PANAMA QUALIFIED INVESTOR VISA

Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa, commonly known as the “Golden Visa,” is the country’s leading residency program, providing a fast-track route to permanent residency. Eligible applicants can secure permanent residency within approximately 30 days of submitting their application, with the entire process available remotely.

• Applicants may apply for citizenship through naturalization after 5 years
• Eligibility to obtain a work permit
• Immediate permanent residency status
• Minimal physical presence requirement – only one visit every two years
• Favorable tax system
• Strong business and lifestyle opportunities

Situated at the crossroads of the Americas, Panama boasts a thriving economy, a business-friendly environment, and world-class infrastructure centered around the Panama Canal. With a strong banking system, attractive tax incentives, and a competitive real estate market, the country offers a wide range of investment opportunities.

Its territorial tax system, combined with its strategic geographic position, makes Panama an ideal hub for conducting business across the region. Investors benefit from solid infrastructure, a growing economy, and appealing tax advantages. Additionally, Panama’s tropical climate, vibrant culture, and political stability make it an attractive destination for both business and lifestyle purposes.

Qualifying Investment Options

The program grants direct permanent residency to applicants who make a qualifying investment through one of the following options:

• A minimum equity investment of USD 300,000 in real estate in Panama
• An investment of at least USD 500,000 in the Panama Stock Exchange
• A USD 750,000 fixed-term deposit (5 years) in a local bank

Real estate investments may be partially financed, provided the required minimum equity contribution is met. Applications can be submitted once the title deed is transferred or based on a binding purchase agreement, as long as the required equity is held in escrow by a licensed Panamanian bank.

All investments must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years, either under the applicant’s name or through a corporate entity.

Requirements

With the exception of elderly dependent parents, all adult applicants must provide a clean bill of health. Additionally, adult applicants are required to submit an apostilled or officially authenticated police clearance certificate from their home country, confirming no serious criminal record.

To maintain residency status, foreign residents must visit Panama at least once every two years.

Taxation

Panama operates under a territorial tax system, meaning only income generated within Panama is subject to taxation, while foreign-sourced income is exempt.

Companies that generate only foreign-sourced income and do not require a local business license are also exempt from income tax on distributed dividends. Otherwise, corporate income is taxed at 25% on locally sourced earnings, with dividends taxed at 10%.

Individuals are subject to progressive income tax rates of up to 15%.

Application Process Overview

We provide full legal assistance throughout the entire process in Panama, including the preparation and submission of your application and the issuance of your residency cards. We also support and represent clients in real estate investment transactions.

Step 1: Client onboarding and pre-clearance
Step 2: Client agreement and retainer payment
Step 3: Preparation and submission of application to the government
Step 4: Application approval (within approximately 30 days)
Step 5: Travel to Panama for biometric registration
Step 6: Issuance of residence permit

Family Inclusion

The application can include the main applicant, spouse, children under 25, and dependent parents. The government fee for each dependent is USD 2,000.