Can I include my family in the application?

Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included by submitting apostilled marriage and birth certificates, plus additional proof of solvency or deposits depending on the regime. Dependent adult children are generally accepted up to age 25 if studying.

Does residency make me a Panama tax resident?

Not automatically. Immigration residency and tax residency are different: tax residency generally requires spending more than 183 days per year in Panama or proving a center of vital interests, certified by the DGI. Also, Panama only taxes Panama-source income. Consult a tax advisor about your situation in both countries.

When can I apply for Panamanian citizenship?

Generally, after 5 years of permanent residency (shorter periods apply for nationals of Spain, Ibero-American countries and marriage to a Panamanian). Naturalization is a discretionary process requiring basic Spanish, knowledge of Panama's history and geography, and demonstrable ties; it can take several years to resolve.

Panama Investor Visa | Residency by Investment 2026

Q: Is the US$300,000 real estate threshold still in effect?

Yes: US$300,000 is the current threshold per Executive Decree 193 of 2024 (Official Gazette 30140-B). The decree's text sets no expiration date, though earlier decrees had scheduled an increase to US$500,000. Before committing funds, confirm the current amount directly with the National Migration Service (migracion.gob.pa) or your immigration lawyer.

Visa Types

Panama offers two main residency-by-investment routes. (1) The Qualified Investor Visa (Executive Decree 722 of October 2020) grants direct permanent residency through: real estate investment — US$300,000 is the current threshold per Executive Decree 193 of 2024 (Official Gazette 30140-B); the decree's text sets no expiration date, though earlier decrees had scheduled an increase to US$500,000 — verify the current amount with SNM before investing —, a US$500,000 investment in securities through a Panamanian brokerage, or a US$750,000 fixed-term bank deposit. Processing is fast (~30-45 business days) and the application can be filed from abroad through a legal representative. (2) The Business Investor Visa requires a minimum investment of US$160,000 in a Panamanian company's capital plus the creation of at least 5 Panamanian full-time jobs; it grants 2-year provisional residency first, which later converts to permanent (it is not direct permanent residency). Additionally, the Friendly Nations Visa now requires economic ties (e.g. US$200,000 in real estate or local employment, per Decree 197 of 2021) — see our dedicated guide. Spouse and dependents can be included, a work permit is available through MITRADEL after residency, and citizenship is possible after 5 years of permanent residency.

Legal Disclaimer

This information is general guidance and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Panama's investment amounts, thresholds and immigration requirements change frequently (including the Decree 722 regime's real estate threshold). Always verify current rules with the National Migration Service and consult a licensed Panama attorney before investing or applying. Last verified: July 2026.

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