Panama Friendly Nations Visa: who qualifies and the property option

What the Friendly Nations route is

It is an immigration program for citizens of countries with which Panama keeps close economic and cooperative ties. Besides citizenship, you must show a real link to Panama, such as a job or an investment.

Who can apply

Only citizens of countries on the official list. The list has been changed several times, so check the current version with the official source: current list from the immigration service. If your country is not on it, look at the Qualified Investor or Pensionado routes.

The property option

One way to show the economic tie is to buy property worth at least the amount set by the rules: amount to confirm. Because this amount differs from the Qualified Investor minimum, compare both routes before you buy.

Documents

• A valid passport from a listed country.
• Apostilled background check.
• Proof of the economic tie (employment contract or recorded property deed).
• Proof of financial means [confirm requirement].

Step by step

1. We confirm your citizenship is on the current list.
2. We choose how to document the economic tie.
3. We prepare and file your application with the immigration service.
4. We follow the temporary residency through to the permanent application.

Frequently asked questions

Official sources and regulations

• Panama National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración) — official site (in Spanish)
• Official Gazette of Panama (Gaceta Oficial) — full text of decrees and laws (in Spanish)
• Panama Public Registry (Registro Público) — title and lien searches (in Spanish)
• Panama Tax Authority (DGI) — property taxes (in Spanish)
• Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama (in Spanish)

Key regulations (check current wording and amendments in the Official Gazette): Decree-Law No. 3 of 2008, which created the National Immigration Service, and Executive Decree No. 320 of 2008, which implements it. [Verify current status]