is possible to open a company in Panama to fulfill this requirement.
Proof of Italian Citizenship, such as Italian ID, Birth Certificate (valid only for 6 months), or any other document that properly identifies the applicant as Italian.
Declaration of personal background.
Panamanian bank reference letter with a balance greater than USD $5,000, to demonstrate economic means.
Check for USD $250 to the National Treasure.
Proof of economic ties with Panama, in the form of a corporation, ownership of titled property, or a job offer.
If the application needs to include dependents, the applicant also needs to include:
- Letter of accountability for these dependents.
- Proof of ties between the applicant and each dependent.
- Proof of address – applicant and dependent must live in the same address.
- If the dependent is 18 years old or more, single status and student status certificate.

This visa carries many benefits for Italian citizens. For instance, the applicant’s spouse and dependents do NOT have to be Italian citizens to be included in the application. This process also provides a path to obtain Panamanian ID (cedula). Finally, this Visa does NOT require neither an initial investment nor purchasing a property in Panama.

Would you like to know if you qualify for an Panama-Italy Treaty Visa?

Under Panamanian law, a citizen, permanent resident, or temporary resident for two (2) or more years may request residence for dependents, defined as foreign spouse, children under 18 years of age, relatives with disability, or parents.

Dependent children between the ages of 18 and 25 may qualify for this visa, provided that they are full-time students and under the economic dependence of the Panamanian resident.

Requirements

The requirements include:

Notarized Power of Attorney and Application.
Three (3) photographs.
Notarized passport copy.
Criminal Background Check.
Certificate of good health.
Certified Check for USD $250 in favor of the National Treasury.
Certified Check for USD $800.00 in favor of the National Immigration Service.
Affidavit Form of Personal Background from the Panamanian resident.
Notarized letter of responsibility from the Panamanian resident.
Proof of kinship, such as Marriage Certificate (valid only for 6 months) or Birth Certificate (valid only for 6 months)
If the applicant is between 18 and 25 years old:
- Certificate of an educational center of his status as a full-time student.
- Sworn declaration of singleness
Proof of economic solvency, may be accredited by one of the following:
- Income taxes, with paz y salvo, showing a minimum income of USD $1,000 monthly, plus USD $100.00 per dependent.
- Work reference letter with its corresponding tab from CSS, and copy of the work permit.
- Bank reference letter, with a balance of no less than four average figures.

If the dependent child is adopted, the following documentation is also required:

Letter of responsibility from the adopting parent.
Birth Certificate (valid only for 6 months) from the Panama Civil Registry.
Authenticated copy of adoption approval.
Copy of foreign id from the adopted applicant.

Would you like to find out if you qualify for a Family Regrouping Visa?

Foreigners who marry a Panamanian, and live with the Panamanian partner in stability and continuity, are eligible for the Married to Panamanian Visa.

However, the fact that a foreigner is married to a Panamanian DOES NOT GRANT the right to residence in Panama. The National Immigration Service could deny entry or residence on grounds of hygiene, morality, public safety, or social needs.

Requirements

Power of attorney and application presented by a lawyer.
Original passport, valid for at least 6 months.
Notarized copy of passport.
Criminal record from the country of origin, and from any country where the applicant lived for 2 or more years, including Panama. The criminal record needs to be authenticated, either with Apostille or certified by the issuing country.
Health certificate from an accredited local doctor not older than 3 months.
Payment of $250 USD to the National Treasure.
Five (5) passport-sized photos.
Marriage Certificate (valid only for 6 months) from Panama’s Civil Registry. The marriage must be registered in Panama’s Civil Registry, even if celebrated abroad.
Panamanian partner’s (valid only for 6 months) from the Civil Registry.
Copy of the Panamanian partner’s National ID (cedula), authenticated by the Civil Registry.
Birth Certificate (valid only for 6 months) of the couple’s Panamanian children, if any.
Marital Interview.

The National Immigration Service has the right to visit the couple’s home at any time to inspect the living situation.

Would you like to find out if you qualify for a Married with Panamanian Visa?

Non-residents, who have one or more children born in Panama who are at least 5 years old, are eligible to apply for Panamanian permanent residency. This process requires the services of a Panamanian lawyer.

Requirements

The child must be at least 5 years old when his/her parent files the application
Notarized Power of Attorney and Application (Poder y Solicitud)
Criminal police record of both parents issued by their home country and by the official police force
- If one or both parents have stayed in Panama for a period of two consecutive years, they can request a criminal record to be issued by the Panama Police (Judicial Investigation Department or DIJ in Spanish)
Three passport-size photos
Certificate of Good Health
Certified copy of passport (notarized or appropriately authenticated), with at least a six-month validity
Certified check for $250 to the National Treasury (Tesoro Nacional)
Certified Check for $800 to the National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración)
Affidavit of Personal Background Form
Affidavit signed in front of a Notary of the minor’s father or mother (where it is clear that the applicant has fulfilled his/her duties as a parent)
Birth Certificate (valid only for 6 months) of the children, issued by the Residence Registration Office
Notarized letter of Parental Responsibility over the child
Proof of domicile (i.e. public services bill or lease contract)

If approved, the applicant will receive a two-year temporary residency permit. Once the two-year period is over, the resident will be able to request permanent residence.

