Panama Visa Guide
Visas for moving to Panama
Panama uses the US dollar as legal tender, runs on a territorial tax system, and offers some of the fastest permanent-residency paths in Latin America through the Pensionado, Friendly Nations, and Qualified Investor visas. The country is administered by the Servicio Nacional de Migracion (SNM), and every application must be filed by a Panamanian licensed attorney.
Key facts
- Capital
- Panama City
- Official language
- Spanish
- Currency
- PAB (Balboa) - USD used interchangeably at 1:1
- Immigration authority
- Servicio Nacional de Migracion (SNM)
All Panama visas for expats
Pick the visa that matches your situation. Each guide includes requirements, fees, processing times and a link to the official government source.
Panama Pensionado Permanent Residence
One of the most generous retirement visas in the world, granting immediate permanent residency to foreigners with a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000 per month. The status also unlocks the famous Panama Pensionado discount program.
Panama Friendly Nations Residency
A residency program for nationals of around 50 friendly countries who qualify through local employment, real estate investment of at least USD 200,000, or fixed-term deposits. It grants a 2-year temporary residency that converts to permanent status.
Panama Qualified Investor Residency
A fast-track permanent residency granted to investors who place at least USD 300,000 in Panamanian real estate or securities, or USD 750,000 in a fixed-term bank deposit. Approval typically takes 30 business days.
Panama Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers
A short-stay visa for remote workers employed or contracted by foreign companies. It permits up to 18 months of legal stay in Panama (9 months plus a 9-month extension) with no local-tax obligation on foreign income.
Panama Residency by Marriage to a Panamanian
A family-reunification residency granted to foreign spouses of Panamanian nationals. It leads to permanent residency after a short provisional period and is the foundation for naturalization as a Panamanian citizen.
Not sure which Panama visa fits you?
Answer a few quick questions about your income, profession and family situation, and we will narrow down the visas you likely qualify for.
In-depth Panama articles
View allDeeper analysis that goes beyond a single visa: tax comparisons, cost breakdowns, residency timelines and retirement city guides.
residency
Panama Friendly Nations Visa 2026: What Changed After Decree 197
Executive Decree 197 of August 2021 ended the old "open a company plus USD 5,000 in the bank" path to permanent residency. We explain the current 2026 rules: 2-year provisional phase, three qualifying paths, the USD 200,000 real estate or deposit threshold, and the seven-year road to citizenship.
residency
Panama Pensionado Visa 2026: $1,000/Month Pension, Direct Permanent Residency
Panama's Pensionado Visa is routinely ranked the best retirement visa in the world: USD 1,000/month lifetime pension, direct permanent residency, and a statutory discount program covering flights, restaurants, hospital bills and property taxes. Here is what qualifies, what it costs, and what you cannot do on it.
residency
Panama Qualified Investor Visa 2026: 30-Day Permanent Residency on $300,000+
Decree 722 of October 2020 created the fastest residency program in Latin America: USD 300,000 in Panamanian real estate converts to permanent residency in 30 business days, no provisional phase. We explain the three investment paths, the 5-year lock-up, and why this program is the best choice if you have the capital.
Panama visa FAQs
Do I need a Panamanian lawyer to apply for residency?
Yes. Under Decree Law No. 3 of 2008 (Article 28) all Panamanian residency applications must be filed through a licensed Panamanian immigration attorney.
Which visa grants permanent residency the fastest?
The Qualified Investor Visa grants permanent residency in roughly 30 days. The Pensionado also grants permanent residency but takes 3-6 months to process.
Is foreign income taxed in Panama?
No. Panama applies a territorial tax system; only Panama-sourced income is taxed, so pensions, remote-work earnings, and foreign investment income are exempt.
Which countries qualify for the Friendly Nations visa?
Citizens of 50+ countries, including the US, Canada, UK, all EU states, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile.
Can I become a Panamanian citizen?
After 5 years of permanent residency you may apply for naturalization. Spouses of Panamanians can apply after 3 years.