Fast-Track Permanent Residency
Receive permanent resident status within 30 to 45 days of application submission. No temporary visa required — direct permanent residency from day one.
Panama Qualified Investor Program
Permanent Residency in Panama Through Real Estate Investment
The Panama Qualified Investor Visa grants foreign nationals permanent residency through a minimum real estate investment of USD 300,000. Approved in 30 to 45 days with a 96% approval rate, it is one of the fastest residency-by-investment programs in the Americas. The current $300K threshold is available until October 2026.
$300K
Minimum Investment
30–45d
Approval Time
96%
Approval Rate
140+
Visa-Free Countries
Program Overview
What Is the Panama Qualified Investor Visa?
A government-backed residency program that gives investors and their families permanent legal status in Panama from day one — without requiring a temporary visa stage.
Program Definition
The Panama Qualified Investor Visa, established by Executive Decree No. 722 of October 2020, is a residency-by-investment program administered by Panama's National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración). It allows foreign nationals to obtain immediate permanent residency by making a qualifying investment in Panama — with real estate being the most common route. The program requires no minimum physical presence, uses a territorial tax system that exempts foreign-source income, and provides a path to citizenship after five years.
No Minimum Stay Requirement
Maintain residency with just one visit to Panama every two years. Live wherever you choose while preserving your legal status and investment.
US Dollar Economy
Panama's economy is fully dollarized since 1904. Your real estate investment and rental income are denominated in USD with zero currency risk.
Territorial Tax System
Panama taxes only locally-sourced income. Foreign earnings, overseas investments, and pensions earned abroad are not subject to Panamanian income tax.
Full Family Eligibility
Include your spouse, dependent children under 25, and dependent parents in a single application. Each family member receives the same permanent residency status.
Path to Citizenship
After five years of permanent residency, apply for Panamanian citizenship and a passport offering visa-free access to over 140 countries worldwide.
Investment Options
Qualifying Investment Routes for Panama Residency
The Qualified Investor Program offers three investment paths. Real estate remains the most popular choice, combining tangible asset ownership with residency benefits.
| Investment Route | Minimum Amount | Holding Period | Residency Type | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Estate | USD 300,000* | 5 years | Immediate Permanent | Tangible asset + rental income potential |
| Securities | USD 500,000 | 5 years | Immediate Permanent | Portfolio diversification + liquidity |
| Bank Deposit | USD 750,000 | 5 years | Immediate Permanent | Capital preservation + simplicity |
*Real estate threshold of $300,000 valid until October 2026. Expected to increase to $500,000 thereafter.
Application Process
How to Get Panama Residency Through the Qualified Investor Visa
The process from initial consultation to receiving your permanent residency card typically takes one to three months. Here is each step in detail.
01
Select a Qualifying Property
Work with a GLP investment advisor to identify an eligible property valued at USD 300,000 or more. Properties must be registered free of liens in Panama's Public Registry. Our portfolio includes beachfront, urban, and island residences across Panama's most desirable locations.
02
Prepare Legal Documentation
Engage a licensed Panamanian attorney to compile all required documents: valid passport, criminal background check (apostilled), proof of source of funds, and birth or marriage certificates if including dependents. All foreign-language documents must be translated into Spanish by an authorized translator.
03
Complete the Investment
Finalize the property purchase with funds transferred from abroad. Register the property with Panama's Public Registry under your name. A Panamanian notary witnesses the transaction and your attorney verifies clear title.
04
Submit Immigration Application
Your attorney files the complete application with Panama's National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración), including proof of qualifying investment, personal documentation, and required government fees plus a USD 5,000 repatriation deposit per applicant.
05
Receive Permanent Residency
Upon approval — typically 30 to 45 days — receive your permanent residency card (cédula). You are now a legal permanent resident of Panama with the right to live, work, open bank accounts, and conduct business in the country.
Why GLP Properties
Panama's Most Experienced Real Estate Developer for Investor Residency
With over 40 years of development history and 6.2 million square meters delivered, GLP Properties has shaped Panama's landscape across city, beach, and island communities.
Proven Track Record
GLP has delivered over 15,000 residential and commercial units since 1985, including iconic communities like Playa Caracol, Ocean Reef Islands, and Armonía Panama City. Every project has been completed and delivered as promised.
Integrated Property Management
GLP Property Management, in partnership with Radisson Hotel Group, offers full-service rental management with 17+ years of hospitality experience. Revenue optimization, guest services, maintenance, and regulatory compliance handled end-to-end.
End-to-End Legal Support
Our partner law firms specialize in immigration and real estate law. They handle all documentation, title verification, and immigration filing — reducing complexity for international buyers who may never have transacted in Panama before.
Frequently Asked Questions
Panama Qualified Investor Visa: Common Questions Answered
Direct answers to the most common questions about Panama's residency-by-investment program, eligibility requirements, and the application process.
The Panama Qualified Investor Visa (QIV) is a residency-by-investment program established by Executive Decree No. 722 of October 2020. It grants foreign investors permanent residency in Panama through a minimum real estate investment of USD 300,000. Applications are typically approved within 30 to 45 days, and the program provides immediate permanent resident status without requiring a temporary visa stage.
The minimum investment for the Panama Qualified Investor Visa is USD 300,000 in real estate (valid until October 2026, after which it increases to USD 500,000), USD 500,000 in Panamanian securities, or USD 750,000 in a fixed-term bank deposit. Additional costs include government processing fees, legal representation (typically USD 5,000–10,000), and a USD 5,000 repatriation deposit per applicant.
The Panama Qualified Investor Visa is typically approved within 30 to 45 days after all documentation is submitted. The full process from initial consultation to receiving a residency card usually takes 1 to 3 months, depending on document preparation and the investor's responsiveness. The 2025 approval rate exceeded 96%.
No. Panama's Qualified Investor Visa has no minimum stay requirement. Permanent residents must visit Panama at least once every two years to maintain their residency status. This makes it one of the most flexible residency-by-investment programs globally — you can maintain legal residency while living anywhere in the world.
No. Panama operates a territorial tax system, meaning only income generated within Panama is taxed. Foreign-source income — including overseas investments, pensions, rental income from properties in other countries, and business profits earned abroad — is not subject to Panamanian income tax. This applies equally to residents and citizens.
Yes. The Panama Qualified Investor Visa allows the main applicant to include their spouse, dependent children under 25, and dependent parents in a single application. Each additional dependent requires an extra USD 2,000 added to the base investment. All included family members receive the same permanent residency status as the primary investor.
Yes. After maintaining permanent residency for five years, Qualified Investor Visa holders may apply for Panamanian citizenship. Requirements include demonstrating ties to Panama (such as property ownership or business activity), basic Spanish language proficiency, and a clean criminal record. A Panamanian passport provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries.
The Panamanian government temporarily reduced the Qualified Investor Visa real estate threshold from USD 500,000 to USD 300,000 to stimulate foreign investment in the property sector. This reduced rate has been extended until October 2026. After this date, the minimum investment is expected to revert to USD 500,000 — a 67% increase. This creates a limited window for investors seeking a lower entry point to Panama residency.
Get Started
Start Your Panama Residency Journey
Schedule a confidential consultation with a GLP investment advisor. We will discuss your goals, recommend eligible properties, and outline the complete process and timeline.