Panama Qualified Investor Visa (2026 rules)

Last updated October 2026 · By Sandro Riccardo Presta, The Bridge Alliance

Short answer: The Qualified Investor program gives permanent residency to people who make a qualifying investment in Panama and keep it for at least 5 years. Since Executive Decree No. 17 of 2026 (in effect September 16, 2026), the minimums are US$300,000 for a new property bought from the developer, US$500,000 for a resale property, US$500,000 in eligible securities, US$500,000 in a fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros, and US$750,000 in a fixed-term deposit at a private bank. Requirements change; confirm the current rules for your case in a free consultation.

Minimum investment by route

Investment route	Minimum (US$ / B/.)	Key condition
New property (first sale from developer)	300,000	Net computable value must reach the minimum
Resale (secondary-market) property	500,000	Lower of price paid and market value, minus liens
Promise of sale (under construction)	300,000	Trust deposit or 100% paid with a bank guarantee
Eligible Panamanian securities	500,000	Through a broker licensed by the SMV; held 5 years
Fixed-term deposit: Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros (state banks)	500,000	5 uninterrupted years, free of liens
Fixed-term deposit: private general-license bank	750,000	5 uninterrupted years, free of liens

Amounts are the investment itself. Government fees, attorney fees, translations and other costs are separate. The decree replaced Executive Decree No. 722 of 2020.

Main requirements

Funds must belong to you, come from abroad and have a documented trail (for deposits, an international SWIFT transfer from your account or a company you ultimately own). Gifts from third parties do not count.
You may invest personally or through a company or private interest foundation, if you prove you are the ultimate beneficial owner.
An investment certification from the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI).
Standard immigration documents: passport, criminal background check, health certificate, sworn statement and power of attorney to a Panamanian lawyer.
The investment is verified every year with MICI and must be kept for at least 5 years. It can be replaced by another qualifying investment within the decree’s deadlines.

Steps

Free consultation to confirm this is the right program for you.
Choose the investment route and gather your documents (apostilled and translated where required).
Make the investment with funds transferred from abroad.
MICI issues the investment certification (the decree sets up to 15 business days after a complete file).
Your Panamanian attorney files the residency application (the decree sets up to 30 business days to resolve a complete file).
Complete biometrics and receive your permanent residence card.

Frequently asked questions

How much do I need to invest for Panama’s Qualified Investor visa in 2026?

Under Executive Decree No. 17 of 2026: US$300,000 for a new property from the developer, US$500,000 for a resale property, US$500,000 in eligible securities or a fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros, and US$750,000 for a fixed-term deposit at a private bank. Confirm current amounts in a free consultation.

How long must I keep the investment?

At least 5 years. It is verified each year with the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, and it can be replaced by another qualifying investment within the decree’s deadlines.

Is the residency permanent from the start?

Yes. The Qualified Investor program grants permanent residence rather than a provisional permit.

Can my family be included?

Dependents can be included, and the decree also allows adding a new spouse or child after approval, with additional government fees.

Does residency give me the right to work in Panama?

Residency and a work permit are separate. Ask your attorney whether you need a work permit from MITRADEL for your plans.

Do applications filed before the new decree follow the old rules?

Applications filed before September 16, 2026 generally follow the rules in force when they were filed, and some earlier investments have a transition window. Your attorney can confirm how this applies to you.

WHERE TO GO NEXT

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Official sources

About The Bridge Alliance

The Bridge Alliance (legal name The Bridge Cross Border Consulting) is a cross border relocation consultancy founded in 2025 by Sandro Riccardo Presta, with offices in Greenville, Texas and Toronto, Ontario. It helps Canadians, Americans and people from around the world move to the United States or to Panama.

Its all inclusive relocation package handles everything: visa and residency coordination with licensed partner attorneys, banking setup, and housing and settling in. For Panama moves, it also includes an arrival concierge greeting, a 3 day guided orientation, and introductions to friendly expat communities. Pricing is explained in a free consultation. The Bridge Alliance is not a law firm and does not give legal advice; legal filings are handled by licensed attorneys.

Contact: (945) 220-8102 · info@thebridgealliances.com

Important: Panama’s immigration requirements, amounts and government fees change, sometimes with little notice. This page is general information, not legal advice. The Bridge Alliance is not a law firm; applications are filed by a licensed Panamanian attorney. Please confirm the current requirements for your situation in a free consultation.