Panama Residency Programs

1. Turista Pensionado - Pensioned Tourist

This visa is for people whose pension from a government entity or a private company is $500 or more ($600 or more for a couple per month). You will have to prove it under scrutiny. Normally, a declaration of a government pension or a private pension will suffice, but backup bank deposit records cannot harm.

The Pensioned Visa is granted for an indefinite period, but it is necessary to prove annually to the Immigration Department that the income is still flowing from your pension. Benefits include a one-time tax exemption for importing household goods (up to US$10,000) and a two-year tax exemption for importing a car. There is also a basket of other benefits and discounts available to holders of this visa.

Please note that under this visa you cannot qualify to acquire Panamanian nationality or a Panama passport. It is an instant permanent residency program.

2. Panama Reforestation Visa Program

This is a unique program where $40,000 is invested in an approved reforestation program in Panama. This allows the investor to obtain a visa for himself and his spouse, as well as dependent children; no additional investment required for dependents.

It is the cheapest legitimate residency program that we know of. The visas are renewable annually and after one or five years they become permanent residence visas.

The visa allow the investor and their dependents to reside in Panama permanently and also work in Panama. After five years, you can apply for citizenship.  The reforestation program is a statutory program enshrined in law.

3. Qualified Investor

The ¨Qualified Investor¨ residency program was created by Executive Decreed #722 of the 15th of October 2020. It offers international investors and ¨expedited¨ 30-day process to obtain legal permanent residency in Panama. The qualified investor residency application can be submitted with the applicant outside of the country.

The immigration application can be submitted by the law firm through a special power of attorney that is apostilled or authenticated by the Panama consulate in the country where it was signed.
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Investments must be held for at least five years to maintain permanent residence status. Additional government fees for the main applicant and dependents apply.