What Is the Panama Friendly Nations Visa
A residency program established under Executive Decree 226 of July 2021, replacing the original Decree 416 of 2012.
The Panama Friendly Nations Visa is an immigration program that allows citizens of over 50 countries that maintain friendly diplomatic, professional, economic, and investment relationships with the Republic of Panama to apply for legal residency. The program was designed to attract foreign investment, skilled professionals, and entrepreneurs to contribute to Panama's growing economy.
Under this program, qualified applicants receive a two-year provisional residency permit, which can be converted to permanent residency upon demonstrating continued compliance with the original requirements. The visa covers the main applicant as well as dependents including spouse, children under 25, and parents.
Note for Italian citizens: Italy is not on the Friendly Nations list because it has a separate bilateral Treaty of Friendship with Panama (Convenio de Amistad, signed in 1966). Italian nationals benefit from an even more favorable residency process. Contact Studio Panama Italia for specialized assistance.
Key Benefits of the Friendly Nations Visa
Panama consistently ranks among the world's top retirement and relocation destinations.
Residency in 72 Hours
Application filing can be completed in as little as 72 hours upon arrival. Provisional residency card issued within 2-4 months.
No Minimum Stay
No annual minimum stay requirement. Enter Panama at least once every two years to maintain residency status.
Territorial Taxation
Panama taxes only locally-sourced income. Foreign pensions, dividends, and capital gains are 100% tax-free.
Include Your Family
Spouse (any nationality), children under 25, and parents can be included as dependents in the same application.
Path to Citizenship
After 5 years of permanent residency, apply for Panamanian citizenship and passport with visa-free access to 140+ countries.
Stable Economy
Panama uses the US Dollar as legal tender, has a robust banking sector, and offers one of Latin America's highest GDPs per capita.
Countries Eligible for the Friendly Nations Visa
Over 50 countries qualify under Executive Decree 226. Citizens of these nations can apply.
Andorra
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Bulgaria
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Ireland
Israel
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Mexico
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Paraguay
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Taiwan
United Kingdom
United States
UruguayNote: Italy has a separate bilateral Treaty of Friendship (Convenio de Amistad, 1966) and follows a distinct residency procedure. Contact Studio Panama Italia for Italian-specific assistance.
How to Qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa
Three primary qualification paths are available under Executive Decree 226.
Real Estate Investment
Purchase real estate in Panama valued at a minimum of USD $200,000, registered in your personal name or a Panamanian foundation. The property must be free of liens.
Fixed-Term Bank Deposit
Open a fixed-term deposit (plazo fijo) of at least USD $200,000 for a minimum of three years at a Panamanian bank licensed by the Superintendency of Banks.
Employment in Panama
Obtain employment with a Panamanian company. Requires a valid work permit issued by MITRADEL and a labor contract registered with the Ministry of Labor.
Requirements and Documents
Complete list of documents required for a Friendly Nations Visa application.
| Document | Detail |
|---|---|
| Notarized Power of Attorney | Drafted by a licensed Panamanian immigration attorney. Must contain names and nationalities of parents. |
| Passport copy (authenticated) | Notarized or consulate-authenticated. Minimum 6 months validity. |
| Criminal background check | From country of origin or last 5-year residence. Apostilled and translated to Spanish. |
| Health certificate | Issued by a licensed Panamanian physician (valid 90 days). |
| Economic solvency proof | Bank reference letter from a Panamanian bank, employment contract, or property title. |
| Three passport photos | White background, recent. |
| Government fee checks | Certified check USD $250 to National Treasury + USD $800 to Immigration Service. |
| Sworn declaration | Formulario de Declaración Jurada de Antecedentes Personales. |
Application Process
A structured pathway from initial consultation to permanent residency.
Initial Consultation
Our immigration attorneys assess your eligibility, recommend the ideal qualification path, and provide a complete document checklist. This step can be done remotely.
Document Preparation
Gather and apostille your criminal background check, prepare passport copies, and compile all supporting documentation in your home country.
