Panama Qualified Investor Visa: Complete Guide to Fees, Requirements & Timeline
Panama's Qualified Investor Visa offers the fastest path to permanent residency in the country. Unlike the Friendly Nations Visa which requires a two-year provisional period, the Qualified Investor Visa grants immediate permanent residency in approximately 45-60 days.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the program, including investment thresholds, government fees, the application process, and the important October 2026 deadline.
Investment Options
The Qualified Investor Visa requires a minimum investment in one of three categories, with a mandatory 5-year lock-in period for all options:
| Investment Type | Minimum Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | $300,000 | Through October 2026, increases to $500,000 after |
| Stock Market | $500,000 | Panama Stock Exchange securities |
| Bank Deposit | $750,000 | 5-year fixed term deposit |
Real Estate Investment Flexibility
For the real estate option, Panama offers several flexible arrangements:
The investment must be verified and certified by Panamanian authorities before your application can proceed.
Government Fees Breakdown
The Qualified Investor Visa has specific government fees that apply to all applicants:
Main Applicant:
Each Dependent (age 12 and older):
Example A family of four (two adults, two children over 12) would pay approximately $14,000 in government fees, plus their qualifying investment and legal fees.
Timeline and Process
The application process follows these steps:
• Apostilled passport (valid for minimum 6 months)
• Criminal background check (valid 6 months, apostilled)
• Passport-style photographs
• Proof of investment funds
• Complete your qualifying investment in Panama
• Obtain certification from relevant authorities
• Real estate requires property registration
• Your lawyer submits the application with power of attorney
• Can be completed remotely, no need to be present in Panama
• All documents must be translated to Spanish if not already
• Current processing time: 45-60 business days
• Some cases may process faster depending on document completeness
• Permanent resident status granted upon approval
• No provisional period required
• Receive your cedula (resident ID card)
Annual Maintenance Requirement
This is one of the most important aspects of the Qualified Investor Visa that many applicants overlook:
You must prove your investment remains valid every year for 5 years.
Documentation by Investment Type:
Plan ahead and set calendar reminders. Missing this annual requirement can cost you your residency status.
Benefits of the Qualified Investor Visa
Immigration Benefits:
Tax Benefits:
Special Travel Document:
Under Law 493 of 2025, qualified investors and their dependents can obtain a special travel document that facilitates international travel.
Path to Citizenship
After 5 years of permanent residency, you become eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship. Requirements include:
Important Note on Dual Citizenship: Panama requires an oath renouncing your original citizenship. However, the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and most EU countries do not recognize this Panamanian oath. In practice, most applicants from these countries retain both passports.
October 2026 Deadline
The current $300,000 real estate threshold is temporary.
Under Decree 193 (October 2024), the reduced real estate minimum is only available until October 15, 2026. After this date:
Starting your process before late 2026 saves $200,000 in required capital.
If you're considering the real estate investment option, we strongly recommend beginning the process no later than mid-2026 to ensure your application is submitted before the threshold increases.
Qualified Investor vs Friendly Nations Visa
| Feature | Qualified Investor | Friendly Nations |
|---|---|---|
| Investment Required | $300,000 to $750,000 | $200,000 (business/real estate) |
| Time to Permanent | 45-60 days | 2 years |
| Government Fees | $10,000+ | Lower |
| Eligible Countries | Any nationality | 50+ approved nations |
| Physical Presence | Minimal | More required |
The Qualified Investor Visa is ideal for those who want immediate permanent status and have the capital available. The Friendly Nations Visa suits those from eligible countries who prefer a lower investment threshold and can wait for the 2-year provisional period.
Alternative: Panama Pacifico Program
For entrepreneurs, the Panama Pacifico special economic zone offers another pathway:
This option is best suited for those planning active business operations rather than passive investment.
Required Documents Checklist
Prepare the following documents for your application:
All documents not in Spanish require certified translation.
Ready to Start Your Application?
The Qualified Investor Visa offers the fastest, most straightforward path to Panama permanent residency. With the October 2026 deadline approaching for the $300,000 real estate threshold, now is the time to begin your process.
Our team can answer your questions about investment options, connect you with trusted real estate partners and immigration lawyers, and guide you through every step of the process.
