This article will provide a broad, high-level overview of the process of applying for legal residency in Panama. For most of the residency visas that our office manages, the residency application processes themselves are pretty much identical. The distinguishing factors relate more to a.) the documents that go into the application package, and b.) the […]
The Residency Application Process Read More »
Most people who apply for Panama’s Pensionado Visa qualify based on a traditional pension or government benefit, such as Social Security, Veterans Affairs benefits, the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), or something similar. But those aren’t the only options. Panama’s Pensionado Visa can also allow an applicant to qualify based on a lifetime annuity from a
Can You Qualify for Panama’s Pensionado Visa With a Lifetime Annuity? Read More »
Ask and you shall receive…. Sometimes, it really is that easy. At least when it comes to a list of authorized labs in Panama. If you are an expat who has gotten your Panama driver’s license, then you probably know that there are a couple of different ways to go about it. On one hand,
Authorized Labs for a Panama Driver’s License Read More »
When seeking residency or a visa in Panama, most people anticipate having to navigate some government bureaucracy. But in preparing for your trip, don’t forget to plan for the dress code at the Panama immigration office. Yes, you read that right—the dress code. It’s not just about your documents or eligibility—how you dress matters, too.
What Not to Wear: Fashion Faux Pas That Could Delay Your Panama Visa Read More »
From a US citizen on one of the Facebook groups: Good afternoon, guys! We spoke a few weeks ago about the pensionado visa, and we are ready to get started! I understand we both need an FBI criminal background check, and that you we will need my pension letter and our marriage certificate. But can
How to Get the Apostille in the USA (and Why You Probably Shouldn’t) Read More »
“Shhh… don’t tell everybody!” This whispered warning has been making the rounds in expat circles as Panama lands firmly on the map as THE PLACE for retirement and international relocation in 2025. More people are applying for long-term residency than we’ve seen in years. So, it’s no wonder that those who’ve already discovered Panama’s charm are
Panama: The Top Destination for International Relocation in 2025 Read More »
The Republic of Panama is on the map these days! We have one of the most attractive Retirement and Pensioner Visas in the world right now. The President recently signed Executive Decree No. 193 keeping the minimum investment for Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa (the “Golden Visa” program) at $300k (USD). Not to mention a stable political environment,
Docs you MAY Need to Obtain for a Panama Visa Application Read More »
A few questions we receive pretty often: Does permanent residency in Panama come with a cedula? Is there an additional cost? Do you really need it? What is the difference between a “regular cedula” and an “E-cedula”? This short article will tell you everything you need to know. The Cedula vs. the E-cedula? A
Vale la Pena? Do Expats Really Need an E-Cedula Card? Read More »
A couple of months ago, we posted a video about what to do if the police report you submit for your Panama residency application has a few blemishes on it. We explained how our team can check whether old charges are likely to be a problem before our clients dive head-first into the residency application.
Have You Got a Few Blemishes on your Police Report? Read More »
A few months ago, we posted an article about potential upcoming changes to Panama’s residency laws in the context of the elections. We wrote that article because we were getting tons of inquiries from people all over the world concerned that obtaining Panama residency may become more difficult (or more expensive) under a new government administration.
Major Announcement about Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa! 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.
