Panama

Apply for the Panama Qualified Investor Visa

Want permanent residency in in Panama without having to live there full-time? The Panama Qualified Investor Visa offers one of the most rapid, tax-friendly, flexible second residency options on Earth.

Panama Qualified Investor Visa

Why Apply for the Panama Qualified Investor Visa

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Minimal Stay Requirement

You don’t have to live in Panama full-time. Just visit once every two years to keep it active.

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Geopolitical Hedge

Gain legal status in a safe, neutral country with territorial taxation, US dollar banking, and regional access.

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Flexible Investment Routes

Pick your investment path: Real estate, local stocks, or a fixed bank deposit. 

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Path to Citizenship

After 5 years of living in Panama, you can apply for citizenship and a strong second passport.

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Fast Approval Process

Permanent residency in 30-90 days. No years-long backlogs like in Europe. 

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Who is the Panama Qualified Investor Visa for?

Investors

Diversification Seekers

If you want a real Plan B, this visa and jurisdiction gives you property rights, banking access, and second residency before you need it most.

Freedom Files Retirees

Tax-Conscious Retirees

Want to reduce your future tax exposure? Panama does not tax foreign income and allows you to spend time in a tropical, expat-friendly environment.

Freedom Files Digital Nomads

Remote Professionals

If you work from anywhere, why not make that “anywhere” a country with great weather, a cosmopolitan capital, and low taxes?

Panama Qualified Investor Visa Requirements

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Qualifying Investment

Choose one of the following:

  • US$300,000 in titled Panama real estate.
  • US$500,000 in Panama Stock Exchange securities.
  • Or US$750,000 in a 5-year, fixed-term deposit in a Panamanian bank.
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Source of Funds

Funds must come from outside Panama and be legally sourced. You’ll need to show documentation and transfer records.

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Holding Period

You must maintain your investment for 5 years. Your residency will be revoked if you withdraw your investment early.

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Clean Background

You’ll need a recent FBI report or police clearance apostilled for use in Panama.

Healthcare health

Health Certificate

Quick and easy once you’re in-country, a certification of your health must be issued by a licensed Panamanian doctor.

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Translations & Apostilles

All documents in English must be translated into Spanish and apostilled and legalized for use in Panama.

Request Your Panama Qualified Investor Visa Infosheet

The Panama Qualified Investor Visa Process

Step 1

Strategy Call

Book a Freedom Consult with our expat experts to determine if the Panama Qualified Investor Visa is the right path for you, choose the right investment route, and structure it properly.

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Step 2

Prepare & Make Investment

Transfer qualifying investment funds to Panama and finalize purchase of pre-approved real estate, stock market securities, or fixed deposit.

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Step 3

Document Preparation

We gather and translate all the documents necessary for your residency application. Collect your passport, passport photos, proof of investment, criminal background check, health certificate, proof of relationship for dependents, and other documents.

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Step 4

Legalize Documents

Get all your foreign documents apostilled and translated into Spanish by an official translator. The Freedom Files handles this for you.

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Step 5

Travel to Panama

Travel to Panama and submit your Qualified Investor Visa application package in person with the Freedom Files. You’ll also complete a medical exam and take a photo for your eventual ID.

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Step 6

Temporary Card Issued

You receive a temporary residency card while the government processes your fast-track application. Once approved (typically within 30 days), you can collect your permanent residency card in Panama.

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Step 7

Maintain Residency

Maintain your Qualified Investor Visa-qualifying investment for at least five years and visit Panama at least once every two years.

Step 8

Apply for Citizenship

After five years of physical residency in Panama, you can apply for citizenship and a passport. Panama does allow dual citizenship.

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FAQs About the Panama Qualified Investor Visa

How Much Does the Panama Qualified Investor Visa Cost?

The minimum qualifying investment for the Qualified Investor Visa is US$300,000. You can also expect around US$10,000 in government fees. The Freedom Files also offers all-inclusive service packages starting at a low price to help you through the process, fast-track your application, and avoid the scams and mistakes that plague other investors.

If I Get the Panama Qualified Investor Visa, When Can I Get Panamanian Citizenship?

After five years of holding permanent residency and living in Panama. You must show ties to Panama (like actual residence in the country, societal integration), basic Spanish proficiency, and pass a civics interview. The President eventually signs off on all naturalization applications.

Will Panama Tax My Foreign Income If I Have a Qualified Investor Visa?

No. Panama operates on a territorial tax system, so the government does not tax income earned outside the country. You can live there – on the Qualified Investor Visa or other residency program – tax-free depending on your personal structure.

How Long Does the Qualified Investor Visa Application Process Take?

30-90 days. Once you make your investment and submit your Qualified Investor Visa application in Panama, you can receive permanent residency in as little as 30 business days.

Can I Include My Family in the Qualified Investor Visa Application?

Yes. Spouse and dependent children can be included in your Qualified Investor Visa application with the proper documentation. You’ll need marriage and birth certificates (apostilled and translated), and additional fees will apply.

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