Residency options
Panama has several ways to become a resident, depending on whether you are retired, investing, from a friendly nation, or working here. Figures were checked in October 2026 and change often; the application is always filed by a licensed Panama attorney.
| Route | Who it fits | What you show | Result | Rough cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pensionado (retiree) | Retirees with a lifetime pension | $1,000 a month, or $750 with $100,000+ of Panama property | Permanent residency | About $3,000 to $6,000 |
| Friendly Nations | Citizens of listed countries | $200,000 in real estate or a 3-year bank deposit, or a qualifying job | 2 years provisional, then permanent | About $4,500 to $8,000 plus the investment |
| Qualified Investor | Investors, any nationality | $300,000 and up in new real estate, or $500,000 in securities or deposit | Permanent residency on approval | About $16,000 plus the investment |
| Other routes | Professionals, workers, self-solvency | Depends on route | Varies | Ask us |
Sources include ExpatDen, Kraemer Law and Relofirm. Not legal advice; confirm with the National Immigration Service or a licensed attorney.
Which one is for you?
You are retired with a pension
Start with the Pensionado visa. It is the least expensive route and comes with lasting discounts.
You hold a passport from a listed country and want to buy
Look at Friendly Nations.
You want permanent residency quickly through an investment
See Qualified Investor.