🇵🇦 Panama Qualified Investor Visa (QIV)Key points on investment immigration/golden visas
The Panama Qualified Investor Visa (Qualified Investor Visa, QIV) is overseen by the National Immigration Service of Panama, allowing for direct acquisition of permanent residency through investment. The minimum investment threshold varies by pathway: approximately US$300,000 for real estate, US$500,000 for securities, and US$750,000 for fixed deposits, with funds required to originate from abroad and maintained for at least five years. There is also a nationality-based 'Friendly Nations Visa' as an alternative pathway. This is a neutral summary of publicly available information; please refer to the latest official announcements from Panama.
| Type | Investment Residency (may directly obtain permanent residency) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Investment Threshold | Real estate is approximately 300,000 USD / securities approximately 500,000 USD / fixed deposits approximately 750,000 USD (depending on the pathway). |
| Primary investment methods. | Real estate in Panama, Panama securities market, or fixed bank deposits (foreign funds) |
| Residency Requirements | Can be initiated remotely, with no strict minimum residency days, but investment must be maintained. |
| Pathways to citizenship. | After a certain period of permanent residence and meeting conditions, one may apply for citizenship through general naturalization. |
| Dependent relatives | Can include spouse, dependent children, and qualifying parents (as per regulations). |
| Processing Timeline | Public information suggests that issuance is relatively fast, often taking from several days to a few months. |
| Recent Changes | The real estate threshold for QIV has been adjusted; current conditions are based on official announcements. |
Key considerations
- Investment must come from foreign funds and be maintained for at least five years; early disposal may affect residency status.
- Real estate, securities, and fixed deposit thresholds differ, and each has additional fees; a comprehensive cost assessment is necessary.
- Permanent residence does not equate to citizenship; naturalization requires following a separate timeline and conditions.
General process
- Select an investment pathway (real estate/securities/fixed deposit) and prepare proof of offshore fund sources.
- Complete the qualifying investment and obtain the relevant registration/certificate.
- Authorize a lawyer to submit a permanent residency application to the National Immigration Bureau.
- Obtain permanent residency and maintain investment according to regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Panama Qualified Investor Visa directly lead to permanent residency?
According to public information, QIV may lead to permanent residency through qualified investment, provided that the investment originates from abroad and is maintained for at least five years. The exact thresholds and procedures are subject to the announcements of the Panama National Immigration Authority.
Is the Friendly Country Visa the same as the Qualified Investor Visa?
Different. The friendly countries visa is based on whether the applicant's nationality is on the list and requires an economic connection in Panama; the QIV is centered on a specific amount of qualified investment. The conditions for both differ and should be chosen based on individual circumstances.
Official sources：National Immigration Service of Panama (Servicio Nacional de Migración) · Data Date：2026-06。This page is a neutral compilation of publicly available information, for reference only, notImmigration/LawAdvice; programs are subject to the latest official announcements.