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Panama Qualified Investor Visa (QIV)

Panama Qualified Investor Visa is a leading residency-by-investment pathway for investors searching online for ‘Panama residency’, ‘Golden Visa’, and ‘residency by investment’.

Introduction about Panama

Panama is a globally connected logistics and services hub known for the Panama Canal, dollarized economy, strong financial services sector, and strategic location linking North and South America.
Its capital, Panama City, attracts multinationals, entrepreneurs, retirees, and investors due to modern infrastructure, territorial tax system, and consistent economic growth.

Introduction about Panama Qualified Investor Visa (QIV)

Introduced in 2020, the Panama Qualified Investor Visa (QIV) is a residency-by-investment program designed to attract foreign capital into Panama’s real estate market, financial markets, and national development sectors.

Country Key Data

  • Passport Ranking: Moderate global mobility
  • Visa-Free Travel: ~140 destinations
  • Population: ~4.5 million
  • GDP per Capita: ~USD 15,000
  • Capital: Panama City
  • Currency: USD (circulates alongside Balboa)
  • Government Type: Presidential constitutional republic
Panama Qualified Investor Visa (QIV)

Unlike traditional multi-stage residency visas, the QIV grants immediate permanent residency to qualifying investors – making it one of the fastest and most streamlined investor residency programs in the Western Hemisphere.

Why Choose This Program?

Clear and predictable investment thresholds
Fast-track permanent residency
Business-friendly regulatory environment
Access to a USD-based, territorial-tax jurisdiction

Program Qualifications

Be at least 18 years old
Clean criminal record
Make a qualifying investment under one of the approved QIV categories
Show legal source of funds
Eligible dependents: Spouse, Children under 25 (students or dependents), Dependent parents (conditions apply)

Benefits

Ability to apply for citizenship after 5 years of residency (subject to integration requirements)

Immediate permanent residency upon approval

Territorial tax regime (foreign-sourced income generally untaxed)

Clear, structured investment routes

Fast processing compared to other investor visas (often within 30–90 days)

Investment Options

Applicants must invest from USD 300,000 depending on investment type.
Minimum thresholds may rise after 2025.

Option 1: Financially Independent Person (No Employment)
Purchase of Panama property with verifiable funds
Property must be registered in investor’s name (or a qualifying entity)
Investment must be held for at least 5 years
May increase to USD 500,000 in the future (policy-dependent)
Option 2: Real Estate Investment via Promise to Purchase - USD 300,000
Applies when buying pre-construction or off-plan projects
Funds must be deposited into a designated escrow
Option 3: Panama Stock Exchange Investment - Minimum USD 500,000
Investment through an approved Panamanian brokerage house
Must be held within recognized financial instruments
Option 4: Time Deposit in a Panamanian Bank — Minimum USD 750,000
Fixed deposit (CD) for minimum 5-year term
Must be held in a licensed Panamanian bank
Interest may vary by institution

Roadmap to Residency

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Step 1: Pre-Assessment

Confirm investment type, budget, and documentation readiness.

Required for real estate, securities, or time deposit investments.

Transfer funds and execute purchase/deposit via licensed entities.

Provide identity documents, proof of funds, criminal record, and investment proof.

Upon approval, the investor receives a permanent residency card.

Investment must be held for at least 5 years to retain eligibility.

Residency renewal and potential naturalization after 5 years.

Risks & Realities

Pros
One of the fastest permanent residency pathways globally
Clear and transparent investment thresholds
U.S. dollar economy with territorial taxation
Flexible real estate and financial investment choices
Family-inclusive residency option
Cons
No guaranteed returns on real estate or financial instruments
Naturalization process can be challenging and lengthy
Must maintain investment for 5 years
Regulatory changes and market fluctuations may affect investment planning

Optional Interactive Elements

Residency Cost Estimator Tool
Interactive Map: Schengen Access & Benefits
Compare EU Residency Programs