Panama

Panama Qualified Investor Residency (QIRP)

Residency is a function of Americas-pivoted investment

Panama offers a gateway residence program designed for global investors who prize geographic diversity, tax-advantage positioning, and hands-off optionality. Positioned at the crossroads of North and South America, its “Qualified Investor” route converts capital into Permanent Resident status — a base of operations with strong regional access and favourable visa/tax regimes.

Program Overview

The Qualified Investor Residency Programme (also referred to as the Qualified Investor Visa, permanent resident via investment) enables foreign nationals to obtain immediate permanent-resident status (not temporary) by satisfying one of several qualifying investment routes.
Key features include:

• A primary investment in real estate, securities or fixed-term bank deposit.

• Permanent residency granted in around 30 business days in eligible cases.

• Family inclusion: spouse, children (under certain age), parents etc may be included.

• Residency does not automatically trigger tax residency and there is no mandatory heavy stay requirement.

Key Advantages

• Rapid Access & Low Bureaucracy: For the qualified investor route, permanent resident status is obtainable in about 30 business days and the application can be submitted remotely from abroad.

• Strategic Location: Panama’s proximity to major Americas-markets, the Panama Canal, and its role as a regional banking hub give it a unique positioning.

• Flexible Presence Requirements: There is no strict requirement to live in Panama full-time or relocate immediately. One reported requirement is a visit every two years of over 24 hours to maintain the permit.

• Potential Path to Citizenship: After five years of residence, applicants may apply for Panamanian citizenship under the relevant naturalisation regime.

Qualifying Investment Options (2025-Latest Update)

Applicants must choose one of the following investment routes (funds must come from abroad) and maintain the investment for a holding period (typically five years).

• Real Estate Investment: Minimum USD $300,000 in approved real estate (until 15 Oct 2024 under transitional decree) under Executive Decree 193. After that date the threshold is expected to rise to USD $500,000.

• Stock/Market Investment: Investment of at least USD $500,000 in securities via a licensed brokerage in the Panama Stock Exchange.

• Fixed-Term Bank Deposit: A term deposit of at least USD $750,000 in a Panamanian bank (minimum five-year term) qualifies.

Process & Timeline

1. Select investment route and engage an authorised agent/lawyer.

2. Prepare documentation: valid passport, proof of investment funds (origin of funds), property title or deposit certificate, etc.

3. Submit application to immigration authority under the Qualified Investor category. Remote submission is permitted in many cases.

4. Grant of Permanent Residency: typically within ~30 business days in eligible cases once investment is in place.

5. Maintain investment and compliance: Investment must be held for a minimum period (commonly five years) to maintain status.

Costs & Additional Considerations

• Beyond the investment amount, additional fees apply: due-diligence, government application fees, legal-agent fees, property transfer costs (if real estate route) etc.

• Investment must be traceable: funds must originate from abroad and be fully paid (for real estate through trust or direct property purchase) for eligibility.

• Tax residency remains separate: Holding permanent residence status alone does not default to being a tax resident of Panama unless you meet 183-day or economic-centre-of-interest criteria.

Maintenance & Future Pathways

• To maintain permanent resident status the investment must stay in place for the defined period (commonly five years).

• The permit grants the right to live, study, work and reside in Panama — but actual relocation is optional.

• After five years of legal residence (and subject to fulfilling local requirements) one may apply for citizenship via naturalisation.

• If the investment is withdrawn or not maintained, the permit may be revoked or renewal may be impacted — so strategic planning is critical.

Risks & Key Considerations

• While Panama is stable, real-estate investments must be selected carefully: title clearance, developer credibility, local regulation.

• Thresholds and legal provisions may change: e.g., minimum investment amounts have been subject to adjustment.

• Ensure your global tax, estate and immigration planning accounts for both your home country and Panama — mere residency does not equal tax neutrality.

• While the pathway can lead to citizenship, residence-by-investment is not citizenship-by-investment in Panama, and naturalisation remains subject to additional criteria.

Conclusion

Panama’s Qualified Investor Residency programme provides a structured entry point into Latin America, for investors seeking a reliable base, regional access and flexible presence. It is not about immediate citizenship — but about constructing global mobility, optionality and high-quality residence through investment. If your strategy values Latin-American anchoring, tax-efficiency and lifestyle flexibility, Panama offers a compelling option.

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