Living In Panama: Investor Visa Minimum Stays Unchanged

We just received some fantastic news for anyone considering living in Panama or getting a residency here. The Panamanian government has decided not to proceed with the previously planned price increase for the Qualified Investors Visa. This decision comes after months of lobbying efforts, including in-person meetings with government officials, submitting written opinions to the Ministry, and various other actions. 

The investor visa we’ve helped hundreds of people obtain will remain at the $300,000 USD price point for real estate investments. Now, you can purchase property in Panama as an investment or a home and secure instant permanent residency in a beautiful, safe, and potentially tax-free country.

As we previously reported, Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa was supposed to be changed to increase the minimum real estate investment from $300,000 USD to $500,000 USD, expected to come into effect in October 2024.

But after months of persistence and outreach, we got a wonderful surprise: the Panamanian government has decided to keep the investment requirement at $300,000 USD for at least the next two years. This decision is a huge win for those considering living in Panama or simply getting a second residency and investing in this beautiful, welcoming country. 

To stay updated on amazing news like this, subscribe to our free newsletter. Let me remind you of the investment requirements of the Qualified Investor Visa and why they matter to expats.

UNCHANGED INVESTMENT REQUIREMENTS

Whether you are interested in Panama real estate beachfront options or urban living, you can still secure Panama residency through an affordable real estate investment in this beautiful country. Panama's Qualified Investor Visa is a fantastic pathway for those seeking residency in Panama, with some of the best benefits for expats. It provides instant permanent residency and tax perks that attract retirees, remote workers, and Americans living in Panama.

The cost of living in Panama is considerably lower than in North America, making expats living in Panama even more appealing. The visa program has various investment options, allowing you to follow your own preferences. The investment options for Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa remain unchanged, making it easier for those interested in making Panama their new home. Here’s a quick overview of the main options:

• Real Estate Investment: The primary requirement is a minimum investment of $300,000 USD in real estate within Panama. This straightforward option applies whether you’re buying a home or an investment property and offers direct access to residency.

• Fixed-term Deposits: You can also qualify by placing a fixed-term deposit of at least $750,000 USD in a local Panamanian bank. This route provides a secure way to invest while also enjoying the benefits of residency.

• Business Investments: For those wanting to engage more deeply with the local economy, you can invest $500,000 USD in Panamanian businesses through a licensed brokerage house. This is an ideal option for entrepreneurs.

These options are designed to accommodate various investment preferences, allowing you to choose the path that best suits your goals for living in Panama.

WHY PANAMA’S INVESTOR VISA PROGRAM IS WORTH IT

Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa is full of great benefits that make it the best option for those looking to reside in Panama. Let me list some of the benefits of living in Panama with this visa:

• Instant Permanent Residency: With this visa, you will be able to reside in Panama instantly and start enjoying the benefits of living in Panama from day one. Whether you’re investing in real estate in Panama for sale or seeking Panama real estate beachfront, this visa makes the process straightforward.

• Path to Citizenship: After five years of residency in Panama, you can apply for citizenship, giving you a valuable second passport. This is a big draw for Americans living in Panama and others seeking more flexibility.

• Tax Benefits: Panama’s tax policies are very friendly to expats, with no taxes on foreign-earned income. This makes living in Panama as an expat attractive to retirees, remote workers, and investors alike, especially given the lower cost of living in Panama compared to North America.

• Quick and Easy Process: With applications processed between 30-60 days, this visa offers one of the fastest pathways to residency in Panama. It’s ideal for those wanting to get settled quickly and start enjoying the benefits of living in Panama City or any other preferred area.

Think of this visa as your ticket to a great life in Panama. There are numerous benefits for expats living in Panama, including a lower cost of living, a warm climate and vibrant city life, stunning coastal views, a stable and pro-liberty political environment, moderate taxation, and much more. The benefits of living in Panama are undeniable. It is a wonderful country where expats can find a new home.

Don’t overthink it. Many are investing $300,000 USD in real estate now because they missed the chance, just a few years ago, to secure residency with $5,000 USD in a Panamanian bank account

CONCLUSION

Keeping the same threshold for real estate investment is a huge win for our community and clients. I’m genuinely impressed by the Panamanian government’s willingness to listen and recognize that Panama must stay competitive with neighbouring countries. This decision reaffirms my belief that Panama is the top destination for expats right now, and I’m more excited than ever about living here.

If you’ve been on the fence about investing in Panama or are concerned about potential immigration changes, I’m thrilled to confirm that we can keep processing applications at the current investment level. My team and I are ready to assist you in securing permanent residency in this beautiful country. 

But don’t hesitate to act. Many people who are investing $300,000 USD in real estate now to get residency are doing so because they missed the chance several years ago to get residency for simply having $5,000 in a Panamanian bank account. Those days are long gone, and requirements will only continue to become more stringent as time goes on. Feel free to contact us, and we’ll guide you through the process. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor the situation in real-time.