Qué Es la Visa de Naciones Amigas de Panamá
Un programa de residencia establecido bajo el Decreto Ejecutivo 226 de julio de 2021, reemplazando el Decreto 416 original de 2012.
La Visa de Naciones Amigas de Panamá es un programa de inmigración que permite a ciudadanos de más de 50 países que mantienen relaciones diplomáticas, profesionales, económicas y de inversión amistosas con la República de Panamá solicitar residencia legal. El programa fue diseñado para atraer inversión extranjera, profesionales calificados y emprendedores.
Los solicitantes calificados reciben un permiso de residencia provisional de dos años, que puede convertirse en residencia permanente al demostrar cumplimiento continuo con los requisitos. La visa cubre al solicitante principal así como a dependientes incluyendo cónyuge, hijos menores de 25 años y padres.
Nota para ciudadanos italianos: Italia no está en la lista de Naciones Amigas porque tiene un tratado bilateral separado de Amistad con Panamá (Convenio de Amistad, 1966). Los ciudadanos italianos se benefician de un proceso de residencia aún más favorable. Contacte a Studio Panama Italia para asistencia especializada.
Beneficios Principales 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.
Sin Estadía Mínima
No annual minimum stay requirement. Enter Panama at least once every two years to maintain residency status.
Tributación Territorial
Panama taxes only locally-sourced income. Foreign pensions, dividends, and capital gains are 100% tax-free.
Include Your Family
Cónyuge (any nationality), children under 25, and parents can be included as dependents in the same application.
Camino a la Ciudadanía
Después de 5 años de residencia permanente, solicite la ciudadanía panameña con acceso sin visa a 140+ países.
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.
Países Elegibles para la Visa de Naciones Amigas
Más de 50 países califican bajo el Decreto Ejecutivo 226. Los ciudadanos de estas naciones pueden solicitar.
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. Contacte a Studio Panama Italia para asistencia específica para italianos.
How to Qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa
Three primary qualification paths are available under Executive Decree 226.
Inversión Inmobiliaria
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.
Depósito Bancario a Plazo Fijo
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.
Empleo 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.
Requisitos y Documentos
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. |
Proceso de Solicitud
A structured pathway from initial consultation to permanent residency.
Consulta Inicial
Our immigration attorneys assess your eligibility, recommend the ideal qualification path, and provide a complete document checklist. This step can be done remotely.
Preparación de Documentos
Gather and apostille your criminal background check, prepare passport copies, and compile all supporting documentation in your home country.
Viaje a Panamá
Enter Panama as a tourist. During your visit: medical examination, local bank account opening, certified check issuance, and notarized power of attorney signing.
Presentación de Solicitud (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.
Residencia Provisional 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.
Residencia Permanente
After 2 years of provisional residency, apply for permanent residency by demonstrating continued compliance with the original requirements.
Costos y Tarifas
Complete cost structure for the Friendly Nations Visa, including government fees and legal assistance.
| Service | Main Applicant | Additional Applicant |
|---|---|---|
| Residencia Provisional (Legal Fees) | USD $3,700 | USD $2,000 |
| Residencia Permanente (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. Padres 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 Residencia Permanente
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.
Camino a la Ciudadanía Panameña
La naturalización está disponible después de cinco años consecutivos de residencia permanente.
Los solicitantes deben demostrar vínculos genuinos con Panamá, incluyendo integración económica o profesional, y competencia básica en español. Al obtener la ciudadanía, recibe un pasaporte panameño con acceso sin visa a más de 140 países, incluyendo el Área Schengen, Reino Unido, Japón y Corea del Sur.
Preguntas Frecuentes
Answers to the most common questions about the Panama Friendly Nations Visa.
¿Qué es la Visa de Naciones Amigas de Panamá?
La Visa de Naciones Amigas es un programa de residencia para ciudadanos de 50+ países con vínculos profesionales, económicos o de inversión con Panamá. Otorga residencia provisional de 2 años seguida de residencia permanente, basada en el Decreto Ejecutivo 226 de julio de 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.
¿Qué países son elegibles?
Más de 50 países califican, incluyendo EE.UU., Canadá, Reino Unido, todos los estados de la UE, Australia, Japón, Corea del Sur, Brasil, México y otros. Italia tiene un tratado bilateral separado.
¿Cuánto tiempo toma el proceso?
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) Empleo 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.