Residency Permit Under the Friendly Nations Convention

The residency permit is granted to nationals of certain countries under the friendship and cooperation agreements that the Republic of Panama has entered into with them. The list currently comprises 50 countries, per Executive Decree No. 226 of July 20, 2021. The foreign national may apply together with dependents (spouse, children under 25 and parents).

Under this framework, applicants obtain provisional residency for two (2) years, with the option, once that period expires, to apply for permanent residency — which grants the right to the ID card issued by the Electoral Tribunal of the Republic of Panama (known as the E-type cédula).

For this subcategory, one of the following options must be chosen: (a) Employment — establishing a labor relationship with a Panamanian company duly registered and with a defined economic activity. (b) Real estate investment — proving ownership of real estate, personally, through a legal entity, or through a private interest foundation of which the applicant is the ultimate beneficial owner, with a minimum value of USD 200,000.00. The acquisition may be financed through a local bank. (c) Fixed-term bank deposit — in a general license bank operating in the country, for a minimum of USD 200,000.00, free of encumbrance and with a minimum term of three (3) years.

List of qualifying countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United States of America, Uruguay, Peru, Mexico and Paraguay.