Would you like to find out if you qualify for a Parents of Panamanian Children Visa?

Panama is a popular destination for retirees and pensioners. Its low cost of living allows them to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle without overspending. The climate is warm and sunny all year round, making it an ideal place to enjoy outdoor activities.

Financial Requirements

Under Panama Retiree and Pensioner Visa, the applicant must present either:

Evidence of a monthly and lifetime income of at least US $1,000.00, or its equivalent if in another currency.
Or, monthly retirement or pension income of $750, if acquiring a property in Panama worth at least $100,000.

The referred income must be a pension or retirement. It must come from a government agency, or a regulated private retirement company. With the latter, additional documentation will be required.

Documents Required

The general requirements to apply for the Panama Retiree and Pensioner Visa are:

Valid passport for at least 6 months from application date.
5 passport size photos (2inch x 2inch).
National Certificate of Criminal Record. It must be recently issued and be apostilled / authenticated by a Panamanian consulate in the issuing country. This document is valid for 6 months.
Retirement letter stating that you receive at least $1000 per month for life. It must be recently issued and be apostilled/authenticated by a Panamanian consulate in the issuing country. This document is valid for 6 months.
Good panamanian health certificate.
Sworn declaration form, fully answered and signed.
Proof of domicile in Panama, through the utility bill and rental agreement, or letter from a hotel.

The holders of Private Pensions must additionally provide:

A letter from the pension administrator, trust, joint funds of insurance or banking. Which certifies that the company administers the applicant’s pensions. Likewise, it must be recently issued and be apostilled/authenticated by a Panamanian consulate in the issuing country. This document is valid for 6 months.
Certification of existence and validity of the pension holder company. Which must be recently issued, apostilled/authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate in the issuing country – valid for 6 months.
Certificate that the company is legally authorized to offer the pension administration service. Must be recently issued, apostilled/authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate in the issuing country – valid for 6 months.
Last 3 months of bank statements, showing that pension payments have been paid. Payment proof summary, for the last 3 months is also valid. In both cases, they must be recently issued, apostilled/authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate in the issuing country – valid for 6 months.

Would you like to find out if you qualify for a Retirees & Pensioner Visa?

Law 9 of June 1987 created the Private Income Retiree Visa. This permit is granted to foreigners who open a Certificate of Deposit (CD) with sufficient resources to generate interest income of USD $850 monthly.

The CD must be opened at Banco Nacional de Panama or Caja de Ahorro (both government-owned banks), and it must be the ONLY source of this interest income. These interests must be net of taxes and must have no liability or mortgage for at least five (5) years.

Requirements

Notarized Power of Attorney and Application.
Five (5) passport-size photos.
Notarized photocopy of applicant’s passport.
Background check.
Certificate of good health, indicating that the applicant had good physical and mental health, and no contagious diseases. A local Panamanian doctor must issue this certificate.
Declaration of personal background.
Bank Certificate from Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros, indicating the total CD amount, its interest rate, its duration, and that it has no liabilities attached to it.
Authenticated copy of the bank’s CD.
If the application includes dependents:
- Letter of accountability for these dependents.
- Proof of ties between the applicant and each dependent.
- Proof of address – applicant and dependent must live in the same address.
- If the dependent is 18 years old or more, single status and student status certificate.

The applicant and dependents will receive a 5-year permit that can be renewed for five more years. In such case, the applicants must provide the same requirements, except for the background check.

Would you like to know if you qualify for a Private Income Retiree Visa?

The short-term visa for remote workers or digital nomads was created by Executive Decree 198 on May 7, 2021. The main purpose of this visa, of the Non-Resident category, is to encourage tourism for telecommuting travelers.

To access this visa the person must comply with the following requirements:

To have a contract with a foreign company of transnational character. That is to say, to be a self-employed worker in telework modality.
To perform functions that affect abroad.
To have income from abroad with an annual amount of at least 36,000 dollars or its equivalent in another currency.

Once granted, this short-term visa as a remote worker is valid for 9 months, extendable for the same period. It will also allow the person to work in teleworking mode within Panama and not require additional paperwork or obtaining a permit from another state entity.

