Panama Residency by Investment Program: A Complete Guide
In this article:
Panama Residency by Investment Program: What Is It & How Much Does It Cost?
Obtaining permanent residency in Panama can be an excellent Plan B option for Bitcoiners seeking greater financial sovereignty. Besides being bitcoin-friendly, the country has a favorable territorial tax system, making it a haven for investors.
In this guide, we’ll explore what the Panama residency by investment program is and how much it costs. Additionally, you’ll get a step-by-step guide on how to apply for residency through investing in Panama.
TL;DR
- Panama has a residency by investment program, allowing foreigners to gain permanent residency through various investment options.
- The program is attractive to Bitcoiners seeking a bitcoin-friendly environment, financial freedom, and jurisdictional diversification.
- Three main Panama residency by investment program options are the Qualified Investor Program, the Friendly Nations Visa, and the Reforestation Visa.
What Is the Panama Residency by Investment Program?
The Panama residency by investment program is a government-backed initiative launched to allow foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency in Panama by making an eligible financial investment.
Designed to attract foreign investors and high-net-worth individuals, the program proposes various investment options. These include:
- a real estate investment starting at $300,000;
- a minimum investment of $500,000 in the Panama securities exchange;
- and a fixed-term bank deposit of $750,000.
Additionally, under the Qualified Investor Program, applicants can secure a Panama permanent residency by investment in as little as 30 days.
Panama doesn’t offer direct citizenship by investment, but foreign investors who obtain residency through the program can become eligible for citizenship after five years of continuous legal residency.
For bitcoin holders, bitcoin can be your passport to crypto-friendly jurisdictions like Panama. This way, the permanent residency by investment program provides a path to Panama citizenship by investment, along with the added benefit of no tax on offshore income, including gains from bitcoin trading.
“Panama’s residency by investment program is a strategic move for Bitcoiners who value financial freedom, mobility, and financial privacy. With bitcoin-friendly policies, a favorable territorial tax system, and no tax on foreign income, Panama offers Bitcoiners a practical path to achieving financial sovereignty in one of the most accessible jurisdictions in the world,” explains Tony Yazbeck, co-founder of The Bitcoin Way.
Panama Permanent Residency by Investment: Here Are Your Options!
Panama offers various routes for foreign individuals to obtain permanent residency through investment. Each option is designed to cater to different financial goals and timelines.
Whether it’s making a fixed deposit, investing in real estate, or participating in Panama’s securities market, flexible options are available to investors to secure permanent residency. At the same time, they can enjoy its favorable tax system and bitcoin-friendly policies.
Top 3 Panama Residency by Investment Options: A Quick Overview
Below are the top three Panama residency by investment options worth considering:
Qualified Investor Program
The Qualified Investor Visa is Panama’s leading option for attaining residency. It’s specifically designed for foreign nationals who are willing to make a significant investment in the country.
What sets this program apart from the others is its process efficiency, as permanent residency is typically granted within 30 business days. This is under the condition that the investor meets one of the following capital thresholds:
- Real Estate Investment: Minimum of $300,000 in titled Panamanian property
- Panama Securities Market: Minimum of $500,000 in approved financial instruments
- Fixed-term Bank Deposit: $750,000 placed in a five-year term with a licensed Panamanian bank
All investment capital for the Qualified Investor Program must originate from outside of Panama, and the application process can be initiated remotely. However, once the visa is approved, the applicant and any dependents must travel to Panama to complete the residency application.
Friendly Nations Visa
The Friendly Nations Visa remains one of the country’s most accessible and popular residency options. The visa is intended for citizens of over 50 countries with strong diplomatic and economic ties to Panama.
Candidates can qualify in one of the following ways:
- Employment: Securing a formal job offer or employment contract with a Panamanian company
- Investment: Making a minimum $200,000 investment in Panamanian real estate or placing the same amount in a fixed-term deposit with a licensed local bank
Applicants under this program initially receive temporary residency, with the option to apply for permanent residency after two years.
For bitcoin investors from qualifying countries, the Friendly Nations Visa represents a flexible and practical road to permanent residency in a politically stable, tax-efficient, and crypto-friendly jurisdiction.
Forestry Investor Visa
Otherwise known as the Reforestation Visa, the Forestry Visa presents investors with a unique route to Panama residency.
Designed for eco-conscious investors, the program allows foreign investors to contribute to government-approved reforestation projects overseen by the country’s Ministry of Environment. The program has two investment options:
- Regular Pathway: Requires a minimum investment of $100,000 for a minimum investment term of five years.
- Express Pathway: Requires a minimum investment of $350,000 for a minimum investment term of five years
The regular path grants temporary residency for the duration of two years, after which applicants may apply for permanent status. By comparison, the express model results in immediate permanent residency upon approval.
Each Panama Residency by Investment Program comes with its own advantages and is adapted to different financial goals and lifestyle preferences. To make sure you choose the most suitable option, book your free consultation with our experts at The Bitcoin Way to discuss your Panama residency by investment options.
[EMBED: Holding Bitcoin? You Need a Plan B Residency]
How Much Does Panama Residency by Investment Cost?
The cost of obtaining residency in Panama through investment depends on the selected visa program and the nature of the investment you’re making. Although all options involve a financial commitment, Panama remains one of the more accessible countries for residency by investment compared to other nations.
