Real estate, new property
US$300,000
A new property bought directly from the developer, held for at least 5 years.
Overview
Panama's Qualified Investor Programme grants permanent residence from approval, typically within two to three months of a complete application, for a real-estate investment from US$300,000. Panama uses the US dollar and has a territorial tax system, a strong banking sector and good links across the Americas.
Investment options
Choose your route
Real estate, resale property
US$500,000
A property bought on the resale market, held for at least 5 years. This amount applies from 16 September 2026.
Securities
US$500,000
Eligible securities held through a licensed Panamanian brokerage for 5 years.
Fixed-term deposit
US$500,000–750,000
A 5-year deposit: US$750,000 with a private Panamanian bank, or US$500,000 with one of the two state banks.
Costs
What to budget for
Also budget for
- Government and application feesSet by the government; they rise with each family member included.
- Due diligenceBackground checks, charged for each adult applicant.
- Professional and legal feesFor preparing and filing your application.
- Ongoing costsSuch as health insurance, property upkeep or renewals.
Costs depend on who is included. We give you the exact figure for your family in writing after a free consultation.
Benefits
What you gain
Permanent residence from approval
Fast processing
US dollar economy
Territorial tax system
Family included
Minimal stay requirement
Travel reach
Where this takes you
Visa-free travel within the programme's region
Family
Who can come with you
Main applicantEligible
Spouse or partnerEligible
ChildrenEligible
ParentsEligible
GrandparentsNot included
SiblingsNot included
Spouse, dependent children and parents
Process
How the application works
Week 1
Free consultation
We confirm the right route.
Weeks 2–6
Investment
Purchase or investment arranged for you.
Month 2
Application and biometrics
Your application can be filed before you travel. You then visit Panama for biometric registration.
About 2–3 months
Permanent residence
Permanent residence card for the family.
Requirements
What you need to apply
Clean criminal record
Proof of lawful funds from outside Panama, in your own name
Investment held for 5 years
A visit to Panama for biometric registration
Things to know before you apply
- —Panama replaced the rules for this programme with Executive Decree 17 of 8 September 2026, in force since 16 September 2026. US$300,000 now applies only to new property bought from a developer; resale property needs US$500,000. Purchases agreed before 16 September may still qualify under the old rules if filed within six months.
- —Permanent residents are generally expected not to stay away from Panama for more than two years. We confirm the current rule before you apply.
- —The right to work needs a separate work permit.
Ask about this programme
Ask anything about Panama Qualified Investor
Try one of these, or write your own question.
FAQs
Questions, answered
Speak to an adviser about Panama Qualified Investor
A free 30-minute call to confirm the route, costs and timeline for your family.
Book a consultationLast reviewed 5 Oct 2026. Figures are indicative and exclude fees unless stated. Programme rules change; we confirm current terms in writing before you commit.