One thing I love about some of the active Panama expat Facebook groups is how you can observe trends in the way people are thinking about and discussing Panama relocation. Over the last few months, one topic that has gained traction is the Panama Professional Visa program. And it’s easy to see why people are […]
Panama Residency via Panama’s Foreign Professional Visa Read More »
Panama stands out as one of the best places globally for relocation. With its vibrant capital, Panama City, and an array of picturesque tropical beaches, it’s no wonder that Panama is on more and more people’s radar as remote work continues to break down geographical borders and barriers. And one demographic that finds Panama especially
What to do if your Social Security Letter Doesn’t Say “Lifetime Benefit”? Read More »
Many years ago, some ambitious gentlemen built a big Canal running through Panama, propelling this tiny landbridge onto the world stage with a unique and exclusive role in international commerce. Thankfully, things have continued to go pretty well since then. Panama’s strategic location coupled with its growing economy and investor-friendly policies have made it widely
Unveiling the Panamanian Real Estate Share Transfer Strategy Read More »
When political tides get ready to shift, everybody wonders how it will affect them. The upcoming elections in Panama have prompted many questions about upcoming policy changes to the current immigration laws. Trying to time the market is a difficult game. But here are our thoughts on what the upcoming elections could mean for those
Will Elections in Panama Mean Changes to the Residency Laws? Read More »
A couple of weeks ago we exchanged emails with a new client who owns a handful of real estate assets in Panama. He holds the assets under two different S.A. entities, but the legal structure isn’t really based on any specific holding strategy. Now he is acquiring some more real estate, and he is a
Asset Protection: What is the Best Asset-Holding Structure? Read More »
For many people, the role of the “resident agent” in Panama is a bit of a mystery. To some extent, it represents passive income for local attorneys. But, as we will see below, current compliance requirements are making way less “passive” than it was in previous years. But what if things aren’t working out with
Resident Agent: How to Fire Your Panama Lawyer Read More »
This week, we are working on an article about some of the different types of legal structures that business owners and investors use for asset protection planning. Asset Protection is not just about Dodging Liabilities We tend to think about asset protection in terms of protecting against creditor claims and other liabilities (“limited liability“).
Rock-Solid Asset Protection Strategies to Limit Liability Read More »
The allure of Panama… with shiny Panama City set against the backdrop of a diverse landscape, a growing and dollar-based economy, and a strategic location right in the middle of the hemisphere. Not to mention the the world economy depends on the Panama Canal. There is quite a bit going on here for a relatively tiny country in Central America –
How Does a Real Estate Transaction in Panama Work? Read More »
Per leggere una versione di questo articolo in italiano, clicca qui! If you are an Italian passport holder dreaming of a tropical paradise, then the Panama-Italy Treaty Visa program is your key to unlocking a vibrant and laid-back lifestyle in Panama. This article will provide insights into the application process and requirements, as well as
The Panama-Italy Treaty Visa: Gateway to a Tropical Paradise Read More »
Interest rates and inflation are both on the rise worldwide. Market volatility has had an impact on the bottom line of many businesses, real estate investments and projects. Can you relate to any of this? You may be considering a capital call to your investors. This article will offer some recommendations for managing partners
Navigating a Capital Call with Finesse (while Maintaining Investor Confidence) Read More »
There are a few different paths to residency available to foreigners investing in government certified reforestation projects in Panama:
The Qualified Investor Visa is the only investor visa that offers an expedited process to directly obtain permanent residency in Panama.
To qualify, an applicant must make an investment that satisfies the following requirements:
The options above cannot be mixed and matched to satisfy the minimum investment threshold amount. The funds must also originate from outside of Panama to qualify.
The Self Economic Solvency Visa offers residency to foreigners who make a qualifying minimum investment in Panama, which include:
1. An equity investment of at least $300,000 USD in the purchase of a real state property in Panama.
2. A minimum 3-year certificate of deposit (“CD” or “Time Deposit”) of at least $300,000 USD in a bank in Panama.
3. A combination of 1 & 2.
This is a good option for someone who has already purchased real estate which does not quite satisfy the minimum investment requirement.
Spouses or dependents can also obtain residency with an additional investment of $2,000 USD for each additional applicant. Qualifying applicants will initially obtain residency for 2 years and may then apply for permanent residency.
The Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) offers one of the fastest and straightforward paths to residency for citizens of nations designated as “friendly” to Panama.
The minimum investment is $200,000 USD as equity in the purchase of a real state property in Panama or a minimum 3-year certificate of deposit (“CD” or “Time Deposit”) in a bank in Panama. Applicants who qualify can also obtain residency for their spouse or dependents with an additional investment of $2,000 USD for each additional applicant.
Applicants qualifying for the Business Investor Visa will initially obtain residency for 2 years and may then apply for permanent residency. The FNV also affords foreigners the opportunity to apply for a work permit in Panama.
Check whether you are likely to qualify by choosing which nation has issued your passport, or contact us to request a quote.
The Business Investor Visa is available to investors and entrepreneurs investing in a business in Panama.
To qualify, an applicant must invest a minimum $160,000 USD investment in capital stock of a Panamanian company.
Applicants who qualify can also obtain residency for their spouse or dependents with an additional investment of $2,000 USD for each additional applicant.
Applicants qualifying for the Business Investor Visa will initially obtain residency for 2 years and may then apply for permanent residency.
Once you have obtained permanent residency and held it for a period of 5 years, you can apply for Panamanian citizenship (and then a passport). If you are also married to a Panamanian or have children with a Panamanian parent, then you can apply after holding permanent residency for just 3 years.
Please contact me if you have questions or would like to discuss the application process and requirements.
With solid infrastructure and direct flights all around the hemisphere, Panama has become an increasingly popular destination for freelancers and remote workers doing business outside of Panama. The main requirements are:
1. Remote workers should provide a contract setting forth the employees main functions being performed abroad for a foreign company doing work on an international level. However, self-employed free-lancers can also apply.
2. Applicants should demonstrate an annual income of at least $36,000 USD (or $48,000 USD per family).
Qualifying digital nomads can obtain a 9-month residency, extendable to 18 months. And if you fall in love with Panama and want to talk about permanent residency after that, then I help you with longer-term residency options.
There are a few different residency options available to applicants with family ties to Panama. Some of the main options are as follows:
1. Married to a Panamanian
The main requirement is a real, legal and valid marriage with a Panamanian citizen. Qualifying applicants may apply for a permanent residency.
b. Panamanian Children
The parents of a child who a.) was born in Panama and b.) is over five years old may apply for permanent residency in Panama.
c. Dependents of a Panama resident
Generally speaking, a foreigner who has qualifies for residency in Panama can also obtain residency for their spouse and dependents. The requirements will vary depending on the type of residency visa.
Panama has created several different residency options to incentivize foreign investment. These visas offer several different paths to short-term or permanent residency based on different types of investments and minimum investment amounts.
The following Investor Visas are covered here (click each one for details):
Often referred to as the Jubilado (Retired Person) Visa because of its popularity among retirees, this is also a fast and affordable path toward permanent residency for applicants who qualify.
In fact, anyone over age 18 can apply so long as they satisfy the 2 main requirements:
1. A pension or annuity paying a minimum of $1,000 USD per month.
The annuity or pension can be paid by a private company, military, government agencies, corporations, a bank, an insurance company, or a Trust.
2. The pension or annuity must provide a lifetime benefit.
Qualifying applicants can obtain residency for their spouse as well, but the pension or annuity benefit should cover an additional $250 per month.
As an added benefit, the Pensioner Visa also grants discounts at restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, pharmacies and domestic airlines, making it a popular option for clients on a fixed income. The Pensioner Visa also affords foreigners the opportunity to apply for a 3-year, renewable work permit in Panama.
Applicants qualifying for the Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) will initially obtain residency for 2 years, and may then apply for permanent residency.
The FNV also affords foreigners the opportunity to apply for a work permit in Panama.
The FNV involves offers a very straightforward process and is one of the most affordable paths to residency in Panama for those who qualify.
For foreigners who wish to obtain a work permit to seek employment in Panama, there is a separate application process that begins only after having obtained residency.
Generally, anyone who has held residency in Panama for 10 years can apply for a work permit. However, there are much shorter and more direct processes to obtain a work permit depending on which visa process the applicant pursued to obtain residency.
Please contact us if you have questions or would like to discuss the application process and requirements.
