Panama Friendly Nations Visa

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

Short answer: The Friendly Nations visa is for citizens of 51 listed countries, including the United States and Canada. You show an economic tie to Panama through a job with a Panamanian company, real estate worth at least US$200,000, or a US$200,000 fixed-term bank deposit for 3 years. You first receive 2 years of provisional residency, then you can apply for permanent residency. Requirements change; confirm the current rules for your case in a free consultation.

The three routes

Route	Minimum	Notes
Employment	A genuine job with a Panamanian company	Work permit from MITRADEL is separate
Real estate	US$200,000 in Panama property	Personal, or via a company/foundation you ultimately own; financing allowed
Fixed-term deposit	US$200,000 for 3 years	General-license Panamanian bank, free of liens

Government fees and attorney fees are separate; confirm current amounts. Residency is not a work permit.

The 51 eligible countries

Executive Decree No. 16 of 2026 (in force since September 1, 2026) added Ecuador, bringing the list to 51: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong (SAR), Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay.

Steps

Free consultation to confirm your nationality and best route.
Gather documents: passport, background check, health certificate and proof of your economic tie (apostilled and translated).
Make your investment or secure your job offer.
Travel to Panama; your attorney files for provisional residency (2 years).
Before it expires, apply for permanent residency while keeping your qualifying tie.

Frequently asked questions

How many countries are on Panama’s Friendly Nations list?

51 countries as of September 2026, after Executive Decree No. 16 of 2026 added Ecuador.

Can Americans and Canadians apply?

Yes. Both the United States and Canada are on the list.

How much money do I need?

Either real estate worth at least US$200,000 or a US$200,000 fixed-term deposit for 3 years. The employment route has no investment minimum but needs a genuine Panamanian job.

Is it permanent residency right away?

No. You first get 2 years of provisional residency, then you can apply for permanent residency.

Can I work in Panama with this visa?

Residency does not replace a work permit. Work permits are handled by MITRADEL.

Is the old US$5,000 bank deposit route still available?

No. Since 2021 the program requires a job, US$200,000 in property or a US$200,000 deposit.

WHERE TO GO NEXT

Free tools

FREE TOOLResidency Route Finder› FREE TOOLCross-Border Readiness Score›FREE TOOLMove to Panama Cost Estimator›

Continue across our guides

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For retirees with a pension Friendly Nations
51 eligible countries Qualified Investor
2026 rules, from US$300k From the USA
All 50 states From Canada
CPP/OAS, RCMP, CRA

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.