The Panamanian government has created several laws which, depending on the particular type of visa applied for, enable foreigners to obtain legal temporary or permanent residency, work permits and citizenship and/or passports in Panama.
Most of these laws have been created to promote foreign investment in the country which benefits the local environment or local economy of Panama. People wishing to immigrate to Panama have several options. Non-residents can apply for one of several visas. The following is intended as a brief summary of the most popular residency visas offered to foreigners.
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Visa Type
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Requirements
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Advantages
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Retired or Pensioned Program
(Visa Pensionado)
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Public pension fund Proof of lifetime pension for minimum of $1000/month + $250/month per dependant |
Permanent Residency + large number of discounts and tax exemptions
No Citizenship eligibility |
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Private pension plan Proof of lifetime pension for minimum of $1000/month + $250/month per dependant |
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Retiree Rentier
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Provide a 5-year time deposit (CD) at the Banco Nacional de Panama which must earn a minimum of $2000/month in interest income |
Obtain an immediate Panamanian Passport
No Citizenship or Permanent Residency eligibility
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Self Economic Solvency
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Option 1 Min. of $300,000 investment in 3-year time deposit (CD) at a licensed Panamanian Bank + $2000 per dependant |
Obtain a 2 years Temporary Immigrant Visa
After 2 years you may obtain a Permanent Residency Visa
After 5 years you may obtain a Panamanian Citizenship and Passport |
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Option 2 Min. of $300,000 investment in a titled property in Panama + $2000 per dependant |
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Option 3 Combination of option 1 and 2. The total amount is for $300,000
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Large Business Investor Program
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Invest a min. of $160,000 in an established or new business in Panama and employ at least 5 Panamanians paying them min. wage + social security benefits + $2000 per dependant |
Obtain Permanent Residency Visa after 2 years
After 5 years you may obtain a Panamanian Citizenship and Passport |
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Reforestation Investor
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Large business investment of at least $80,000 in a reforestation project + $2000 per dependant |
Obtain Permanent Residency Visa after 2 years
After 5 years you may obtain a Panamanian Citizenship and Passport |