The Panamanian government has created several laws which enable foreigners to obtain legal Panama passports and residency. Most of these laws have been created to promote foreign investment in the country.
Below we have listed several immigration programs which offer permanent residency.
1. Permanent residency in Panama for Italian citizens.
Since 1966 Italy have a bilateral immigration treaty with Panama which allows citizens of both countries to become resident in each other countries with less requirements then even this visa.
2. Friendly Nations Visa.
In May of 2012, President Ricardo Martinelli issued a Presidential Decree 343 declaring that citizens of 22 friendly nations could apply to become permanent residents in a fast track manner. Since then, other Decrees have increased the number of friendly nations to 50.
3. Pensioner (Retiree) Visa.
Anyone over 18 years of age with a lifetime pension or annuity paying a minimum of $1,000 USD per month qualifies. The annuity or pension can be paid by a private company, military, government agencies, corporations, a bank, an insurance company, or a Trust. This Panama visa provides several discounts from movie theaters, restaurants, hotels, pharmacies, concerts, and domestic airlines along with other products or services.
4. Self Economic Solvency Visa.
Three options exist to qualify for this visa created to attract wealthy foreigners:
Option 1: Minimum US$300,000 investment of equity in any Panama real estate with an additional $2,000 USD for each dependent.
Option 2: Minimum US$300,000 investment in a 3 year Panama bank CD. An additional $2,000 deposit is required for each dependent.
Option 3: Combining the first 2 options by investing in both a Panama bank CD and Panama real estate where the cash and equity total a minimum of US$300,000 (or foreign currency equivalent). An additional $2,000 USD must be invested for each dependent.
5. Business Investor Visa.
A minimum US$160,000 investment in capital stock of a Panama corporation. The foreigner can be a shareholder and/or an officer. An additional $2,000 must be invested or each dependent.
6. Reforestation Investor Visa.
A minimum investment of US$80,000 in a reforestation project certified by the government including purchasing a minimum of five hectares of titled land with an additional investment of $2,000 for each dependent.
7. Professional Employment Visa.
Foreigners working for a Panama company in a “professional” capacity paying social security taxes and holding a college degree and a professional license (if required by his or her country) can become a permanent resident after two years of being a temporary resident.
8. Married to a Panama Citizen Visa.
This must be a valid marriage (not a sham) to a Panama citizen can apply for a permanent visa.
Below we have listed several immigration programs which offer permanent residency.
1. Permanent residency in Panama for Italian citizens.
Since 1966 Italy have a bilateral immigration treaty with Panama which allows citizens of both countries to become resident in each other countries with less requirements then even this visa.
2. Friendly Nations Visa.
In May of 2012, President Ricardo Martinelli issued a Presidential Decree 343 declaring that citizens of 22 friendly nations could apply to become permanent residents in a fast track manner. Since then, other Decrees have increased the number of friendly nations to 50.
3. Pensioner (Retiree) Visa.
Anyone over 18 years of age with a lifetime pension or annuity paying a minimum of $1,000 USD per month qualifies. The annuity or pension can be paid by a private company, military, government agencies, corporations, a bank, an insurance company, or a Trust. This Panama visa provides several discounts from movie theaters, restaurants, hotels, pharmacies, concerts, and domestic airlines along with other products or services.
4. Self Economic Solvency Visa.
Three options exist to qualify for this visa created to attract wealthy foreigners:
Option 1: Minimum US$300,000 investment of equity in any Panama real estate with an additional $2,000 USD for each dependent.
Option 2: Minimum US$300,000 investment in a 3 year Panama bank CD. An additional $2,000 deposit is required for each dependent.
Option 3: Combining the first 2 options by investing in both a Panama bank CD and Panama real estate where the cash and equity total a minimum of US$300,000 (or foreign currency equivalent). An additional $2,000 USD must be invested for each dependent.
5. Business Investor Visa.
A minimum US$160,000 investment in capital stock of a Panama corporation. The foreigner can be a shareholder and/or an officer. An additional $2,000 must be invested or each dependent.
6. Reforestation Investor Visa.
A minimum investment of US$80,000 in a reforestation project certified by the government including purchasing a minimum of five hectares of titled land with an additional investment of $2,000 for each dependent.
7. Professional Employment Visa.
Foreigners working for a Panama company in a “professional” capacity paying social security taxes and holding a college degree and a professional license (if required by his or her country) can become a permanent resident after two years of being a temporary resident.
8. Married to a Panama Citizen Visa.
This must be a valid marriage (not a sham) to a Panama citizen can apply for a permanent visa.
