The Panama Friendly Nations Visa allows citizens of qualifying nations to obtain provisional, then permanent residency in Panama either by gaining employment with a Panamanian company, investing USD 200,000 in real estate, or depositing USD 200,000 in a Panamanian bank.
This visa is designed for citizens of countries with professional, economic, or investment ties with Panama, allowing them to live and work in Panama, provided they meet all the requirements. After 5 years of permanent residency, visa holders can apply for citizenship and acquire a Panamanian passport.
The Panama Friendly Nations Visa is one of the programs that clients most often misunderstand, particularly when it comes to the eligibility requirements and qualifying nationalities. Having helped more than 15,000 clients, Global Citizen Solutions has created this guide to explain how the Panama Friendly Nations Visa works in 2026, including its benefits, eligibility requirements, application process, and more.
Panama Friendly Nations Visa – Key Takeaways
Panama Friendly Nations Visa 2026 Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency structure | Two-step process: a two-year provisional residence permit followed by permanent residency. |
| Processing time | Typically takes a few months once a complete application is submitted, although timelines vary depending on document completeness and the applicant’s nationality. |
| Qualification routes | Employment, a real estate investment of at least US$200,000, or a bank deposit of at least US$200,000. |
| Physical presence requirements | Applicants must be in Panama to complete biometrics and receive their residency card. |
| Stay requirement | No annual minimum stay requirement, but residents must enter Panama at least once every two years. |
| Eligible countries | Available to citizens of around 50 Friendly Nations. Confirm your nationality’s eligibility with our team. |
What is the Panama Friendly Nations Visa?
The Panama Friendly Nations Visa allows citizens of designated countries to obtain temporary residency in Panama. It is designed for individuals who establish economic or professional ties to the country, such as through employment, real estate investment, or a fixed-term bank deposit.
Successful applicants receive a two-year provisional residency permit. After this period, they can apply for permanent residency.
The Friendly Nations Visa is a type of residency by investment visa created to boost the economy by allowing international citizens of around 50 select countries (including the US, Canada, UK, EU countries, Brazil, and others) to obtain permanent residency in Panama. Due to its design and purpose, it is one of the most popular and easy-to-get residency visas in the country.
Benefits of The Panama Friendly Nations Visa
- Fast & easy application process: This visa has a straightforward application process. Once you meet all requirements, approval follows within 4 to 6 months, depending on document completeness and the applicant’s nationality.
- Family inclusion: With this visa, the primary applicant can include dependents (spouse and dependent children under 25) and dependent parents in the application, and they can all obtain permanent residency.
- Work permit: Successful applicants receive a two-year provisional work permit, renewable.
- Clear path to permanent residency: After the two-year provisional residency elapses, you can apply and obtain permanent residency.
- Direct pathway to citizenship: After five years of permanent residency, you can apply for Panamanian citizenship, provided you meet the other naturalization requirements
- Easy settlement: Panama Friendly Nations Visa allows you and your family to fully settle, live, work, study, and invest in Panama and travel within the country with zero restrictions.
- Access to good healthcare: Through this visa, you and your family gain uninterrupted access to Panama’s private and public healthcare systems. You can also purchase private health insurance.
- Tax benefits: Panama has a territorial tax system. Income earned outside of Panama is not subject to tax. This means that if you gain tax residency in Panama, you only pay tax on income earned in Panama and don’t have to pay tax on foreign-earned income, including inheritances or gifts.
- Affordable: The Friendly Nations Visa is quite affordable at a minimum price of $200,000 compared to other residency or the Panama Qualified Investor visa, which often starts from $300,000+.
Eligibility Requirements for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of one of Panama’s designated Friendly Nations, which currently includes around 50 eligible countries.
- Economic or professional tie: Provide proof of a qualifying connection to Panama through employment, a real estate investment, or a qualifying fixed-term bank deposit.
