Panama created the Friendly Nations Visa to attract professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors from countries it considers economic and diplomatic allies. If you hold a passport from one of 50+ approved countries (including the USA, Canada, UK, most of the EU, and Australia), this program offers a clear path to permanent residency.
The program changed significantly in recent years. Originally, it granted immediate permanent residency. Now it works in two phases: a 2-year provisional residency followed by permanent residency. The investment requirements also increased.
Despite these changes, the Friendly Nations Visa remains one of the most popular Panama immigration programs for working-age professionals and investors.
Eligible Countries
Citizens of approximately 50 countries qualify, including:
North America USA, Canada, Mexico
Europe UK, Germany, France, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Portugal, Poland, Czech Republic, and most other EU nations
Asia Pacific Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan
Latin America Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Costa Rica, and others
Other Israel, South Africa
If your country is not on the list, consider the Self-Solvency Visa or Qualified Investor Visa instead, both of which accept any nationality.
Investment Requirements
You must demonstrate economic ties to Panama through one of these options:
Option 1: Real Estate - $200,000 minimum
Option 2: Bank Deposit - $200,000 minimum
Option 3: Employment
Additionally required Open a personal Panama bank account with $5,000 minimum balance. This demonstrates financial solvency. The balance does not need to be maintained after approval and can be used to cover costs.
Timeline and Process
Phase 1: Provisional Residency (6 months)
Phase 2: Wait Period (2 years)
Phase 3: Permanent Residency (6 months)
Total timeline: Approximately 2.5-3 years to permanent residency
Required Documents
Main Applicant:
For Spouse:
For Children:
All foreign documents must be apostilled by your Secretary of State or authenticated by a Panama consulate.
Costs
Government and Legal Fees:
| Applicant | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Main applicant | $3,000-3,500 |
| Dependent 12+ years | $1,800-2,200 |
| Dependent under 12 | $1,200-1,500 |
Plus your investment $200,000 (real estate or bank deposit)
Total budget example:
Costs vary by service provider. Get a specific quote based on your situation.
Benefits
Territorial Taxation
Work Authorization
Banking Access
Path to Citizenship
Minimal Presence Requirements
Friendly Nations vs Other Panama Options
| Feature | Friendly Nations | Qualified Investor | Self-Solvency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment | $200,000 | $300,000+ | $300,000 |
| Eligible Countries | 50+ nations | Any | Any |
| Time to Permanent | ~2.5 years | ~30 days | ~2.5 years |
| Best For | FN passport holders | Speed priority | Non-FN nationalities |
If you hold a passport from an eligible country and can wait 2+ years for permanent status, the Friendly Nations Visa offers a lower investment threshold than other options.
If speed matters more than cost, the Qualified Investor Visa gets you permanent residency in approximately 30 days, but requires $300,000+ investment.
Common Questions
Can I start the process while visiting as a tourist?
Yes. Many applicants enter Panama on a tourist visa, open their bank account, complete their investment, and submit their residency application before their tourist status expires.
Do I need a lawyer?
Legally, yes. Panama requires all immigration applications to be submitted by a licensed Panamanian attorney. This is not optional.
What if I am denied?
You can file a reconsideration or appeal. Denials are usually due to incomplete documentation or issues with the investment proof. Working with an experienced attorney minimizes this risk.
Can I include non-eligible family members?
Yes. Your spouse and children can be included as dependents even if they hold passports from non-eligible countries, as long as you (the main applicant) qualify.
What happens to my investment after approval?
Real estate: You own it and can sell after receiving permanent residency.
Bank deposit: Locked for 3 years per the certificate terms.
Is the Friendly Nations Visa Right for You?
This visa makes sense if you:
Consider other options if:
Next Steps
The Friendly Nations Visa offers a balanced path to Panama residency - lower investment than the Qualified Investor program, with work authorization and a clear route to citizenship.
*Last updated: February 2026. Requirements change periodically. We verify current requirements before every client engagement.*
