Current Legal Framework
The National Migration Service will receive your application under the program "Permanent Residence Permit for Citizens of Nations with Friendly, Commercial, and Professional Relations with Panama". This program, commonly known as the "friendly nations visa", was created by Executive Decree 343, dated May 16, 2012, and later modified by Executive Decree 197 of May 7, 2021. Note that since 2022, applicants first obtain a probationary permit for two years before they can apply for permanent residence.
Reasons for Applying
Three options are available to obtain Panamanian residence through the friendly nations visa:
- Employment: A work contract from a legally established company on Panamanian territory is required. Obtaining a work permit is legally mandatory if this path is chosen.
- Real estate: Purchase of a property with a minimum value of $200,000.
- Bank investment: Maintaining an amount equal to or greater than $200,000 in a Panamanian banking entity for three years.
Main Documentation
- Legal representation by a lawyer.
- Five passport-type photos and a notarized passport copy.
- Criminal record from the country of residence.
- Medical certificate.
- Checks endorsed to Panamanian institutions.
- Proof of the reason for the application (employment contract, assets, etc.).
- For dependents: proof of family relationship and financial stability.
Eligibility Criteria
Interested parties must possess citizenship from one of the nations considered friendly in commercial and diplomatic spheres with Panama. This extends to close relatives — parents, descendants, and spouses. If your country is not on the list, other alternatives are available — contact Panama Contact Services to study the best option for your personal situation.
Eligible Countries (50 Nationalities)
The following 50 nationalities currently qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa. Citizens of other countries may be eligible under alternative programmes — contact us to assess your situation.
- Andorra
- Argentina
- Australia
- Austria
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Chile
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hong Kong
- Hungary
- Ireland
- Israel
- Japan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Serbia
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- South Africa
- South Korea
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Taiwan
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
- Uruguay
Related Benefits
The friendly nations visa allows beneficiaries to obtain permanent establishment in Panama, offering cultural and social integration while opening economic opportunities. Once permanently established in Panama, the possibility of acquiring Panamanian nationality is open to you.