- Clean criminal record: Submit a police clearance certificate from your country of residence. The certificate must be no more than two years old, and issued no earlier than six months before you submit your application.
- Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months.
- Proof of financial capacity: Provide evidence of sufficient financial means, such as bank statements or tax returns.
- Health certificate: Submit a health certificate issued within the last 90 days.
- Physical presence in Panama: You must be in Panama for key stages of the application process, including opening a bank account, providing biometrics, and collecting your residence card.
- Dependents (if applicable): Provide proof of your relationship, such as a marriage certificate for a spouse, a birth certificate for children, or your own birth certificate showing the parent’s name for dependent parents, along with evidence of a shared residential address.
Countries Eligible for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa
Here is the list of the designated countries whose citizens qualify for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa.
| Andorra | Argentina | Australia | Austria |
| Belgium | Brazil | Canada | Chile |
| Costa Rica | Croatia | Cyprus | Czech Republic |
| Denmark | Estonia | Finland | France |
| Germany | United Kingdom | Greece | Hong Kong |
| Hungary | Ireland | Israel | Japan |
| Latvia | Liechtenstein | Lithuania | Luxembourg |
| Malta | Mexico | Monaco | Montenegro |
| Netherlands | New Zealand | Norway | Paraguay |
| Poland | Portugal | Republic of Korea | San Marino |
| Serbia | Singapore | Slovakia | South Africa |
| Spain | Sweden | Switzerland | Peru |
| Uruguay | United States of America |
Does the Panama Friendly Nations Visa have a minimum investment or economic activity requirement?
Yes. Executive Decree 226 of July 20, 2021 sets out the three approved ways applicants can qualify for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa: through employment, real estate investment, or a bank deposit. This decree followed an earlier one, Executive Decree 197 of May 7, 2021, which had introduced the current two step process of first getting provisional residency, then permanent residency. Applicants must meet one of these three requirements exactly as set out in the decree, and there is no option to substitute a different investment amount or arrangement instead.
1. Employment route
Applicants must have a valid employment contract with a Panamanian company and a work permit issued by the Ministry of Labor. There is no minimum investment amount for this route. Instead, applicants need to show a genuine, documented employment relationship. They can also qualify by setting up and operating their own company in Panama instead of working for an existing employer, but only if that company has real substance, such as an actual office, other employees, and genuine operations. Simply forming a company on paper to sponsor your own visa is treated as a red flag and can lead to rejection.
2. Real estate investment route
This route requires a minimum investment of USD 200,000 in Panamanian real estate. The property can be owned personally or through a legal entity, provided the applicant is the final beneficial owner for at least two years. The investment threshold is fixed and does not increase for families.
3. Fixed-term bank deposit route
Applicants must place at least USD 200,000 in a fixed-term deposit with a Panamanian general license bank for at least three years, as required under Executive Decree 226/2021. The funds must be free of liens, loans, or other third-party claims and remain locked in the account for the full three-year period.
Additional Notes
- You must travel to Panama at several key stages (bank account opening, filing/biometrics, card issuance).
- All documents must be apostilled or notarized and translated into Spanish.
- Common law partners cannot apply together, as you need an authenticated marriage certificate in accordance with Panamanian law.
Which route is best for you?
| Route | Minimum Investment | Best For | Key Requirements | Things to Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | None (no minimum investment amount) | Professionals with a job offer in Panama, or entrepreneurs willing to build a real operating business there | Valid employment contract with a Panamanian company, plus a work permit from the Ministry of Labor. Can also qualify via your own company, as long as it has genuine substance | Setting up a company purely on paper to sponsor your own visa is treated as a red flag and can lead to rejection |
| Real Estate Investment | USD 200,000 | Those wanting a tangible asset, planning to live in or rent out the property, or who prefer ownership over locking up cash | Property can be owned personally or through a legal entity, provided the applicant is the final beneficial owner for at least 2 years. Investment threshold is fixed and does not increase for families | Property must remain in the applicant’s name; a smaller investment cannot substitute for the $200,000 threshold |
| Fixed-Term Bank Deposit | USD 200,000 | Those who prefer a passive, hands-off route without managing property or employment paperwork | Deposit held in a Panamanian general license bank for a minimum of 3 years. Funds must be free of liens, loans, or other claims | Funds are locked for the full 3-year term and cannot be accessed early without risking eligibility |
What are the documents required for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa?
