The Panama Friendly Nations Visa is a special immigration program where citizens of selected countries who have

professional or economic ties with Panama

are eligible to apply for permanent residency and have the right to obtain Panamanian ID (Cédula) and/or request a work permit indefinitely as long as they meet the requirements.

Before obtaining the permanent residency, applicants will receive a

temporary residency

valid for two years. After that time and by showing that they have maintained the requirements, applicants will be eligible to request

permanent residency

The Panama Friendly Nations Visa application includes one main applicant and optional dependents, such as a spouse, parents, and children up to 25 years old.

The specific requirements for the Friendly Nations Visa program include:

• A valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity.

• Proof of economic or professional ties to Panama, such as starting a business, a job offer, or an investment.

• Demonstrating financial solvency and providing evidence of economic means.

• Providing a clean criminal record or police clearance certificate from your home country or places of residence during the past five years.

• Submitting a health certificate issued by a Panamanian hospital or recognized health center.

• Paying the necessary application fees.

The economic activity requirement is limited to two options:

Be employed in Panama by a legal Panama Corporation with a formal labor contract, and a work permit.

Purchase a real estate property with a minimum value of US$200,000 (bank financing is permitted).

The specific documents required may vary, but typically, you may need to provide:

• Valid passport with a minimum of six months’ validity.

• Application form.

• Proof of economic or professional ties to Panama, such as employment contracts, business plans, or investment documentation.

• Bank statements or financial documents demonstrating economic solvency.

• Police clearance certificate from your home country or places of residence.

• Health certificate issued by a Panamanian hospital or recognized health center.

• Passport-sized photographs.

• Application fees.

The processing time for the Friendly Nations Visa application can vary. Generally, it may take several weeks, but can take a few months to complete the entire process, including document verification and approval.

Family members such as a spouse and dependent children can be included in the visa application. They can apply for dependent visas and join the primary visa holder in Panama.

There is no minimum stay requirement once you have obtained the Friendly Nations Visa. However, it is essential to comply with the immigration laws and regulations of Panama once you obtain the visa.

Holding a Friendly Nations Visa can provide several benefits and privileges, which include:

• The right to live and work in Panama.

• Access to education and healthcare services in Panama.

• The ability to open a bank account and conduct financial transactions

The Friendly Nations Visa program is available to citizens of specific countries that have diplomatic ties with Panama. The eligible countries include:

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

Mexico

Monaco

Montenegro

Netherlands

New Zealand

Norway

Paraguay

Poland

Portugal

Republic of Korea

San Marino

Serbia

Singapore

Slovakia

South Africa

Spain

Sweden

Switzerland

Taiwan

United Kingdom

Uruguay

USA

Panama’s Golden visa gives investors permanent residency immediately upon approval, without the need for physical presence. However, in order to keep it, the client needs to visit Panama at least every two years.

You can qualify through:

• Real Estate Acquisitions

• Bank deposits

• Fund Investments

It can be obtained after 5 years

1-2 months

Investment of $300,000 USD in real estate in the Republic of Panama, free of any liens

And investment of $500,000 USD in securities on the Panama Stock Market through any qualified and licensed Panamanian securities brokerage firm.

A deposit of $750,000 with a licensed bank in Panama. The interest income is tax free in Panama.