Panama Golden Visa

Panama Investor Visa

Panama offers several residency visa programs through investment.  In return the investor, spouse and dependent children will be offered a residency visa and may eventually qualify for citizenship.

Permanent Residency Panama

Panama Golden Visa – Qualified Investor Visa

Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa provides a direct route to permanent residency through a real estate investment of $300,000. Investors are granted permanent residency from day one, with the opportunity to apply for citizenship after five years of holding that status. Originally, the minimum threshold was scheduled to rise to $500,000, but the Panamanian government has extended the $300,000 option until at least October 2026, presenting a valuable window of opportunity. La Vida offers a range of pre-approved real estate projects that meet all program requirements and streamline the process for applicants.

Friendly Nations Visa – Reduced Real Estate Route

For nationals of Panama’s designated Friendly Nations, which include countries like the USA, Mexico, New Zealand, South Africa, and the UK, the Friendly Nations Visa offers a lower-cost residency pathway. By investing $200,000 in real estate or placing a similar amount in a fixed-term deposit, investors can obtain a two-year provisional residency, with the option to transition to permanent residency thereafter. This route can also lead to citizenship eligibility after five years of holding PR. It remains a highly attractive option for qualifying passport holders seeking a cost-effective and flexible residency solution in Panama. Contact La Vida to discover if you qualify under the reduced friendly nations route.

Panama Citizenship by Investment

Citizenship by investment in Panama is not possible directly through this programme. However the investor and their family can apply for citizenship after five years of permanent residency in Panama.

Panama Citizenship Requirements 

• Maintain legal residency in Panama for at least five years
• Demonstrate good moral character and a clean criminal record
• Show basic proficiency in Spanish
• Pass a citizenship interview
• Provide documentation confirming economic or personal ties to Panama (such as business activity, family presence, or time spent in the country

Panama Passport Access

The Panama passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 156 countries and territories, including the Schengen Area, the UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Ranked 68th globally on La Vida’s Passport Value Index, it offers strong mobility benefits. However, Panama generally does not permit dual citizenship for naturalized individuals. As such, applicants should carefully assess whether acquiring Panamanian nationality aligns with their long-term strategy, or consider alternative programs that allow retention of their original citizenship.

Alternative Programs

The only downside to the Panama programme is that it requires permanent residency in the country in order to later apply for citizenship and a passport. The process will therefore take a minimum of five years. La Vida offers other official and established programs such as St Lucia and Antigua that offer immediate citizenship and a second passport without the need to reside. See a selection of some of our programmes below.

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Panama Golden Visa FAQ’s

What is the Panama Golden Visa?

The Panama Golden Visa, also known as the Qualified Investor Visa, allows investors to obtain permanent residency in Panama by making a real estate investment of $300,000. This program grants permanent residency from day one, and after five years of holding this status, investors and their families may apply for citizenship.

How much does Panama’s Golden Visa cost?

To qualify for the Panama Golden Visa, you must invest at least $300,000 in pre-approved real estate. This threshold is valid until at least October 2026. The Friendly Nations Visa offers a lower threshold of $200,000 for nationals of designated countries, either through real estate or a fixed-term deposit.

Can I obtain Panama citizenship through investment?

Panama does not offer direct citizenship by investment. However, after maintaining permanent residency for five years, you may apply for citizenship, provided you meet additional requirements such as language proficiency and demonstrating ties to Panama.

What is the Panama Friendly Nations Visa and who is eligible?

The Friendly Nations Visa is available to citizens of designated countries (including the USA, UK, Mexico, New Zealand, and South Africa). It requires a $200,000 investment in real estate or a fixed-term deposit. This visa grants a two-year provisional residency, which can be converted to permanent residency and eventually citizenship after five years.

Does Panama allow dual citizenship?

Panama generally does not permit dual citizenship for naturalized individuals. Applicants should consider whether renouncing their original citizenship aligns with their long-term goals. If you wish to hold more than one citizenship, then there are many other CBI programs available that do permit dual citizenship, such as Grenada, or St Kitts.

What are the Panama passport benefits?

A Panama passport offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 156 countries, including the Schengen Area, UK, Hong Kong, and Singapore. It is ranked 68th on our La Vida Passport Report.