Panama's immigration framework is among the most open in Latin America — most programs lead to permanent residency within 1–3 years and require no language test or prior residency period.
Friendly Nations Visa
Available to citizens of ~50 countries with friendly ties to Panama. Requires proof of economic activity — employment, real estate, or a certificate of deposit.
- Employment contract with a Panamanian entity, or
- Real estate ≥ USD $200,000 (financing allowed), or
- Certificate of deposit ≥ USD $200,000 (min. 3 yrs)
- Clean criminal background (apostilled)
- Health certificate (last 90 days)
- Govt. fees: USD $1,050 per applicant
- ~3 years to permanent residency
Retiree & Pensionado Visa
Direct permanent residency
Panama’s most sought-after visa for retirees. Requires only proof of a lifetime pension or retirement income from a regulated source.
- Pension income ≥ USD $1,000/month for life, or
- Pension ≥ USD $750/month + property ≥ $100,000
- Passport valid at least 6 months
- Pension letter (apostilled by issuing country)
- Clean criminal background (apostilled)
- Good health certificate issued in Panama
- 3–6 months processing time
Qualified Investor Visa
Fastest path — direct permanent
Designed to attract significant foreign investment. Open to all nationalities. Grants permanent residency directly, without a provisional stage.
- Real estate (funds from abroad) ≥ USD $300,000
- Real estate via trust/promise-of-sale ≥ USD $300,000
- Licensed brokerage firm investment ≥ USD $500,000
- Fixed-term bank deposit ≥ USD $750,000
- Foreign-source funds must be documented (apostilled)
- No provisional period required
Self-Solvency Visa
2-yr provisional → permanent
Ideal for nationals not on the Friendly Nations list. Requires a minimum investment of USD $300,000. Mortgages do not count toward the threshold.
- Real estate ≥ USD $300,000 (free of liens), or
- Fixed-term bank deposit ≥ USD $300,000, or
- Combination of real estate + deposit ≥ $300,000
- +USD $2,000 per dependent added to threshold
- Financing allowed for amount above $300K
- Govt. fees: USD $1,050 per applicant
- ~3 years to permanent residency
Pensionado visa — exclusive discounts
Hospitals · fast food · dental · personal loans
Medical consults · prescriptions · professional services
Restaurants · public services · plane tickets
Hotels Fri–Sun · trains, buses, boats
Movies, concerts, sports · hotels Mon–Thu
$10K import exemption + duty-free car every 2 yrs
| Visa costs | Friendly Nations Phase 1 – Provisional | Friendly Nations Phase 2 – Permanent | Qualified Investor | Retiree or Pensionado | Self-Solvency Phase 1 – Provisional | Self-Solvency Phase 2 – Permanent |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legal expenses | US$500.00 | US$500.00 | US$350.00 | US$625.00 | US$500.00 | US$500.00 |
| Official fees | US$1,050.00 | N/A | US$10,305.00 | N/A | US$1,050.00 | N/A |
| Professional fees | US$1,500.00 | US$500.00 | US$2,500.00 | US$1,500.00 | US$2,000.00 | US$500.00 |
| IVA | US$105.00 | US$35.00 | US$175.00 | US$105.00 | US$140.00 | US$35.00 |
| Total | US$3,155.00 | US$1,035.00 | US$13,330.00 | US$2,230.00 | US$3,690.00 | US$1,035.00 |
| Program | Min. investment | All nationalities | Direct permanent | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friendly Nations | USD $200,000 | ~50 countries | 2-yr provisional | ~3 years |
| Retiree / Pensionado | $750–1,000/mo | All | Direct | 3–6 months |
| Qualified Investor | USD $300,000+ | All | Direct | ~3–6 months |
| Self-Solvency | USD $300,000 | All | 2-yr provisional | ~3 years |
This document is for informational purposes only. Fees and processes are subject to change. K&B Family Office provides comprehensive legal and fiduciary support throughout the real estate acquisition process in Panama.