Travel to Panama
Enter Panama as a tourist. During your visit: medical examination, local bank account opening, certified check issuance, and notarized power of attorney signing.
Application Filing (72 Hours)
Your attorney files the complete application with the Servicio Nacional de Migración. A tramite card is issued granting temporary legal status while the application is reviewed.
Provisional Residency Approval
The immigration authority reviews and approves your application, typically within 2-4 months. You receive a provisional residency permit valid for 2 years and your E-Cédula.
Permanent Residency
After 2 years of provisional residency, apply for permanent residency by demonstrating continued compliance with the original requirements.
Costs and Fees
Complete cost structure for the Friendly Nations Visa, including government fees and legal assistance.
| Service | Main Applicant | Additional Applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Provisional Residency (Legal Fees) | USD $3,700 | USD $2,000 |
| Permanent Residency (Legal Fees) | USD $2,900 | USD $1,100 |
| Government Fee — National Treasury | USD $250 | USD $250 |
| Government Fee — Immigration Service | USD $800 | USD $800 |
Including Family Members
The main applicant must be a citizen of an eligible Friendly Nation, but dependents can hold any nationality.
Your legally married spouse can be included regardless of their citizenship. Unmarried adult children under 25 must provide proof of full-time enrollment at an educational institution in Panama and a sworn declaration of single status. Minor children require only their apostilled birth certificate. Parents of the main applicant can also be included.
The main applicant must demonstrate economic solvency of at least B/.1,000 monthly plus B/.100 additional per dependent.
From Provisional to Permanent Residency
After two years of provisional residency, convert to permanent status.
The permanent residency application requires the same documentation as the provisional application, with the notable exception of the criminal background check and government checks. Permanent residency has no expiration date, provided you enter Panama at least once every two years. The permanent E-Cédula serves as your official identification document in Panama.
Path to Panamanian Citizenship
Naturalization becomes available after five consecutive years of permanent residency.
Applicants must demonstrate genuine ties to Panama, including economic or professional integration, and basic Spanish language proficiency. Upon obtaining citizenship, you receive a Panamanian passport providing visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to over 140 countries and territories worldwide, including the Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, Japan, and South Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the most common questions about the Panama Friendly Nations Visa.
What is the Panama Friendly Nations Visa?
The Panama Friendly Nations Visa is a residency program for citizens of 50+ countries with professional, economic, or investment ties to Panama. It grants a 2-year provisional residency followed by permanent residency, based on Executive Decree 226 of July 2021.
How much does the Panama Friendly Nations Visa cost?
Government fees total USD $1,050 per applicant ($250 to the National Treasury + $800 to the National Immigration Service). Legal assistance for the main applicant starts at USD $3,700 for provisional residency and USD $2,900 for permanent residency.
Which countries are eligible for Panama's Friendly Nations Visa?
Over 50 countries qualify, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, all EU member states, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, and others. Italy has a separate bilateral treaty with Panama.
How long does the process take?
The application filing can be completed in as little as 72 hours. The provisional residency card is issued within 2-4 months. After 2 years, you can apply for permanent residency.
What are the investment options for the Friendly Nations Visa?
You can qualify through: (1) Real estate investment of at least USD $200,000, (2) Fixed-term bank deposit of USD $200,000 for 3 years, or (3) Employment with a Panamanian company with a valid work permit.
Can I include my family in the application?
Yes. You can include your spouse (regardless of nationality), unmarried children under 25 who study full-time in Panama, and parents. All dependents receive the same residency status as the main applicant.
Is there a minimum stay requirement for Panama residency?
There is no annual minimum stay requirement. However, you must enter Panama at least once every 2 years to maintain your residency status.
Can I get Panama citizenship through the Friendly Nations Visa?
Yes. After 5 years of permanent residency, you may apply for Panamanian citizenship and passport through naturalization, provided you demonstrate ties to the country and basic Spanish proficiency.