$1,000
Monthly pension for the Pensionado visa
$200k
Property value for the Friendly Nations visa
$300k
New property for the Qualified Investor visa
50+
Countries on the Friendly Nations list
Types of Visas for Permanent Residency in Panama
A complete guide for expats, retirees and investors
If you are considering making Panama your new home, one of the first steps is understanding your options for legal residency. Panama offers several visa programs that lead to permanent residency, each designed for different lifestyles, backgrounds and goals, from retirees and remote workers to investors and professionals.
Below you can compare the main options at a glance, see which ones you can qualify for by buying property, and read the details of each visa.
Last updated: October 2026
Compare Panama’s Main Residency Options
Pensionado
Best for: Retirees and pensioners
Minimum: Lifetime pension of US$1,000 a month, or US$750 a month plus a US$100,000 property
Residency: Permanent from the start
Friendly Nations
Best for: Citizens of about 50 friendly countries
Minimum: US$200,000 property, a US$200,000 three-year bank deposit, or a job with a Panamanian company
Residency: 2 years temporary, then permanent
Qualified Investor
Best for: Investors who want permanent residency fast
Minimum: US$300,000 in new property, US$500,000 in resale property or securities, or a qualifying bank deposit
Residency: Permanent from the start
Reforestation
Best for: Eco-minded investors
Minimum: An approved reforestation project, widely reported at around US$100,000 for temporary or US$350,000 for permanent residency
Residency: Depends on the amount invested
Business Investor
Best for: Entrepreneurs
Minimum: US$160,000 in a new business plus five full-time Panamanian employees
Residency: Temporary first, then permanent
Remote Worker
Best for: Remote workers and freelancers
Minimum: US$36,000 a year in foreign income plus health insurance
Residency: Up to 18 months; not a path to permanent residency
Residency Through Real Estate
Buying property in Panama can do more than give you a home. Several visas accept a property purchase as the qualifying investment:
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Pensionado: a US$100,000 property lowers the pension requirement from US$1,000 to US$750 a month.
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Friendly Nations: property worth at least US$200,000 in your name, free of liens.
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Qualified Investor: US$300,000 in new or pre-construction property, or US$500,000 in resale property, for permanent residency from the start.
We help you find a property that fits both your lifestyle and your visa plan, and we work with immigration attorneys who handle the application. Browse our properties for sale or see how we help buyers.
Panama Residency Visas in Detail
1. Friendly Nations Visa
Best for: citizens of select countries, remote workers and entrepreneurs
Available to citizens of about 50 “friendly” countries, including the U.S., Canada, most EU nations and many in Latin America. Ecuador was added in September 2026.
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One qualifying option: Panamanian real estate worth at least US$200,000 (new or resale), a US$200,000 three-year fixed-term deposit in a Panamanian bank, or an employment contract with a Panamanian company
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Background check and health certificate
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2 years of temporary residency, then you can apply for permanent residency
2. Pensionado Visa (Retiree Visa)
Best for: retirees and pensioners
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Lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 a month, or US$750 a month with a Panamanian property purchase of at least US$100,000
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The pension must come from a government agency or qualified private entity
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Open to anyone 18 or older, despite the “retiree” name
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Permanent residency from the start, plus discounts on travel, medical care, entertainment and more
3. Qualified Investor Visa
Best for: investors who want permanent residency quickly
Under the updated rules approved in September 2026, the minimum investment is:
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US$300,000 in new or pre-construction real estate
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US$500,000 in resale real estate or securities
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A fixed-term deposit of US$750,000 at a private bank, or US$500,000 at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros
It grants permanent residency from the start, with no provisional period.
4. Reforestation Visa
Best for: eco-minded investors
Investment in an approved reforestation project, widely reported at around US$100,000 for temporary residency and around US$350,000 for permanent residency.
5. Business Investor Visa
Best for: entrepreneurs
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A minimum investment of US$160,000 in a new Panamanian business
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Five full-time Panamanian employees, registered with social security
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Temporary residency first, then permanent residency
6. Short-Term Remote Worker Visa
Best for: remote workers and freelancers
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At least US$36,000 a year from a foreign source
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Work remotely for a foreign company or as a freelancer
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Private health insurance
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Stay up to 18 months. It is not a direct path to permanent residency, but it can be a stepping stone
7. Marriage to a Panamanian Citizen
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A valid marriage recognized by Panamanian law
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Proof of a genuine relationship, including interviews and documents
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Temporary residency first, then permanent residency
8. Professional Employment Visa
Best for: foreign professionals hired by a Panamanian company
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A valid university degree
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A job offer in a field not restricted to Panamanians
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Registration with local professional boards, if required
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Temporary residency first, then permanent residency
A note on the Economic Solvency visa: this category was reported to be replaced by the updated Qualified Investor rules in September 2026, with current applicants able to switch categories. Ask an immigration attorney how the change affects your situation.