Below is a breakdown of the minimum investment requirements by program, estimated government fees, legal and administrative costs, and other potential costs.
Minimum Investment Requirements by Program
Qualified Investor Program
- Real Estate: Minimum investment of $300,000
- Securities in the Panama Stock Market: Minimum investment of $500,000
- Fixed Bank Deposit: Minimum investment of $750,000 for a five-year term
Friendly Nations Visa
- Real Estate: Minimum investment of $200,000
- Fixed-term Bank Deposit: Minimum investment of $200,000
Reforestation Investor Visa
- Regular Pathway: Minimum investment of $100,000
- Express Pathway: Minimum investment of $360,000
Additional Government Fees
In addition to the investment capital, applicants are required to pay government fees as part of the application process. These fees vary depending on the specific visa program and include:
Legal and Administrative Costs
Besides your investment capital and government fees, you’ll need to account for legal and administrative expenses. They vary based on the visa type, service provider, and complexity of your application.
Other Potential Costs
Other potential costs you might incur include:
How to Apply for Panama Residency by Investment, Step-by-Step
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for Panama permanent residency by investment. This process may differ slightly depending on the visa option.
1. Choose your preferred investment program
Research and decide whether you will invest in real estate, reforestation, start a business, make a fixed-term bank deposit, find employment, or invest in the Panama securities exchange.
2. Consult a licensed Panamanian immigration lawyer or law firm
Engage a Panamanian immigration lawyer to guide you through the legal and regulatory requirements for your selected visa program. Do note that all visa applications must be submitted through a Panamanian lawyer or law firm. If you work with The Bitcoin Way, we will handle this for you.
3. Gather required documents
Prepare and notarize all required documents. This includes passport copies, health certificates, police clearance certificates, proof of funds, marriage or birth certificates (if applying with family members), investment evidence, and similar documents.
4. Translate required documents
Panamanian immigration requires all foreign documents to be apostilled or authenticated and officially translated into Spanish, so make sure you have completed this requirement.
5. Fulfill investment requirements
Transfer your funds from outside of Panama and complete the investment according to the selected Panama permanent residency by investment program.
6. Travel to Panama
You and your dependents (where applicable) must travel and enter Panama to complete biometric registration and receive your temporary residency card.
7. Submit application
Your lawyer will file your application with Panama’s Immigration Service, after which you’ll receive a six-month temporary residency card as your permanent status is being processed.
8. Await approval
After submitting all the required documents, paying the necessary fees, and receiving your temporary residency card, you will enter the approval phase. Processing times vary by program, ranging from as little as 30 days for the Qualified Investor Visa to up to six months for others.
9. Obtain your residency card
Once approved, you'll be issued your official residency card, confirming your permanent residency status in Panama.
Start Your Panama Residency Journey With The Bitcoin Way
If you want to explore your Plan B residency in Panama, it’s best to consult professionals who have the experience and expertise on the matter. This will help you avoid costly mistakes.
The Bitcoin Way supplies personalized guidance on the most cost-effective way to secure Panama residency by investment in a bitcoin-friendly place with an exceptional quality of life.
Disclaimer: Please be advised that the information provided in this article is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute tax advice. The complexities of tax law vary significantly based on individual circumstances, jurisdiction, and ongoing legislative changes. We urge you to consult with a qualified tax advisor or professional for personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation before taking any action that may have tax implications. The Bitcoin Way expressly disclaims any liability for decisions made or actions taken based on the information provided in this article.
FAQs
Is it possible to gain Panama citizenship by investment?
Panama doesn’t have a direct citizenship by investment program. However, the country provides several residency by investment options that can lead to citizenship after five years of legal residency. Qualified investors may then become eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship.
How much does it cost to get residency in Panama?
The cost of obtaining residency in Panama varies depending on the investment program and individual circumstances. In general, residency through investment requires a capital investment ranging from $100,000 to $750,000. Other legal, government, and processing fees typically add several thousand dollars to the total cost.
How do you qualify for a golden visa in Panama?
You can qualify for a golden visa in Panama by making a qualifying investment through one of several programs, like the Qualified Investor Visa. Applicants must invest between $300,000 and $750,000 in a fixed-term bank deposit, real estate, or securities, with all funds coming from outside Panama and held for a minimum of five years. Additionally, you must have a valid passport, a police clearance certificate, a health certificate issued in Panama, and proof of economic solvency.
How much should I invest in Panama to get citizenship?
To become eligible for Panama citizenship by investment, you will first need to obtain a permanent residency via one of the country’s residency by investment visa programs. You can achieve this by investing between $100,000 and $750,000 in different program options. After securing permanent residency status this way and maintaining it for five years, you will be able to apply for Panamanian citizenship.
What are the requirements for Panama residency in 2025?
Panama provides a wide range of residency programs for foreigners interested in living, investing, working, or retiring in the country. Although specific requirements vary depending on the type of visa, the necessary documents typically include a valid passport, a recent police clearance from your country of residence, a medical certificate issued by a Panamanian doctor, proof of financial means or investment, passport-sized photos, and completed application forms. All visa applications must be processed through a licensed Panamanian attorney, and any foreign documents must be properly apostilled and notarized before submission.