Digital Nomad Visa
Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers launched for digital nomads working for foreign companies. Requires $36,000 annual income ($3,000/month) from non-Panama sources. Valid 9 months, renewable once for total 18 months stay. Must have contract with foreign entity - cannot work for Panamanian companies. Major benefit: territorial tax system means zero Panama income tax on foreign earnings. Application requires licensed attorney, processing typically 30 days. Costs: $250 application + $50 visa card. Must have international health insurance valid in Panama. Cannot convert to permanent residency but can apply for other visa types after. Popular with remote workers wanting to test Panama before committing to permanent residency programs.
Key Requirements:
- •$36,000 annual income ($3,000/month minimum)
- •Valid employment contract with foreign company
- •Cannot work for Panama-based companies
- +5 more requirements
Friendly Nations Visa
Panama's most popular residency program for citizens of 50+ "friendly" countries including US, Canada, EU, Australia. Requires minimum $5,000 bank deposit in Panama plus economic ties (employment, business, or $200,000 real estate investment). Grants two-year provisional residency, then eligible for permanent residency. Processing typically 3-6 months. Total costs $8,000-12,000 over two years including legal fees. No age restrictions, can include spouse, children under 25, and parents as dependents. After 5 years of permanent residency, eligible to apply for citizenship. Work rights included from start. Requires licensed Panamanian attorney to file application.
Key Requirements:
- •Citizenship from one of 50+ friendly nations (includes US, Canada, EU, Australia, UK)
- •Bank account in Panama with minimum $5,000 balance
- •Economic ties: employment, business formation, OR $200,000 real estate investment
- +4 more requirements
Panama Citizenship
Panamanian citizenship available after 5 years of permanent residency through any residency program (Pensionado, Friendly Nations, Investor). Requires passing Spanish language test and Panama history/civics test. Must demonstrate ties to Panama and good moral character. Dual citizenship permitted - Panama allows citizens to maintain other citizenships. Citizenship grants visa-free travel to 140+ countries including Schengen Area, UK, and much of Latin America. Application process takes 1-2 years after eligibility. Costs approximately $5,000-7,000 including legal fees. Children born in Panama to foreign parents can acquire citizenship. Marriage to Panamanian citizen reduces residency requirement to 3 years. Citizenship by descent available for those with Panamanian parents or grandparents.
Key Requirements:
- •5 years permanent residency (any program)
- •Pass Spanish language test
- •Pass Panama history and civics test
- +4 more requirements
Pensionado (Retirement) Visa
Panama's world-renowned retirement visa program, consistently rated as best retirement program globally. Requires only $1,000/month pension or lifetime income ($250 per dependent). Grants IMMEDIATE permanent residency (no provisional period). No age limit - open to retirees of any age with qualifying income. Famous "Pensionado Benefits" include 50% off entertainment, 25% off restaurants, 20% off medical consultations, 15% off hospital bills, and more. 97% approval rate with nearly 2,000 granted in 2024. Processing 2-4 months, total costs only $2,400-2,800. After 5 years, eligible for citizenship. Can include spouse and dependents. Must prove lifetime income source (pension, Social Security, annuity, trust distributions).
Key Requirements:
- •$1,000/month minimum pension or lifetime income
- •+$250/month for each dependent
- •Proof of lifetime income (pension statement, Social Security, annuity)
- +5 more requirements
Qualified Investor Visa
Fast-track permanent residency program for significant investors in Panama. Multiple investment options: $300,000+ in Panama real estate, $200,000+ in Panama company shares, $200,000+ in Panama bank fixed deposit (3+ years), or combination thereof. Fastest processing of all Panama programs at 2-3 months. Grants immediate permanent residency status. Can include family members. Particularly attractive for investors wanting quick permanent residency with substantial capital to deploy. Real estate investment is most popular option and can be residential or commercial. Properties can be rented out for income. After 5 years permanent residency, eligible for citizenship. Full work rights from day one.
Key Requirements:
- •Minimum $300,000 investment in Panama real estate, OR
- •Minimum $200,000 in Panama company shares, OR
- •Minimum $200,000 in 3+ year fixed deposit at Panama bank
- +4 more requirements
Reforestation Investor Visa
Agricultural and forestry investment pathway to Panama residency. Standard route requires $80,000-100,000 investment in certified reforestation projects (teak, pine, tropical fruits). Express track requires $350,000 investment for faster processing. Investment must be in minimum 5 hectares certified by Ministry of Environment. Grants 2-year provisional residency, then eligible for permanent residency. Investment must be maintained for 5 years after permanent residency approval. Popular with environmentally-conscious investors. Additional $2,000 per dependent. Properties can generate income from timber/fruit sales. After 5 years permanent residency, eligible for citizenship. Appeals to those wanting to combine residency with sustainable investment. Licensed attorney required for application.
Key Requirements:
- •Minimum $80,000-100,000 investment in certified reforestation project (standard), OR
- •Minimum $350,000 investment (express track for faster processing)
- •Investment in minimum 5 hectares of forest land
- +8 more requirements
Self-Economic Solvency Visa (PEC)
High net worth individual pathway requiring $300,000 investment in Panama. Investment options: real estate ($300K+ property), bank fixed deposit (3-year CD at Panama bank), or combination. Shows economic self-sufficiency without needing employment. Grants 2-year provisional residency, then eligible for permanent residency. Must maintain minimum $10,000 in Panama bank account. Additional $2,000 per dependent. Property must be mortgage-free and registered in applicant's name. Bank deposits must be 3+ year term. After provisional period and maintaining investment, converts to permanent residency. Appeals to retirees and investors who don't qualify for Pensionado but want passive residency. After 5 years permanent residency, eligible for citizenship. Full work rights though typically used by those not seeking employment.
Key Requirements:
- •Minimum $300,000 total investment
- •Investment options: Real estate ($300K+ property free of mortgage), OR
- •3-year certificate of deposit at Panama bank ($300K+), OR
- +8 more requirements