Friendly Nations visa
A route to residency for citizens of a list of countries that Panama considers friendly, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Mexico and most of Western Europe. You show an economic tie to Panama and start with provisional residency that can become permanent.
Showing your economic tie
Choose one.
Real estate
Property with a registered value of at least $200,000, in your name or jointly with a spouse, free of liens. Local bank financing is allowed if your equity meets the amount.
Fixed-term deposit
$200,000 held for three years in a certificate at a Panamanian general-license bank. The principal comes back after three years.
Employment
A job with a registered Panamanian company that employs at least 10 Panamanians. Harder to find.
The path
- Stage 1: two years of provisional residency with a multiple-entry visa. Processing is cited at four to six months.
- Stage 2: around month 23, apply for permanent residency, which has no expiration date. Processing is cited at about six months.
- Citizenship: possible five years after permanent residency, with Spanish and civics tests.
Costs and eligibility
Main applicant
About $4,500 to $8,000 in government fees, attorney fees and documents, plus the $200,000 investment.
Dependents
Roughly $1,200 to $2,000 each in government fees, plus attorney charges.
Eligibility
Citizens of 51 countries, per a 2026 decree. The list is updated occasionally, so we confirm your passport first.
General information, not legal advice; the application is filed by a licensed Panama attorney. Source: ExpatDen, September 2026.