51
Countries on the list
$200K
Property or bank deposit
2 years
Temporary, then permanent
3–6
Months to approval, typically
How the Visa Works
In short: The Friendly Nations visa gives citizens of 51 countries, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and most of the EU, two years of temporary residency in Panama, followed by permanent residency. You qualify with a property worth at least US$200,000, a US$200,000 three-year bank deposit, or a job with a Panamanian company.
Panama created the visa for professionals and investors from countries it has close economic and diplomatic ties with. Ecuador became the 51st country on the list under Executive Decree 16, in force from 1 September 2026.
For many buyers it is the lowest-cost route to residency through property: US$100,000 less than the Qualified Investor visa’s new-property minimum. Compare every visa option.
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with a licensed Panamanian immigration attorney.
The 51 Friendly Nations
The current list, including Ecuador under Executive Decree 16 of 2026. The government changes it by decree, so confirm your country with your attorney before you start.
Europe (32)
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom
The Americas (10)
Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador (added September 2026), Mexico, Paraguay, United States, Uruguay
Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa (9)
Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Taiwan
Is Friendly Nations Right for You?
Your Country Is on the List
At US$200,000, it is the lowest property amount for residency in Panama, and new and resale homes both count. The trade-off is two years of temporary status before permanent residency.
You Want Permanent Residency Now
The Qualified Investor visa gives permanent residency from the start, from US$300,000 in new or pre-construction property or US$500,000 in resale.
You Are Retired With a Pension
The Pensionado visa needs a lifetime pension of US$1,000 a month, or US$750 with a US$100,000 property, and comes with retiree discounts.
Who Can Apply
The four basic requirements, whichever route you choose.
Citizenship of a Listed Country
Your passport decides eligibility, not where you live. A Canadian living in Mexico qualifies; a resident of Canada whose passport is from an unlisted country does not.
An Adult Main Applicant
The main applicant must be 18 or older. A spouse, children and dependent parents can be added to your application.
A Clean Criminal Record
An apostilled police clearance from your country of residence, issued within six months of filing.
Good Health and an Economic Tie
A health certificate from a Panamanian doctor, plus one economic tie to Panama: property, a bank deposit or a job.
Bringing Your Family and Keeping Your Status
What dependants need, and what it takes to keep your residency once you have it.
Adding Dependants
Your spouse, children under 18 (or up to 25 if single, studying full time and financially dependent) and dependent parents can apply with you. Each needs a passport, an apostilled police clearance and a Panamanian health certificate, and pays their own government fees. Birth and marriage certificates must be apostilled and translated into Spanish.
Keeping Your Residency
Keep the qualifying property, deposit or job through the two years of temporary residency, and visit Panama at least once in that time. Once you are permanent, avoid being away for more than two years in a row. After five years as a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship.
Three Ways to Qualify
You need one economic tie to Panama. These are the options, and what to watch for.
Real Estate: US$200,000
Property in Panama, new or resale, worth at least US$200,000 and registered in the Public Registry in your name or a Panamanian company you control. It must be free of liens.
Bank Deposit: US$200,000
A three-year fixed-term deposit of at least US$200,000 at a Panamanian bank. You can use the interest, but the principal stays locked for the full term.
Employment Contract
A job offer or contract with a company legally established in Panama. There is no minimum salary, but your employer must get a work permit from the Ministry of Labour before you start.
Funds From Abroad
For property or a deposit, your attorney will ask for proof that the money came from outside Panama, such as international wire records. Keep every transfer document from the start.
Can I Work in Panama?
Not automatically. The visa gives you residency, not the right to work. Once you hold temporary residency, you can apply to the Ministry of Labour for a work permit.
Property or Deposit?
A deposit is simple and you get it back after three years. Property gives you a home or rental income and can grow in value, so many buyers choose it because it does both jobs.
How the Process Works
01
Check Your Passport and Route
Confirm your citizenship is on the list and choose property, a deposit or a job. Your attorney confirms the details for your nationality.
02
Buy Property or Open the Deposit
With property, your own attorney checks title, liens and the deed value. Funds arrive by international wire so the source is documented.
03
Gather Your Documents
Passport, apostilled police clearance, apostilled birth and marriage certificates for dependants, and certified Spanish translations.
04
Your Attorney Files
A licensed Panamanian attorney files with the National Immigration Service. You attend in person for biometrics and receive a temporary card while the file is reviewed.
05
Fees and Approval
Government fees are about US$1,050 per applicant, plus card and attorney fees. Approval typically takes three to six months and gives two years of temporary residency.
06
Apply for Permanent Residency
After two years, apply for permanent residency while you still hold the property, deposit or job. Five years after that, you can apply for citizenship.
Documents and Due Diligence
What your attorney will usually ask for, and what we check before you buy.
Documents Commonly Required
Passport valid for at least six months, with certified copies
Apostilled police clearance, issued within six months of filing
Health certificate from a Panamanian doctor
Apostilled birth and marriage certificates for dependants
Proof of your economic tie: title deed, deposit certificate or employment contract
Proof that the funds came from abroad
Certified Spanish translations
Before You Buy a Qualifying Property
Make sure the value on the public deed is at least US$200,000, not just the asking price
Check that the title is free of liens and mortgages
Decide whether to hold title personally or through your own Panamanian company
Send funds by international wire and keep every record
Use your own attorney, independent of the seller
FROM US$200,000
Homes that can qualify for the visa.
Every listing here is priced at US$200,000 or more, lowest price first. Ask us which ones suit a residency purchase.
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How Panama Properties Helps
As a licensed buyer’s brokerage, we find homes that meet the US$200,000 minimum and suit how you want to live, check the title and deed value with your attorney, and introduce you to independent Panamanian immigration attorneys so your purchase and your application line up from the start.
Buyers pay no agent commission. We represent you, not the seller.
Frequently Asked Questions
General information only. Confirm current requirements with a licensed Panamanian immigration attorney.
How much do I need for the Friendly Nations visa?
One of three options: property in Panama worth at least US$200,000, a US$200,000 fixed-term deposit at a Panamanian bank for three years, or an employment contract with a Panamanian company.
Which countries are on the Friendly Nations list?
51 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea and most of Europe. Ecuador was added from 1 September 2026. The full list is on this page.
Does the property have to be new?
No. New and resale property both qualify, as long as it is worth at least US$200,000. The Qualified Investor visa, by contrast, needs US$500,000 for resale property.
Is the Friendly Nations visa permanent?
Not at first. You receive two years of temporary residency, then apply for permanent residency, which has no expiry date.
Can I work in Panama with this visa?
You need a separate work permit from the Ministry of Labour, which you can apply for once you hold temporary residency.
How long does it take?
Most applications are approved about three to six months after filing. Gathering apostilled documents beforehand can add several weeks.
Can my family be included?
Yes. A spouse, children under 18, children up to 25 who are single, studying and financially dependent, and dependent parents can apply as dependants.
Can I become a Panamanian citizen?
After five years of permanent residency, you can apply for citizenship. Approval is discretionary.
Do I need a lawyer?
Yes. Applications are filed through a licensed Panamanian attorney with the National Immigration Service.
Ready to Buy Your Residency Property?
Tell us your budget and where you want to live, and we will show you properties from US$200,000 that fit the Friendly Nations rules. We coordinate with your immigration attorney so the purchase and the application line up.
Message us on WhatsApp at +507 6169-2453. Buyers pay no agent commission.
Panama Properties
Unit 1 Plaza Pedasí (Super Pedasí Plaza)
Pedasí, Los Santos 7401, Panama
WhatsApp: +507 6169-2453
Email: ken@panama-properties.com