Panama Residency Visas in 2026, Compared — With the Real Costs

Last verified: August 14, 2026.

Three programs cover the vast majority of people who move to Panama. The right one depends on two questions: how much capital you can commit, and how fast you need permanence.

Qualified Investor — the fast lane

Panama’s premium route grants permanent residency in roughly 30 days, and it is the only major program you can complete without changing how you live first.

• Real estate: US$300,000 minimum — until October 15, 2026, when it rises to US$500,000. Above the minimum, the surplus can even be financed locally.
• Securities: US$500,000 through a Panamanian brokerage.
• Bank deposit: US$750,000 fixed-term.

The catch: the investment is locked for five years. Sell early without an approved replacement and the residency can be cancelled.

Friendly Nations — the practical middle

If you hold citizenship of one of the 50+ listed countries (the US, Canada, the UK, most of the EU, Brazil, Argentina and others), three doors open:

• A real job offer from a Panamanian company;
• Real estate worth US$200,000+; or
• A US$200,000 fixed deposit held for three years.

You receive two years of provisional residency first, then convert to permanent. It is slower than the Qualified Investor route but ties up US$100k less.

Pensionado — the famous one

A guaranteed lifetime pension of US$1,000+/month (or US$750 if you own Panamanian property worth US$100k+) gets you immediate permanent residency plus the discount card Panama is famous for — flights, restaurants, medicines, hospital bills. Add US$250/month of pension per dependent.

The costs nobody prints

How to choose in one paragraph

Capital ready and no patience? Qualified Investor — ideally before the October window closes. Eligible passport and a normal budget? Friendly Nations. Retiring on a documented pension? Pensionado beats both on cost and arrives permanent on day one.

Start with the full picture in our complete relocation roadmap.