Permanent residence in Panama through investment
Fast application processing and a residence permit issued immediately for 5 years
- Status for all family members
- Favorable taxation
- Path to second citizenship
Fast application processing and a residence permit issued immediately for 5 years
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Panama’s investment program for obtaining permanent residence is chosen by high-net-worth foreign nationals who need a reliable status in Central America. The country offers investors 4 options — purchasing real estate, acquiring securities on the Panama Stock Exchange, placing a fixed-term deposit with a local bank, and establishing a company. Investment funds must originate from abroad and must be maintained for 5 years. Permanent residence is granted to a foreign national without the need to obtain temporary residence first, and to maintain the status, it is sufficient to visit Panama at least once every 2 years.
The permanent residence application may include a spouse, minor children, adult children under 25 enrolled in full-time education, as well as children with disabilities and financially dependent parents. No additional investment is required for each family member — only government fees are payable.
The program allows applicants to obtain permanent resident status without first obtaining temporary residence. From the moment the residence documents are issued, the investor and their family gain access to banking services, healthcare, and education on the same terms as Panamanian citizens.
The law establishes a 30-business-day period for reviewing permanent residence applications from the date of submission to the government authority. Qualified investor applications are processed separately by the National Immigration Service, which significantly reduces document review times.
To maintain the status, it is sufficient to visit Panama for at least 24 hours once every 2 years. There is also no requirement to take examinations or demonstrate ties to the country, which is especially important for international entrepreneurs, investors, and highly mobile professionals.
In Panama, only income earned directly within the country is subject to tax. Business income, capital gains, dividends, and interest received abroad are exempt from taxation.
The US dollar has the status of legal tender in Panama, allowing a permanent residence applicant to avoid currency risks during the investment process.
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iWorld specialists conduct a due diligence review of the investor, analyze their tax and financial history, and select the optimal investment structure.
Learn moreIWorld lawyers handle the collection, apostille, sworn translation into Spanish, and notarization of documents, while the completed dossier undergoes a thorough review for compliance with Panamanian legal requirements.
Learn moreThe dossier is submitted to the authorized Panamanian government authority by a licensed attorney, monitored in real time by iWorld specialists, and approved within 21 days.
Learn moreThe transfer of funds to Panama from abroad is supervised by iWorld specialists. The applicant invests in real estate or places a bank deposit, while documents confirming the investment are promptly prepared and submitted to the immigration authority.
Learn moreThe investor and family members participating in the program provide biometric data and receive a resident card (cédula E), while iWorld lawyers arrange the opening of a bank account, obtaining a driving license, and, where necessary, registration of a tax identification number.
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Yes. The applicant and adult family members undergo checks by the immigration service and MICI. Panamanian banks conduct their own due diligence.
The minimum participation threshold is USD 300,000. Government fees are payable additionally — USD 5,000 to the National Treasury and USD 2,000 for each family member included in the application.
The official application review period is 30 business days from the date the complete dossier is submitted. Taking into account document preparation, apostille, completion of the transaction, and receipt of the investment certificate from MICI, the overall process takes slightly more than one month.
To maintain permanent resident status, it is sufficient to visit Panama at least once every 2 years.
Yes. A joint application may include a spouse, children under 18, adult children under 25, children with disabilities without an age limit, and financially dependent parents.
The investment must be maintained for 5 years, with annual confirmation that it remains in place. Early use of the investment for personal purposes will result in the loss of resident status.
After 5 years of residence as a permanent resident, an application for citizenship may be submitted. The applicant will need to demonstrate ties to Panama, pass an examination in Spanish, history, and geography, and undergo an interview with the Electoral Tribunal.
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