Residency & Visas
Panama has a visa path for you.
More than 15 residency pathways for retirees, remote workers, investors, and professionals. Find the one that fits, then let us connect you with the right attorney.
Visa pathways
The three most common routes to Panamanian residency.
These cover the vast majority of expats we speak with. Further below, we outline eight additional pathways for less common situations.
Pensionado Visa
Panama’s flagship retirement visa. One of the best in the world for retirees seeking low-cost, high-quality living.
Key Requirements
- $1,000 per month minimum pension income (government or private)
- Proof of pension letter from the issuing institution
- Clean criminal background check
- Valid passport plus apostilled documents
- No investment required, income alone qualifies
Typical timeline: 3 to 5 months
Full guide →Friendly Nations Visa
For citizens of 50 qualifying countries with professional or economic ties to Panama. Popular with remote workers.
Key Requirements
- Citizen of one of 50 qualifying countries (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia included)
- Economic ties: Panama-registered company, local employment, or real estate ownership
- A 5-year bank deposit or a property purchase
- Clean criminal background check and apostilled documents
Typical timeline: 2 to 4 months
Full guide →Investor Visa
Residency through a qualified investment in real estate, a fixed deposit, or a Panamanian business venture.
Key Requirements
- Minimum $300,000 investment in titled Panamanian real estate
- Or a $300,000 fixed-term bank deposit at a Panamanian bank
- Or a $160,000 investment in a qualifying Panamanian business
- Investment must be maintained for the duration of residency
Typical timeline: 4 to 7 months
Full guide →How it works
What the residency process looks like.
Every case is different, but this is the typical path for most applicants working with an attorney.
- 1
Choose your visa
Identify the pathway that fits your income, investment profile, and country of citizenship.
- 2
Engage an attorney
A licensed immigration attorney handles document preparation and submission to the National Immigration Service.
- 3
Gather documents
Apostilled originals, certified translations, bank letters, and background checks. Your attorney guides each step.
- 4
File your application
Your file is submitted. A provisional residency card is typically issued within weeks of filing.
- 5
Receive residency
Permanent residency card issued. Most visa types carry a path to Panamanian citizenship after 5 years.
Common questions
Residency questions, honestly answered.
Ready to start
We will match you with the right immigration attorney.
Tell us about your situation in a free 30-minute call. We will identify the best visa pathway and connect you with a vetted attorney who specializes in your case type.