PropertiesVisa
Qualified Investor
Permanent residency based on a real estate investment above the current minimum. The most direct route if buying is already your plan.
Requirements and steps
Panama residency · Real estate investment
Buy the right property in Panama and secure your residency with one trusted legal team
We shortlist properties that qualify for residency, check every title at the Public Registry and file your application with Panama's immigration authority. You get a single point of contact, a fixed quote and English-speaking, Panama-licensed attorneys.
- Licensed attorneysAdmitted to practice in Panama [license no.]
- Cited sourcesEvery guide links to official regulations
- English & SpanishFor you and your family
- Fixed quotesFees in writing before we start
Residency routes
Three ways property buyers usually qualify
Panama has several immigration categories. These are the ones we see most often among foreign buyers and retirees.
Pensionado
Built for retirees with a lifetime pension, including Social Security. Pair it with a home purchase and enjoy retiree discounts.
How it works
Friendly Nations
For citizens of countries on Panama's official list who show an economic tie, such as owning property. Check whether your passport qualifies.
Who can applyHow it works
Four stages, one accountable team
Assessment
We look at your citizenship, income, family and budget, then recommend a route and a tailored document checklist.
Property & due diligence
We shortlist qualifying properties and verify title, liens, taxes and the developer before you pay a deposit.
Closing
We review the purchase agreement, coordinate the deed with the notary and record it in your name.
Residency filing
We prepare and file your application, handle follow-ups and keep you posted until your ID card is issued.
Protect your investment
Your residency rests on the property, so vet it first
A property that falls short of the threshold, or carries a mortgage or unpaid taxes, can delay or derail your application. We review every property before any money changes hands.
- Public Registry certificate: owner, boundaries and liens.
- Property tax and utility clearance letters.
- Recorded price checked against the residency minimum.
- Purchase agreement review, including delivery terms for pre-construction.
About numbers on this site: minimum investment amounts, government fees and processing times are set by decree and change. Anything that must be confirmed with a current official source is highlighted in yellow, and every guide is dated.
FAQ
Questions we hear every week
Can I get Panama residency by buying a home?
Yes. Under the Qualified Investor category you can apply for permanent residency by investing in real estate that meets the current minimum (amount to verify in the current decree). Other routes, such as Pensionado or Friendly Nations, can also involve property.
How long does the process take?
It depends on the route and on how complete your file is. We give you a realistic timeline after reviewing your documents. Published processing times change: confirm with the National Immigration Service.
Do I have to travel to Panama?
Usually at least one trip is needed to file in person and give biometrics. We tell you how many trips your case needs and book the appointments for you.
Is Panama a good fit for US and Canadian buyers?
Many North Americans choose Panama because it uses the US dollar, sits in the Eastern time zone (UTC−5, no daylight saving) and allows foreigners to own property. Whether it fits you depends on your goals, which we discuss on the first call.
Free first call
Tell us your plans and get a clear next step
In 30 minutes we review your profile, explain which route fits and tell you which documents to start gathering at home, such as an apostilled background check.