Immigration lawyers in Panama are ready to guide you through every step to obtain your visa, residence, or work permit in Panama.
Panama is one of the most stable and prosperous countries in Latin America, offering unique advantages for those looking for a new place to live, invest, or retire:
Dollarized economy: Financial security and ease in international transactions.
Strategic location: Global air and maritime connections thanks to the Panama Canal and Tocumen Airport.
Political stability: A safe country with sustained growth.
Attractive tax regimes: Benefits for investors, retirees, and multinational companies.
Quality of life: Top-level medical services, modern infrastructure, and a tropical climate year-round.
Cultural diversity: A wide and active international community.
Immigration in Panama is regulated by Decree Law No. 3 of February 22, 2008, as well as various special laws, regulations, and international treaties.
In most cases, all applications must be submitted through a qualified lawyer in Panama, except for cases like student permits or applications made from abroad.
Panama has two main migration categories:
Temporary Residence:
Stay for limited periods, up to a maximum of 6 years, with exceptions.
Examples: student visa, temporary work visa, religious missions.
Permanent Residence:
Right to stay indefinitely in the country.
Examples: Friendly Nations visa, qualified investor visa, retiree pensioner visa.
Panama offers multiple migration options for different profiles. Below are over 20 visas with requirements, benefits, costs, and processing times:
Beneficiaries: Citizens from over 50 countries with commercial and diplomatic relations with Panama.
Options: Employment contract with a Panamanian company, real estate or business investment.
Requirements: Valid passport, criminal record check, proof of employment or investment, minimum funds.
Benefits: Permanent residence upon approval.
Processing time: 3–6 months.
Minimum investment: $300,000 USD in real estate, $500,000 USD in the stock market, or $750,000 USD in a fixed-term deposit.
Benefits: Immediate permanent residence.
Processing time: 30–60 days.
Requirement: Minimum lifelong pension of $1,000 USD/month (+$250 per dependent).
Benefits: Tax exemptions and discounts on services and stores.
Processing time: 1–3 months.
Beneficiaries: University professionals with a work contract in unrestricted occupations.
Requirements: Degree, professional credentials (if applicable), work contract.
Beneficiaries: Investors in free zones such as Colón or Panama Pacifico.
Benefits: Tax and customs incentives.
Beneficiaries: Executives and key personnel of multinationals.
Benefits: Migration and tax exemptions.
Beneficiaries: Spouses, children, and parents of residents or Panamanian citizens.
Beneficiaries: Foreigners enrolled in Panamanian educational institutions.
Beneficiaries: Personnel hired under authorized immigration quotas.
Beneficiaries: Investment in agricultural projects.
Beneficiaries: Professionals in research, science, or technology.
Beneficiaries: Crew and personnel of ships registered in Panama.
Beneficiaries: Persons in vulnerable situations for humanitarian reasons.
Beneficiaries: Citizens of Caribbean countries with special agreements.
Beneficiaries: Persons at proven risk in their country of origin.
Beneficiaries: Ministers, priests, and accredited religious personnel.
Beneficiaries: Citizens of countries with specific bilateral agreements.
Beneficiaries: Pensioners investing in real estate or businesses.
Beneficiaries: Key personnel of registered foreign companies.
Beneficiaries: Hired for specific projects or seasonal work.
Beneficiaries: Persons with stable investment income.
| Visa Type | Minimum Investment/Pension | Permanent Residence | Estimated Time | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friendly Nations | $0* / optional investment | Yes | 3–6 months | Easy and fast |
| Qualified Investor | $300k+ | Yes | 1–2 months | Immediate |
| Retiree Pensioner | $1,000 pension | Yes | 1–3 months | Discounts and exemptions |
| Foreign Professional | N/A | Yes | 3–6 months | Work permit |
| SEM | N/A | Yes | 1–2 months | Tax exemptions |
| Student | N/A | No | 1 month | Legal stay |
Complete passport authenticated by a Panamanian notary.
Apostilled or legalized criminal record certificate.
Health certificate issued in Panama.
Official payments: $250 USD (National Treasury) + $800 USD (Immigration, unless exempt).
Sworn declaration of personal background.
Duration: 3 months to 5 years.
Processing time: 48–72 hours.
Important: Apply before leaving the country.
Required before applying for any visa.
Copy of data page.
2 passport-sized photos.
$5 USD payment.
Not apostilling documents.
Submitting incomplete information.
Staying longer than allowed.
Using unauthorized intermediaries.
Can I work with a tourist visa? No.
Is a lawyer mandatory? Yes, in most cases.
How long does the process take? 1 to 6 months depending on visa type.
We guide you through every step to obtain your residence or visa in Panama safely and quickly.
Phone: 381-2644
Address: Avenida Balboa, Bay Mall, 3rd Floor, Office 304
