Panama has updated its Permanent Residency Program for Qualified Investors through Executive Decree No. 17 of September 8, 2026, published in Official Gazette No. 30613 on September 16, 2026.
The new regulations reorganize the available investment options, strengthen the verification of the source and traceability of funds, and establish clearer procedures for foreign investors seeking permanent residency in Panama.
Main investment options
Foreign nationals may apply through any of the following investment options:
- New or first-sale real estate: minimum investment of US$300,000.00.
- Secondary-market real estate: minimum investment of US$500,000.00.
- Real estate purchase agreement: minimum investment of US$300,000.00, subject to trust or bank-guarantee requirements.
- Panamanian securities market: minimum investment of US$500,000.00.
- Fixed-term deposit with a private bank: minimum investment of US$750,000.00.
- Fixed-term deposit with Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros: minimum investment of US$500,000.00.
The funds must come from a foreign source, belong to the applicant and be supported by documentation establishing their origin, transfer, ownership and use.
Important requirements and conditions
The qualifying investment must be maintained for at least five years and verified annually before the Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
The principal applicant must make payments of US$5,000.00 to the National Treasury and US$5,000.00 to the National Immigration Service. For each dependent, payments of US$1,000.00 to each institution are required.
The procedure establishes maximum processing periods of:
- 15 business days for the Investment Certification once the complete application has been formally accepted.
- 30 business days for the immigration decision once the complete file has been formally received.
An application may also be filed through a duly authorized attorney before the investor enters Panama. However, the applicant and dependents must subsequently complete their immigration registration and biometric enrollment.
Qualified investors and their dependents may also apply for Panamanian citizenship by naturalization after completing five consecutive years of residence, provided that all applicable constitutional and legal requirements are satisfied.
Legal assistance for foreign investors
Each investment option requires a careful review of the investment, source of funds, banking documentation, corporate structure and immigration requirements. Proper legal planning can help prevent delays and avoid difficulties during the review of the application.
📞 Contact Us
If you wish to invest and establish legal residence in Panama, we can evaluate your circumstances, identify the most appropriate investment option and guide you through every stage of the immigration process.
Edgardo Espinosa, Esq.
Attorney – Authorized Public Translator and Interpreter
📱 Telephone and WhatsApp: +507 6290-3468
📧 Email: info@lawyerinpanama.com
🌐 Website: www.lawyerinpanama.com
📍 Panama City Office: The Century Tower, 4th floor, Office 401, Ricardo J. Alfaro Avenue, Panama City.
Panama offers several permanent residency options for foreign investors. Contact us today to evaluate your eligibility and begin your immigration process.
The information provided above is general in nature and does not replace an individual legal assessment.