Permanent residency through investment
A residency category built for foreign capital.
Panama offers international investors an opportunity to combine investment with long-term residency through its Qualified Investor (Inversionista Calificado) Program. Designed to attract foreign capital and high-net-worth investors, the programme provides a pathway to permanent residency in Panama through qualifying investments in real estate and other approved investment categories.
Whether your objective is international diversification, acquiring property, establishing a second residence, expanding your business interests, or creating a long-term base in Latin America, Panama offers a compelling combination of investment opportunity and residency.
Minimum qualifying real estate investment under the current rules, free of liens.
Structured as an application for permanent resident status, not a temporary permit.
The qualifying investment must generally be maintained for at least five years.
The process can begin outside Panama through local legal representation.
The Qualified Investor Program was established as a permanent residency category for foreign investors making qualifying investments with funds originating from abroad. Unlike programmes that begin with temporary residency, the Qualified Investor route is structured as an application for permanent resident status.
Investor Program
Panama Qualified Investor residency programme.
The Inversionista Calificado, or Qualified Investor Program, is a permanent residency pathway created by Panama for foreign nationals who make qualifying investments in the country. It falls within Panama's permanent residence category for economic reasons and was originally established through Executive Decree No. 722 of 15 October 2020, with subsequent amendments.
Who is the programme for?
- ✓International real estate investors
- ✓High-net-worth individuals and families
- ✓Business owners and entrepreneurs
- ✓Investors seeking geographic diversification
- ✓Individuals considering a second residence
- ✓Investors seeking exposure to Panama and Latin America
- ✓Families planning an international relocation or long-term contingency strategy
Key programme features
Permanent residency
A route to permanent residency rather than merely establishing an initial temporary investor status.
Foreign capital
The qualifying investment must be made using funds originating from outside Panama.
Multiple investment routes
Qualification may be established through real estate, qualifying securities investments, or an eligible fixed-term bank deposit.
Investment holding requirement
The qualifying investment generally must be maintained for at least five years. Panama's official investment promotion authority describes this five-year maintenance requirement for Qualified Investors.
International application process
Panama designed the programme to allow investors to begin the process from abroad through a local attorney, with completion of the applicable immigration formalities in Panama.
Indicative costs
What sits above the qualifying investment.
Government and professional fees are additional to your qualifying capital. Set your family composition below for an indicative figure.
Figures are indicative only and are not a quotation. Government fees are set by decree and may change. Notarial costs, apostilles, translations, property transfer tax and title-search costs vary by case. Confirm all amounts with qualified Panamanian professionals before committing capital.
Indicative cost
One applicant.
Invest in Panama. Establish residency. Build a long-term international strategy.
Whether you are considering US$300,000+ in Panama real estate, exploring another qualifying investment, relocating your family, establishing a second residence, or expanding your investments into Latin America, our team can help you understand the opportunities available.