# Investor Visa

> Panama offers residency by investment through two main routes: the Qualified Investor Visa (Decree 722 of 2020) — permanent residency via 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), securities of US$500,000, or a US$750,000 bank deposit, with ~30-45 business day processing and the option to file from abroad — and the Business Investor Visa (minimum US$160,000 in a Panamanian company's capital plus at least 5 Panamanian full-time jobs; grants 2-year provisional residency first, then permanent). Citizenship possible after 5 years of permanent residency.

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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.

## Benefits

### Qualified Investor Visa (Decree 722 of 2020)

- **Direct Permanent Residency** (1 paso) — Unlike other visas, it grants permanent residency in a single step, with no prior provisional stage.
  - _Source: Decreto Ejecutivo 722 de 2020_
- **Real Estate Option** ($300K) — Investment in unencumbered real estate. 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.
  - _Source: Decreto Ejecutivo 722 de 2020_
- **Securities Option** ($500K) — US$500,000 invested in securities through a Panamanian brokerage regulated by the Securities Market Superintendency, held for at least 5 years.
  - _Source: Decreto Ejecutivo 722 de 2020_
- **Bank Deposit Option** ($750K) — US$750,000 fixed-term deposit in a Panamanian bank, free of encumbrances, for at least 5 years.
  - _Source: Decreto Ejecutivo 722 de 2020_
- **Fast Processing, Filing from Abroad** (~30-45 días) — Resolution in approximately 30-45 business days; the application can be filed from abroad through a legal representative in Panama.
  - _Source: Decreto Ejecutivo 722 de 2020_
### Business Investor Visa

- **US$160,000 Business Investment** ($160K) — Minimum investment of US$160,000 in the share capital of an operating Panamanian company, plus the creation of at least 5 Panamanian full-time jobs. Grants 2-year provisional residency first and later permanent residency (not direct permanent residency). The amount increases with additional dependents (approx. US$2,000 per dependent).
  - _Source: Decreto Ley 3 de 2008 y reglamentación migratoria_
- **Path to Permanence** — After provisional residency (generally 2 years), permanent residency can be requested while maintaining the investment and the company's operations.
  - _Source: Decreto Ley 3 de 2008_
### Family and Long-Term Benefits

- **Family Included** — Spouse and dependent children can be included in the application, with additional deposits or proof of solvency depending on the regime.
  - _Source: Decreto Ley 3 de 2008 / Decreto 722 de 2020_
- **Work Permit** — After obtaining residency, a work permit can be requested from the Ministry of Labor (MITRADEL).
  - _Source: Normativa laboral — MITRADEL (mitradel.gob.pa)_
- **Path to Citizenship** (5 años) — After 5 years of permanent residency, naturalization can be requested (a discretionary process requiring, among other things, basic Spanish and ties to the country).
  - _Source: Constitución de Panamá y legislación de naturalización_

## Frequently asked questions

### 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.

### 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.

_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._