Panama has become one of the most popular places in the Americas to relocate, invest and run a business. It sits at the crossroads of the hemisphere, uses the US dollar, has a service and logistics-driven economy, and offers direct flights to much of the world from Tocumen International Airport. Add a large international community, a warm climate and a cost of living that compares well with North America and Europe, and it is easy to see why so many people choose Panama as a new home or a regional base. Just as importantly, the country offers several residency routes designed for very different profiles: investors, professionals, retirees, entrepreneurs and entire families.
At Motta, Yaafar & Díaz we guide individuals, families, investors and companies through every step of their move to Panama. We take the time to understand your goals, recommend the category that fits you best, and then prepare, file and follow up on your application with the National Immigration Service and any other authority involved. Our aim is simple: a clear, organized and predictable process, so you can focus on your new life or your business in Panama knowing that experienced local counsel is looking after the legal side.
01Residency by investment: the Golden Visa (Qualified Investor)
Panama's Qualified Investor program, widely known as the Panama Golden Visa, grants permanent residency in exchange for a qualifying investment. For many foreign investors it is the fastest way to secure long-term status, because it leads directly to permanent residency rather than starting with a temporary permit.
The investment can take several forms, such as real estate, securities through the local stock market, or a time deposit with a licensed Panamanian bank, and each option comes with its own conditions. Getting the structure right before you transfer any funds is essential, as is documenting the lawful origin of those funds. We help you choose the option that best suits your financial plans, coordinate with banks, notaries and developers, and handle the application from start to finish, including your spouse and children where applicable. For current figures and recent rule changes, see our blog articles below.
Further reading on our blog
02Friendly Nations visa
The Friendly Nations visa is available to citizens of a list of countries that maintain close economic and professional ties with Panama, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and most of Europe. It has long been one of the most popular routes for professionals and entrepreneurs who want to settle in Panama and work or do business here.
Applicants need to show a genuine economic or professional link to the country, typically through employment with a Panamanian company or an investment in Panama, along with proof of solvency and a clean background. The visa usually begins as temporary residency and can be converted to permanent residency once the requirements are met. We confirm whether your nationality qualifies, help you decide the most practical way to show your economic ties, and put together a complete file that keeps follow-up requests from the authorities to a minimum.
Further reading on our blog
03Pensionado (retiree) visa
Panama regularly ranks among the world's top retirement destinations, and its Pensionado program is a big part of the reason. It is designed for people who receive a lifetime pension from a government, an international organization or a private company, and who want to live in Panama permanently.
Beyond residency, pensionados enjoy a well-known package of discounts on healthcare, travel, entertainment, utilities and other everyday expenses. The main requirement is proof of a monthly pension that meets the current minimum, properly certified and legalized. There is no age requirement as such, which also makes the program attractive to people who retire early. We review your pension paperwork, take care of apostilles, translations and certifications, and file your application so you can enjoy your retirement in Panama with every benefit the law provides, together with your spouse or dependents where applicable.
04Residency by economic solvency
Residency by economic solvency is aimed at people who can show they have enough resources to live in Panama without needing to work here. It is a useful alternative for those whose nationality is not on the Friendly Nations list, or who do not yet receive a pension, but who have savings or assets that allow them to settle comfortably.
Solvency can be demonstrated in different ways, such as a deposit in a Panamanian bank, the purchase of real estate, or a combination of both, provided the required conditions are met. Each route has different implications for liquidity, timing and paperwork. We walk you through the options in plain terms, help you plan the most efficient way to show solvency, and manage the application with the immigration authority, including adding family members to your file.
05Work permits
Holding residency in Panama does not automatically mean you can take a job. Most foreign nationals who want to work as employees need a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor, and the type of permit depends on their immigration category and the nature of the job.
We advise both foreign workers and the companies that hire them. For employers, we review employment contracts, prepare the corporate documentation required, and help you stay within the rules on the ratio of local to foreign staff, coordinating the immigration and labor filings in parallel so new international hires can start on solid legal footing. For individuals, we confirm that your residency status allows you to apply for the right permit, handle renewals, and keep you informed throughout the process. If you plan to work in a regulated profession, we also explain the additional restrictions that may apply.
06Naturalization and citizenship
For many residents, the natural next step after several years in Panama is applying for Panamanian citizenship by naturalization. A successful application results in a naturalization letter and, with it, a Panamanian ID card and passport, along with the full rights of citizenship.
Naturalization requires having held permanent residency for the period set by law, which can differ depending on your country of origin. Applicants must also pass an assessment on Panama's history, geography and civic values, and meet good-conduct requirements. It is equally important to consider how Panamanian citizenship may affect the nationality you already hold, since not every country treats dual citizenship the same way. We assess whether you are already eligible, help you prepare for the required exams, and manage your file all the way to the swearing-in ceremony.
07Renewals and maintaining your immigration status
Getting your residency approved is only the beginning. To keep your status in good standing, you need to meet your ongoing obligations: renewing your residency cards on time, maintaining the conditions your residency was based on, such as your investment, pension or employment, and reporting relevant changes to the authorities.
Missing these obligations can lead to fines, problems when traveling or, in serious cases, the loss of your residency. That is why we offer ongoing support to our clients. We keep track of your expiry dates and remind you well in advance, prepare renewals for both temporary and permanent residency, and handle related matters such as changes of category, replacement of lost documents, exit permits and the conversion of temporary residency into permanent status. Many clients simply prefer to know that someone in Panama is keeping an eye on their file.
08Residency options for Italian citizens
Italian citizens have a route to Panamanian residency of their own, thanks to the friendship treaty between Italy and Panama. The treaty gives Italian nationals favorable conditions to settle in Panama and carry out economic activities in the country.
Depending on your situation, this option can offer a more direct path to residency and, in some cases, easier access to professional or business activities. That said, it has its own documentation requirements and is not always the best fit compared with other routes, such as the Friendly Nations visa or residency by investment. We look at your profile as an Italian citizen, compare the options available to you side by side, and recommend the route that best matches your personal, family and professional plans.
Further reading on our blog
