The Panama Golden Visa: Panama Residence by Investment
Panama Residence by Investment (Panama Golden Visa): Panama’s residence-by-investment program, also known as the Panama golden visa, offers individuals the opportunity to obtain residence by investing in Panama, which is an international banking center. It allows foreign nationals to invest in the country and apply for a residence permit.
Overview of the Panama Residence by Investment Program (Panama Golden Visa)
Panama has a well-developed, service-based economy. The government’s residence-by-investment program is an opportunity for global investors to contribute to the tropical maritime nation’s development while acquiring residence status and access to the program’s investment opportunities. Under this program, high-net-worth individuals can make a contribution to the country and become Panamanian residents with the possibility of acquiring citizenship after five years.
Key Benefits:
- The right to live, work, and study in Panama
- Access to the Central, South, and North American markets
- Residence applicable to a spouse, children under 18, children aged 18–25 who are single, full-time students with no children, children of any age who are physically or mentally differently abled, and parents of any age
- Eligibility to apply for citizenship after 5 years of residence
Requirements:
To qualify for residence, applicants are required to select one of the following three investment routes:
1. Qualified Investor
Investments must be held for at least 5 years to maintain permanent residence status. Additional government fees apply to the main applicant and dependents.
One of the following options:
- Real estate investment of USD 300,000
- Stock exchange investment of USD 500,000
- Fixed-term deposit of USD 750,000 in the banking sector
The investment can be made personally (in your name, as a natural person), or through a corporation, where you are the holder of 100% of the shares of the Corporation, or through a Panama Private Interest Foundation if the investor is the ultimate beneficiary of such a foundation. The invested funds must come from banks outside Panama.
2. Forestry Investor
Investment in a company that has a forest registry with the Ministry of Environment.
One of the following options:
- Investment of USD 100,000 in teak reforestation. This option grants two years of temporary residence, after which the applicant can apply for permanent residence
- Investment of USD 350,000 in teak reforestation. This option grants immediate permanent residence
3. Friendly Nations
For citizens of one of Panama’s ‘friendly nations’ (contact us for the latest list of friendly nations).
One of the following options:
- Real estate investment of USD 200,000
- Fixed-term deposit of USD 200,000
- Employment by a company in Panama for residence for labor reasons
The Following is the List of Friendly Countries, whose Citizens May Apply for this Residence Permit
Andorra, Germany, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Croatia, Chile, Cyprus, South Korea, Denmark, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, San Marino, Serbia, Switzerland, Sweden, Singapore, and Uruguay
Panamanian Citizenship Following Residence by Investment:
- Successful clients can apply for Panamanian citizenship after 5 years of residence. Citizens of some Latin American countries and Spain may acquire citizenship after one–three years.
- Get in touch with us at PanamaNewsroom@gmail.com if you need help finding an experienced lawyer!
- For cost information or further information, contact an experienced lawyer in Panama. A Panama visa immigration lawyer will contact you to guide you through the requirements and process to obtain a Panama residency of your choice.
