Panama Golden Visa: Residency by Investment
Panama's Qualified Investor program grants permanent residency in exchange for an investment that meets the requirements of current regulations.
Who is the Golden Visa for?
The Golden Visa is built for investors who want a fast, stable residency in Panama without relying on their nationality or a job offer. It is particularly appealing if you want to diversify your assets in a dollarized economy while gaining a second home or a regional base for your business.
It also works well for families planning ahead, since the main applicant can include dependents in the same application.
Who qualifies
Every case is reviewed individually, but in general the applicant needs to:
- 01Make a qualifying investment in one of the permitted forms, such as real estate, Panamanian securities or deposits with local banks.
- 02Show that the investment funds are lawful and come from abroad through the banking system.
- 03Have a clean personal record, supported by background certificates.
- 04Keep the investment in place for the minimum period required by the rules.
Documents you will typically need
The exact paperwork depends on the type of investment, but usually falls into these groups:
Identification
A valid passport and recent photos for the applicant and each dependent.
Background checks
Criminal record certificates from your country of origin or residence, legalized or apostilled.
Proof of investment
Title deeds or certificates from the bank or brokerage confirming the investment.
Source of funds
Records showing the lawful origin of the money and its transfer from abroad.
Family documents
Marriage and birth certificates when dependents are included.
How the process works
- 01
Consultation and strategy
We review your profile and help you choose the investment option that suits you.
- 02
Investment and paperwork
We guide you through making the investment and gathering and legalizing your documents.
- 03
Filing
We assemble your file and submit it to Panama's National Immigration Service.
- 04
Registration and ID
We accompany you through biometric registration and the issuance of your permanent resident ID.
Why work with a lawyer
The Golden Visa combines an immigration filing with an investment transaction. Both must line up perfectly: the investment has to match the exact form the rules require, and your documents must reflect it without errors.
At Motta, Yaafar & Díaz we review the investment before you commit, coordinate with banks, notaries and sellers, and manage the entire file through to your resident ID. If you invest in property, our real estate team also reviews the property and the contract.
Initial assessment
We review your profile, your family and your plans to recommend the category that suits you best.
Tailored checklist
You receive a clear guide to the documents you need and how to obtain, legalize or apostille them.
Review and filing
We review every document, prepare the application and file it with Panama's National Immigration Service.
Ongoing follow-up
We stay with you through appointments, requests from the authority and later steps such as your resident ID and renewals.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of investment qualify?
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The rules allow several options, including buying real estate, investing in Panamanian securities and placing time deposits with local banks. We explain which one fits your profile.
Is the residency permanent from the start?
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Yes. One of the main advantages of the program is that it grants permanent residency without a temporary stage first.
Can I include my family?
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Yes. You can include your spouse and dependent children, and in some cases other relatives, with documents proving the relationship.
Do I have to live in Panama to keep my residency?
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The program does not require you to spend long periods in the country, but you must keep the investment for the required time. We walk you through your obligations.
Can I start from abroad?
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Yes, much of the process can be handled remotely. You only need to be in Panama for specific steps, such as biometric registration.
Where can I find the current investment amounts?
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Our Golden Visa articles on the blog cover the current figures and investment options in detail.
Further reading
Book your immigration consultation
Tell us about your goals and we will point you to the residency route that fits you and your family best. Book a consultation or reach us through the form below.
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