Residence Permit in Panama Through Investment: New Requirements and Amounts

Panama has updated the terms of its permanent residency program for qualified investors. The changes pertain to minimum real estate investment amounts, verification of funds, documentation for investments made through companies, and annual confirmation of the investment. A new option for obtaining residency without purchasing real estate has also been introduced. Travelobiz reports on this.

We’ll explain below what amounts are now required, how term deposits work, and what has changed for applicants.

Are you planning to obtain a residence permit in Panama through investment?

A Visit World immigration attorney will help you choose the right investment option and prepare the necessary documents in accordance with the program’s new requirements.

What has changed in Panama’s “Qualified Investor” program?

Panama has tightened the requirements for its permanent residency program for qualified investors. From now on, the rules distinguish between primary and secondary market real estate and set different minimum investment amounts for each. The government will conduct more thorough checks on the source of funds, the ownership of the investing company, and whether the investment is maintained after status is granted. In addition, the program now offers a new option: a five-year term deposit of 500,000 PAB.

The new rules expand the scope of verification. In addition to the investment amount, Panama will assess the source of the funds, the individuals managing them, and whether the investment meets the established conditions.

About taxes for expats in 2026 and which countries offer favorable conditions—find out more at the link.

Minimum Investment Amount for Real Estate in Panama

To obtain qualified investor status through the purchase of real estate, the minimum investment amount now depends on the type of property. The new thresholds determine the conditions under which an applicant can obtain status through real estate investments.

Different thresholds in Panamanian balboas (PAB) have been established for properties being sold for the first time and for the secondary market:

• 300,000 PAB or more — primary market real estate (property being sold for the first time);
• 500,000 PAB or more — secondary market real estate.

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Source of Funds: What Funds Will Not Be Counted Toward the Investment?

The funds for the investment must belong to the applicant personally. The rules do not allow the use of money received as a gift, donation, or other gratuitous transfer from third parties. Therefore, before submitting documents, the investor should ensure that they can verify the legitimate source of the amount they plan to invest in the program.

Where foreigners can buy real estate in 2026 — we explain here.

Investing through a company: document requirements

Applicants who invest through a legal entity must provide more detailed documentation regarding ownership and control of the company. The documentation must clearly show who the ultimate owner of the investment is and who controls it. These requirements primarily apply to investors who previously held assets through corporate structures.

The best countries for foreigners to buy real estate in 2026—listed in this article.

A 500,000 PAB Time Deposit Instead of Buying Real Estate

Panama has introduced a new way to obtain qualified investor status without purchasing real estate. An applicant can open a five-year time deposit for 500,000 PAB. This deposit can be opened at one of two banks: Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros.

This option is suitable for applicants who do not plan to invest in real estate but wish to obtain residency through the “Qualified Investor” program.

See also: Housing Sales in Europe 2025–2026. Where Is the Real Estate Market Growing the Fastest?

Annual Investment Verification: Deadlines and Documents

After receiving status, the investor is required to verify annually that their qualified investment remains valid. Evidence must be submitted by the anniversary of the immigration permit’s approval. The formal requirements for this procedure have become stricter compared to previous rules, so it is advisable to prepare the documentation package in advance, before the anniversary date.

Certain changes pertain to the purchase of real estate under pre-sale agreements. More specific documentation requirements have now been established for such transactions.

The decree also provides for a separate procedure for obtaining Panamanian citizenship for resident qualified investors and their dependents. This option becomes available after five years of continuous residence in Panama. The procedure is handled by the Panamanian Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Thus, residency through investment opens the path to Panamanian citizenship for the applicant.

Remember! The new rules require more thorough preparation even before making an investment: choosing the type of investment, verifying the source of funds, and preparing company documents. The immigration lawyers at Visit World will help you evaluate your investment options in Panama, review your documents, and prepare your application.

Schedule a consultation with a lawyer on Visit World to plan your investment structure in accordance with the updated requirements!

Reminder! In our previous article, we discussed the Panama Digital Nomad Visa in 2026.

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