Find out how to obtain permanent residency in Panama by investing as little as B/.300,000. Learn about the requirements, modalities, and benefits of the program for qualified investors.
Program Objective
The Permanent Resident Permit for Qualified Investors is designed to attract foreign direct investment to Panama, with immediate immigration benefits in exchange for a significant, transparent, and verifiable financial contribution.
Requirements and Benefits
- The Qualified Investor Permanent Resident Permit is designed to attract foreign direct investment to Panama, offering immediate immigration benefits in exchange for a significant, transparent, and verifiable financial contribution.
- Permanent residency from the start, with no need for continuous residency. You only need to enter Panama once every two years.
- Expedited processing: resolution within a maximum of 30 business days.
- High legal security and the possibility of applying for Panamanian nationality after five years.
Who can apply?
This permit is intended for foreign individuals or legal entities (in the latter case, the applicant must be the sole beneficial owner of the shares) who wish to establish residency in Panama through a capital investment that meets the legal requirements, both in amount and form.
Minimum investment amount
As of October 16, 2022, the minimum investment amount required for this subcategory is:
- B/.300,000.00 (three hundred thousand balboas)
- The investment must come from abroad and be verified by the competent authorities.
Authorized Investment Modalities:
Article 3 of the decree establishes four forms of investment accepted to qualify for this visa:
- Direct Real Estate Investment
- Purchase of one or more real estate properties registered in the Public Registry of Panama.
- Minimum total value: B/.300,000.00.
- Free of liens.
- The applicant must submit:
- Public Registry Certificate.
- Proof of the cadastral value and bank documentation supporting the source and origin of the funds.
2. Promise of Sale with Trust
- Purchase and sale agreement, backed by a trust in a bank or authorized local trust.
- All funds must be deposited and subject to disbursement according to contractual clauses.
- The following must be submitted:
- Certified copy of the promise contract.
- Certified copy of the trust agreement with proof of available funds.
3. Investment through a Brokerage House
- Purchase of securities listed on the Panama Stock Exchange, issued by issuers whose businesses have an impact on the national territory.
- Minimum amount: B/.300,000.00.
- Commitment to maintain the investment for at least five years.
- Required documents:
- Certification from the authorized Securities House.
- Resolutions issued by the SMV.
- Details of the titles and custodian entity.
4. Fixed Term Deposit in Bank
- Minimum amount: B/.750,000.00.
- Term: minimum five years.
- In a local general license bank.
- Funds must come from abroad and remain unencumbered.
Additional Requirements:
- Standard immigration documents:
- Complete and valid passport.
- Apostilled or legalized criminal record certificate.
- Medical examination performed in Panama.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Notarized power of attorney in favor of the appointed attorney.
- Immigration form.
- Certified checks:
- B/.5,000.00 to the National Treasury (procedure).
- B/.5,000.00 to Immigration (repatriation deposit).
- For dependents:
- For each dependent, the following is required:
- B/.1,000.00 to the National Treasury.
- B/.1,000.00 to Immigration.
- Documentation proving the relationship and additional solvency.
Fund Validation and Traceability
The applicant must demonstrate that the investment comes from abroad, through at least one of the following means:
- Letter from the issuing bank.
- Sealed account statement.
- Notarized letter from the recipient of the funds or bank certification.
- All documentation must be apostilled or legalized in accordance with international regulations.
The foreign origin of the funds must be verified through bank letters, account statements, or legalized and apostilled certifications.
Validity and Maintenance of Residence:
To maintain permanent residency, the investment must be held for a minimum period of five years. If this condition is not met, Immigration may revoke residency.
In the case of promises of sale, a fiduciary certification of compliance with partial payments must be provided annually.
Additional Times and Considerations
- Processing time: maximum 30 business days from the complete submission of the file.
- It can be processed before entering the country, through a special representative.
- The application must be submitted through the Special Processing Window of the National Immigration Service.
Why choose this visa?
- Permanent residence from the start (not provisional).
- Processing in 30 days.
- Continuous residency is not required; you simply need to enter Panama every two years.
- High legal security regarding the investment.
- Possibility of applying for nationality after five years.
Key Program Benefits
- Immediate access to permanent residence.
- Safe and controlled investment with traceability.
- Expedited process.
- Facility for families with dependents.
- Without obligation to live continuously in the country.
Apply for permanent residency in Panama today and start investing in your future!
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