Panama - resident
Panama Friendly Nations ResidencyPermiso de Residencia Permanente para Nacionales de Paises Especificos (Decreto 197 de 2021)
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.
Who this visa is for
- Citizens of the USA, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and other listed friendly nations
- Professionals hired by a Panamanian employer
- Buyers of Panamanian real estate worth USD 200,000 or more
- Applicants placing a USD 200,000 fixed deposit in a Panamanian bank
- Families moving together under a single qualifying applicant
Requirements
- Nationality of a listed friendly country
Roughly 50 countries recognized by Decree 197 of 2021.
- One of three qualifying ties to Panama
Local employment with work permit, USD 200,000 real estate, or USD 200,000 fixed-term deposit for 3 years.
- Apostilled police clearance
- Apostilled birth certificate
- Valid passport and full photocopy
- Bank reference letter from applicant's home country
- Health certificate issued in Panama
- Power of attorney to a Panamanian lawyer
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Migration application fee | USD 250 | |
| National Treasury fee | USD 800 | |
| Permanent residency conversion fee | USD 1,000 | Charged when upgrading from temporary to permanent status. |
Application steps
- Confirm eligible nationality
Check Decree 197 of 2021 for the current list of friendly nations.
- Establish qualifying tie
Sign a Panamanian work contract, buy real estate, or open a qualifying fixed deposit.
- Engage a Panamanian attorney
Local legal representation is mandatory to file.
- Gather and apostille documents
Police clearance, birth certificate, and supporting proof of qualifying tie.
- File at Servicio Nacional de Migracion
Attorney submits file in person in Panama City.
- Apply for permanent status after 2 years
Convert temporary residency into permanent residency and apply for the cedula E.
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Friendly Nations VisaPermiso de Residencia Permanente para Nacionales de Paises Especificos (Decreto 197 de 2021)
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries qualify?
Around 50 countries, including the USA, Canada, UK, most of the EU, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, and Brazil.
Can I just open a company like before?
No, the 2021 reform removed the company-plus-bank-account route. You now need a labor contract or a USD 200,000 investment.
Does real estate financing count?
Yes, bank financing is allowed as long as the property value is at least USD 200,000.
How soon can I get permanent residency?
After the initial 2-year temporary permit expires, you can apply to convert to permanent residency.
Can dependents be included?
Yes, spouses and minor children of the main applicant qualify as dependents.