How the Residency Process Works
01
Choose Your Visa
Compare the options above with an immigration attorney and pick the one that fits your income, investment and plans.
02
Gather Your Documents
Most applications need a valid passport, a criminal background check from your home country with an apostille, a health certificate from a Panamanian doctor, and proof of your pension, income or investment. Documents in English must be translated into Spanish.
03
Your Attorney Files the Application
Residency applications are filed through a licensed Panamanian attorney with the National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración). You attend in person to register and have your photo taken.
04
Receive Your Residency Card
Depending on the visa, you receive temporary or permanent residency. Processing times vary, so your attorney will give you an estimate for your case.
Life as a Resident
Your IDs and Path to Citizenship
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Residents can apply for the E-cédula, Panama’s ID card for foreign residents. It is optional but makes banking and daily paperwork easier
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Tourists can drive on a foreign license for 90 days. Once you have residency, you need a Panamanian driver’s license, which you can get by converting your home license
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After five years of permanent residency, you can apply for Panamanian citizenship
Pensionado Benefits
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50% off movies, concerts and sporting events
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25% off airline tickets and utility bills
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Hotel discounts of 50% Monday to Thursday and 30% on weekends
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Discounts on medical consultations, hospital bills, prescriptions and dental care
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A one-time import duty exemption on household goods up to US$10,000
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An import duty exemption on a new car every two years
Your Relocation Checklist
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Choose where to live first. Panama’s beach towns, mountain towns and cities feel very different. Our Panama Info Guide compares the main areas.
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Plan your residency. Pick your visa and start gathering apostilled documents before you move.
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Open a bank account. Panamanian banks usually ask for references and proof of income, so allow extra time.
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Arrange health insurance that works in Panama.
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Get your driver’s license once you have residency.
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Bring your pets with the health certificates and vaccinations Panama requires.
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Find a school if you are moving with children.
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Set up internet and phone service. See the providers below.
Moving from a specific country? Read our guides for Canadians, Americans and people moving from the UK. Buying a home as part of your move? Start with our Buyers Guide.
Internet and Cell Service in Panama
Panama has reliable, modern internet and mobile service, especially in cities and growing areas like Pedasí. Coverage keeps improving across the country, so staying connected after your move is easy.
Más Móvil
One of Panama’s largest and most established providers, with wide coverage for mobile and home internet, including many rural and coastal areas. Más Móvil also took over Claro’s operations in Panama in 2022.
Tigo
Tigo is the other major provider, known for its mobile network and fiber-optic home internet in many parts of the country. Check coverage at your address before you choose a plan, since service varies by area.
Need Help With Your Relocation?
We help individuals and families through the whole move, from choosing the right visa to finding your home and settling into life in Panama. We work with trusted immigration attorneys and can introduce you.
Contact us for a free consultation and let us help make your move smooth and successful.
Panama Properties
Unit 1 Plaza Pedasí (Super Pedasí Plaza)
Pedasí, Los Santos 7401, Panama
WhatsApp: +507 6169-2453
Email: ken@panama-properties.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main residency options in Panama?
The most popular are the Friendly Nations visa, the Pensionado (retiree) visa and the Qualified Investor visa. Others include the Reforestation visa, the Business Investor visa, marriage to a Panamanian citizen and professional employment visas.
Which visa is best for retirees?
The Pensionado visa grants permanent residency with a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 a month, or US$750 a month with a property purchase of at least US$100,000. It also comes with retiree discounts and import benefits.
Can buying property help me get residency?
Yes. Under the September 2026 rules, the Qualified Investor visa requires US$300,000 in new or pre-construction property or US$500,000 in resale property, and the Friendly Nations visa accepts property of at least US$200,000.
Can I live in Panama as a remote worker?
The Short-Term Remote Worker visa lets remote workers who earn at least US$36,000 a year from a foreign source live in Panama for up to 18 months. It does not lead directly to permanent residency.
Do I need a lawyer for the residency process?
Yes. Residency applications in Panama are filed through a licensed Panamanian attorney.
Can I become a Panamanian citizen?
After five years of permanent residency, you can apply for Panamanian citizenship. Your attorney can confirm the requirements that apply to your nationality.
Can I drive in Panama with my foreign license?
Tourists can drive on a foreign license for 90 days. Once you have residency, you need a Panamanian driver’s license.
This guide is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Visa rules change often, so confirm the requirements for your situation with a Panamanian immigration attorney. Last updated October 2026.