Requirements

In addition to meeting the above requirements, the following must be met in order to apply for this visa:

Valid passport for at least 6 months from application date.
5 passport size photos (2inch x 2inch)
National criminal background certificate, recently issued, apostilled/ authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate in the issuing country– valid for 6 months
Copy of health insurance policy with coverage in Panama during your stay. If is an international policy recently issued, apostilled/ authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate in the issuing country– valid for 6 months
Proof of foreign company existence in the country its registered (certificate of incumbency and good standing) recently issued, apostilled/ authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate in the issuing country– valid for 6 months
Job letter signed by the legal representative stating name, id, post, job, annual income (at least $36,000.00 per year) or its equivalent in foreign currency, remote work modality and the clear statement to assume repatriation cost if necessary. recently issued, apostilled/ authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate in the issuing country– valid for 6 months
Signed declaration of No Job Offer Acceptance or provide service in and while in Panama under the visa.
Proof that the income comes from abroad, must present one of the following:
- Bank certification letter, stating the income is received from abroad and the job condition under which the income is received, recently issued, apostilled/ authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate in the issuing country– valid for 6 months
- OR, Last two months bank statements form a foreign bank, stamped/seal by the bank that show the receival of the funds and that show the funds are tied to the declared job, recently issued, apostilled/ authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate in the issuing country– valid for 6 months
Power of Attorney and application forms

Requirements for self-employed applicants

Certification or proof that the company is registered in a foreign country or that the company you are working for is located outside of Panama. Recently issued, apostilled/ authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate in the issuing country– valid for 6 months
A signed declaration stating the general information of the applicant, list of clients, service provided to the client, regularity of payment, where the funds paid to the applicant come from, and number of payments. recently issued, apostilled/authenticated by a Panamanian Consulate in the issuing country– valid for 6 months

Would you like to find out if you qualify for a Panama Digital Nomad Visa?

Any foreigner who wants to apply to a Self-Solvency Visa has to invest a minimum of three hundred thousand dollars (US $300,000). The investment has to increase by US $2,000 for each dependent.

Requirements - Real Estate Investment

The applicant must prove that all funds come from abroad. The minimum $300,000 must be invested as equity. Mortgages do NOT count against this threshold. However, if the value of the property is greater than $300,000, the applicant is allowed to finance the amount above $300,000 with a local bank.

The applicant may register the property under his name. Alternatively, the property may be registered under the name of a Private Interest Foundation as long as the applicant is identified as the founder, and either the applicant or the dependents are identified as the beneficiaries.

Notarized Power of Attorney and Application.
Five (5) passport-size photos.
Notarized photocopy of applicant’s passport.
Background check.
Certificate of good health issued by a local Panamanian doctor.
US $800.00 by certified check issued to Servicio Nacional de Migración.
US $250.00 by certified check issued to Tesoro Nacional.
Sworn declaration of personal background.
Certificate from the Public Registry, indicating the ownership of Real Estate under the name of the applicant or a Private Interest Foundation. This certificate must indicate the property is free of liens, and a minimum value of US $300,000.
- If the property is under the name of a Private Interest Foundation, the Certificate must also indicate the founder and beneficiaries.
For each dependent, the application needs to include:
- Letter of accountability for the dependent.
- Proof of ties between the applicant and the dependent.
- Proof of address – applicant and dependent must live in the same address.
- If the dependent is 18 years old or more, single status and student status certificate

Requirements - Certificate of deposit

The applicant must prove that all funds come from abroad. The minimum $300,000 must be invested in a Certificate of Deposit in any Panamanian bank for at least three (3) years, in US Dollars or its equivalent in another currency.

Notarized Power of Attorney and Application.
Five (5) passport-size photos.
Notarized photocopy of applicant’s passport.
Background check.
Certificate of good health issued by a local Panamanian doctor.
US $800.00 by certified check issued to Servicio Nacional de Migración.
US $250.00 by certified check issued to Tesoro Nacional.
Sworn declaration of personal background.
Bank certificate indicating the applicant opened a Certificate of Deposit for at least US $300,000 or its equivalent in another currency, with a minimum duration of three (3) years. The Certificate of Deposit must be free of liens
Copy of the Certificate of Deposit, authenticated by the bank.
For each dependent, the application needs to include:
- Letter of accountability for the dependent.
- Proof of ties between the applicant and the dependent.
- Proof of address – applicant and dependent must live in the same address.
- If the dependent is 18 years old or more, single status and student status certificate.

Would you like to find out if you qualify for a Panama Self Solvency Visa?

Additional Services

Record Corrections
Transfer of Foreigners’ Records
Tourist Visa Extension
Multiple Visa Application
Change of Nationality
Safe passage
Application for certifications and immigration status
Homologation of university degrees before the University of Panama

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