Here are the general documents applicants should prepare.
- Completed visa application form
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Two passport-size photographs
- Criminal record certificate or police clearance certificate (issued by federal or national police within the last 6 months from the applicant’s country of residence for the last two years)
- Proof of financial capacity and solvency (e.g., bank statements or tax returns)
- A health certificate issued by a local doctor in the last 90 days
- Personal background declaration (work and education history)
- Bank certification confirming source of funds (apostilled if issued abroad)
- Notarized letter confirming completion of the relevant financial transaction
Dependents (if applicable)
- Letter of responsibility from the main applicant
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate or birth certificates)
- Proof of shared address
- For dependents over 18: single status certificate; student certificate (if applicable)
How to Apply for Friendly Nations Visa Panama : Step-by-Step
- Confirm eligibility: Applicants must be citizens of a Friendly Nations country and qualify through employment, real estate investment, or a fixed-term bank deposit.
- Select qualification route: Employment with a Panamanian company (labor contract + work permit), real estate investment of at least USD 200,000, or a fixed-term bank deposit of USD 200,000 in a Panamanian bank (minimum 3-year term).
- Prepare documents: Passport, police clearance, proof of qualifying investment or employment, driving license, proof of address, and dependent documents, including birth certificates (if applicable). Foreign documents must be apostilled or consularized.
- Open a local bank account & complete investment: Required for real estate or deposit routes. Funds must come from a foreign source and be documented.
- Travel to Panama: Physical presence is required at several key stages, including bank account opening and biometrics.
- Submit application: File through a licensed Panamanian attorney with the National Immigration Service and pay applicable fees.
- Temporary residency card issued: Upon filing, the applicant receives a temporary residency card and a multiple-entry visa allowing legal stay and travel while the application is processed
- Apply for permanent residency card: After the provisional period (generally 2 years), apply in person for your permanent residency permit, provided qualifying conditions remain in place.
- Maintain residency: Maintain the qualifying economic tie and enter Panama at least once every two years.
Can the Panama Friendly Nations Visa lead to citizenship?
Yes. The Panama Friendly Nations Visa can lead to Panamanian citizenship. After receiving permanent residency, you need to keep your residency status for at least five years before you can apply for citizenship.
To qualify for naturalization, you also need to meet Panama’s other requirements. These include showing that you have established ties to the country through your residence or economic activities and passing a basic Spanish-language test on Panama’s history.
Panama Friendly Nations Visa Cost Breakdown
The total cost of the Panama Friendly Nations Visa depends on the application route you choose and how many family members you include. For a single applicant, the estimated costs below do not include the $200,000 investment, which is only required for the real estate and fixed-term bank deposit routes.
Government and administrative fees
- National Treasury application fee: $250,
- National Immigration Service fee: $
- Document translation and apostille: Around $400 to $800, depending on the documents and country of origin.
- Residence card, biometrics, and health certificate: Additional fees apply, but these costs vary and cannot be officially confirmed.
Legal fees
- Immigration lawyer fees: Range from $
- Fees for dependents: If you include family members in your application, expect to pay approximately $1,200 to $
What is the processing time for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa?
The Panama Friendly Nations Visa takes 4 to 6 months to process and approve the initial temporary residence permit. After that, you must hold your temporary residency for two years before you can apply for permanent residency, which typically takes a few more months to be approved.
How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?
Global Citizen Solutions is an advisory investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.
- We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top residency by investment and citizenship by investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance.
- Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
- Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
- Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
- The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.
