Panama Qualified Investors Visa: Get Yours Before It’s Too Late

Panama has positioned itself as one of the most promising expat destinations in the world. Thanks to its low taxes, good weather, and even the canal, many are considering making a move and securing a residency here, as I have done myself. Whether for investment or lifestyle purposes, Panama is a country that should definitely be on your radar.

But as things stand right now, the minimum investment threshold for gaining a Panamanian residency through investment will nearly double from $300k to $500k at the end of Q3 this year. If you are considering obtaining a Panama Qualified Investors Visa, the time to act is NOW. 

In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know.

Panama is a country with beautiful beaches and great real estate opportunities at a price that makes it possible for you to qualify for the Investor Visa

PANAMA QUALIFIED INVESTOR VISA

Panama provides a variety of visa options tailored for digital nomads, short-term business visitors, and workers, inviting all who seek to flourish and succeed. The Qualified Investors Visa elevates this idea, delivering exclusive benefits for individuals aiming to safeguard their wealth. Explore the advantages this visa has to offer:

Today, you can qualify for this visa with a $300,000 USD investment in real estate. But in October, the required investment is set to jump to $500,000 USD. This visa allows quick residency, usually within 30 days, and opens up the benefits of Panama’s strategic location, vibrant economy, and expat-friendly environment. Let’s look at the main perks.

MINIMAL RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS

With this visa, you'll only need to visit the country once every two years, giving you excellent flexibility to travel to other countries and pursue business opportunities.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Panama is a family-oriented country, and as such, this visa allows you to bring your family with you, including your spouse and children, and that’s one of the reasons why I moved with my family to this country.

PANAMANIAN CITIZENSHIP

To become a Panamanian citizen, you'll need to demonstrate fluency in Spanish and pass a test covering Panama's geography, history, and civil rights. As of today, the Panamanian passport ranks 27th in the world, providing visa-free access to 87 countries and visa-on-arrival entry to 45 destinations.

FAST PROCESSING AND LOW TAXES

Article 8 of Executive Decree No. 722 states that the application for this visa must be resolved within 30 working days, counted from the date of receipt of the request, through the Special Procedure Window of the National Migration Service. Therefore, in little to no time, you can legally live, work and study in Panama, along with having a backup residency in case things get out of hand in your home country.  For more information about this visa, please refer to the article we wrote on the subject.

The real estate market in Panama is very diverse. Our clients and partners are also our friends, and in this photo, we are watching a presentation of an unmissable real estate opportunity

INVESTING IN PANAMANIAN REAL ESTATE

Panama's real estate market is booming, thanks to its stunning views of both the Pacific and Atlantic, a stable economy, and affordable living costs. It's a hotspot for investors and offers plenty of job opportunities for expats, making it an ideal location for buying property abroad. While the idea of purchasing property in Panama might seem daunting initially, with the correct information and guidance from experienced professionals, the process becomes much more manageable, especially in such a beautiful setting.

Foreigners in Panama enjoy the same property rights as locals, which means you can own land directly through "Fee Simple" ownership. This type of ownership is straightforward and grants you complete control over your property, ensuring your investment is secure. Whether you're interested in residential or commercial properties, Panama offers a vast selection ranging from bustling city locations to serene countryside settings.

Moreover, Panama's residency process is notably straightforward, allowing you to bypass temporary residency and apply directly for permanent residency. This significantly reduces the complexity, paperwork, and costs associated with moving, making it a substantial benefit for investors, retirees, and other expats looking to settle in Panama. Permanent residency offers numerous advantages, including the ability to live in Panama indefinitely, providing you with a new potential home. This is particularly important for retirees and investors who plan to start a business or open a bank account, as it ensures their presence and assets in Panama are protected under local laws.

Additionally, permanent residents can sponsor their parents, children, or spouse for residency, facilitating family reunification and support. This underscores Panama's commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive society for expats, making it an excellent place to call home.

Panama is a wonderful place full of opportunities; that's why I moved here with my family. Panama's residency process is notably straightforward, allowing you to bypass temporary residency and apply directly for permanent residency

PANAMA’S REAL ESTATE MARKET

Panama's real estate market offers many options, from the modern skyscrapers in Panama City to the beautiful natural landscapes in San Carlos and Bocas del Toro. This diversity appeals to many investors from around the world, each bringing their vision to this growing market. 

Whether you're interested in living by the sea in Costa Del Este or enjoying city views in Punta Pacifica, Panama has it all. These areas are visually appealing and well-developed, with all the necessary amenities readily available. These benefits make Panama stand out as a prime location for real estate investment compared to other countries like Costa Rica. Panama's real estate sector is booming, offering great opportunities for those looking to join this lively and expanding community.

Related content: Paradise Awaits: Buying Real Estate In Panama Simplified

Veritas Village is something apart; it is an incredible place. It is not just a residential project, but it is the construction of a community linked by the same principles

ACT BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

When looking for opportunities abroad, timing is everything. Apart from recognizing the inherent value of the residency you apply for, it is also important to act promptly. In this case, ​​Panama's Qualified Investors Visa presents a fleeting chance. After October 2024, the investment threshold will nearly double. The current price drop represents not only substantial financial savings but also a faster path to securing your new life abroad in beautiful Panama.

Prior to October 2022, it was possible to get residency in Panama with a mere $5,000 USD investment, but as you can see, the bar is set higher these days. And sadly, if you let this opportunity go, the bar will be set even higher—from $300,000 USD to $500,000 USD.  

Now, the question is, how do you plan to make this happen? The law itself is clear, as you can invest in already-built or under-construction lien-free real estate. Since loans in Panama are a bit hard to obtain for foreigners, and the interest rates may be high, try investing your $300,000 USD in cash; real estate developers will highly appreciate this effort.

View of Panama City

CONCLUSION: GET YOUR RESIDENCY NOW

If you want to get permanent residency in Panama, the Qualified Investors Visa is the simplest path to living in a country primed for further economic growth, opportunities, and prosperity. Your money will go a long way here, and most importantly, it will get you top-notch properties at price points you would simply never find in Western countries like Canada and the US. 

You don’t need to take my word for it; you can come down to Panama and see it for yourself. But don't hesitate; time is of the essence.