Residence in Panama: The Qualified Investor Programme
You want permanent residence in Panama, and you want to know which route fits. Panama has one investment route, the Qualified Investor Programme, with permanent residence granted directly. The investment starts at B/.300,000 in new property or B/.500,000 in a fixed-term deposit.
Why Panama's figures need a date on them
Panama replaced its Qualified Investor rules in September 2026, and the ministry's programme page still shows older figures. We read each official page and date it, so you can see how current a figure is.
The route in brief
| Qualified Investor Programme | |
|---|---|
| Type | Investment residence (permanent) |
| Money | B/.300,000 in new first-sale property, B/.500,000 in resale property or a fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional de Panama or Caja de Ahorros (B/.750,000 at a private bank) |
| Key rule | Keep the investment 5 years with yearly proof |
| Page | Panama Qualified Investor Programme |
| Business | Open a company in Panama |
Panama has other visa types that this section does not cover; every route we list is checked on an official page.
Is the Panama Qualified Investor Programme right for you?
An honest answer before you move funds.
| A good fit if | Consider another route if |
|---|---|
| You can invest B/.300,000 in new property, or B/.500,000 in resale property or a fixed-term deposit | You want to buy resale property below B/.500,000: the first-sale minimum is B/.300,000, and resale property needs B/.500,000 |
| You want permanent residence without a temporary stage | You want a deposit at any licensed bank: a private bank needs B/.750,000, a state bank B/.500,000 |
| You can keep the investment for 5 years | You need the money back within 5 years |
| You can send the funds from abroad and trace them | Your funds cannot be documented |
Not sure Panama is the best fit? Compare all Latin America routes, or use Find my program and we match your goals to the right one.
What you need
You need a qualifying investment, kept for five years, with proof each year. The ministry certifies the investment, and the Migration Service grants the residence.
Full details, with the official source for each rule, are on the Panama Qualified Investor Programme page.
What it costs, and what waiting costs
The investment is the larger cost, and other costs sit on top. Set both against the cost of a wrong start: a property that does not qualify and a deposit in the wrong bank.
| Item | What we have read |
|---|---|
| Investment | B/.300,000 (first sale), B/.500,000 (second sale or deposit) |
| Property taxes, legal and professional fees | On top; agreed with the local partner |
Source: MICI Qualified Investor page and MICI news of 21 and 28 September 2026.
Status: what changed and when
Reviewed 22 October 2026. Sources: MICI Qualified Investor page and news of 21 and 28 September 2026.
- Decree: Executive Decree 17 of 8 September 2026 replaces the 2020 framework
- Fixed-term deposit: B/.500,000 at two state banks
After you have the residence
You keep the status by keeping the investment in place. The investment stays in place for 5 years, and you file proof of it each year.
Full details, with the official source for each rule, are on the Panama Qualified Investor Programme page.
How Panama compares with other routes
These are the closest alternatives to the Panama route. The money column shows the lowest qualifying route, in the currency of each programme, so it does not move with exchange rates. Use the family cost calculator for your household.
| Programme | Money you need | Type | In one line |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panama Qualified Investor Programme (this page) | USD 300,000 in new property (first sale); USD 500,000 for resale property or a fixed-term deposit | Investment | The Qualified Investor Programme grants permanent residence directly, from B/.300,000 in new property or a B/.500,000 fixed-term deposit. |
| Greece Golden Visa | EUR 250,000 (listed building or conversion); EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000 for other property | Investment | The Greece Golden Visa is a residence permit for investors who buy qualifying real estate, from EUR 400,000 or EUR 800,000 by area, and from EUR 250,000 for listed buildings and conversions. |
| Malaysia MM2H | USD 150,000 fixed deposit (Silver tier) plus a home of at least MYR 600,000 | Income or retirement | Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) is a residence pass with four tiers, from a fixed deposit of USD 150,000 to USD 1,000,000, plus a home you buy. |
| UAE Golden Residence | AED 2,000,000 in property or a public investment | Investment | The Golden Residence for investors starts at AED 2,000,000, and the Dubai Land Department says a Dubai property of that value gives a 10-year renewable permit. |
Which route fits your family?
Answer eight short questions and the finder ranks all 17 residence programmes against your goals, funds and family. You see your shortlist and the cost for your family first, and a form only if you want it emailed with a fact sheet.
Why clients choose Amir Ismail & Associates
35+ years of hands-on immigration experience and 25,000+ successful cases. 3rd generation in the immigration industry. We bring in qualified local partners in each country, so you deal with one accountable team from first question to filing.
One point of contact
We qualify your case first, then bring in the right local partner. You deal with us throughout.
A strategy built for your family
We match routes to your goals, funds and family, not a template.
Application accuracy
Document and source-of-funds review that prevents costly errors and refusals.
Timely updates
We track rule, fee and regulator changes across every program for you.
End-to-end support
From your first question to your permit in hand, we guide every step.
Proven track record
2026 Canadian Choice Award winner, trusted since 1991.
What our clients say
Real reviews from clients we have guided across borders.
Frequently asked questions
Which Panama route can I use?
This section covers the Qualified Investor Programme, run by the Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
How much do I need to invest?
B/.300,000 in new first-sale property, or B/.500,000 in resale property or a fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional de Panama or Caja de Ahorros (B/.750,000 at a private bank).
Who files my application?
We qualify your case and stay your point of contact. When your case is qualified, we bring in a local partner in Panama who files.
Can my family be included?
Yes. The ministry page says the investment can extend to your spouse, children and qualifying parents.
Can I use any bank for the deposit?
No. The September 2026 news names Banco Nacional de Panama and Caja de Ahorros. The programme page still shows an older rule, so we follow the decree.
What changed in September 2026?
Decree 17 replaces the 2020 framework. It keeps B/.300,000 for first-sale property, keeps B/.500,000 for resale property, sets a fixed-term deposit at B/.500,000 in two state banks or B/.750,000 in a private bank, sets government fees and widens the securities options.
Do I get a temporary residence first?
No. The ministry page says the programme grants permanent residence directly, without a temporary stage.
Do I have to live in Panama?
Decree 17 of 2026 sets no minimum stay for the investor. Earlier rules asked for a visit at least once every 2 years, so confirm the current visit rule with us before you plan travel.
FIND YOUR ROUTE IN A FEW MINUTES
Last reviewed: 22 October 2026 · Last updated: 22 October 2026
