Panama Residence Permits, Immigration and Retirement Visas

Our clients interested in investing or retiring in Panama may legalize their migratory status through a residence permit and visas granted by the Immigration Directorate. The following options are valid:

• Economic Solvency Visa
  
  This visa and residence permit can be requested by a foreigner or a family group that wants to establish their residence in Panama. In order to apply, it is required an investment of US$ 200,000.00 in Panama, through purchasing a property or a two years extendible time deposit in a local bank for US$ 200,000.00. Another possibility is combining these two options: purchasing a property of US$ 80,000.00 and a time deposit for a minimum of US$ 120,000.00. The solvency is proved through a Public Register Certification or a letter issued by the bank.
  
  In case of a family this must be: a couple married with, parents of the principal requester, under age children and children over 18 but fewer than 25 years old, singles and regular students attending high school or university studies.
  
  This visa grants a residence permit and the right to apply for the Permanent Residence and also a Panamanian Cedula (I.D. Card)
  
  
• Pensioned Tourist Visa
  
  A person retired from a private company or the government earning US$ 500.00 monthly or its equivalent may apply for this permit. If coming with dependents an extra US$ 100.00 is required pear each dependent. As benefits, we can mention an indefinite residence and tax franchise to import households or personal items once up to 10,000.00 and an automobile for personal use every two years.
  
  See additional details in our Live & Retire in Panama section.
  
  Immigrant Visa and Residence Permit with a status of Investor of a Macro Business and Micro Business
  
  Our clients interested in establishing a company must make an investment by a minimum of US$ 150,000.01 (macro business) or a minimum of 40,000.00 (micro business).
  
  
• Macro Business
  
  The petitioner must invest his own capital by a minimum of US$ 150,000.01 and prove the source of founds invested as well as the direct investment; also, the payment of the required minimum social capital presenting documents regarding the deposit or the transfer of founds from abroad. The petitioner must be director and dignitary of the company and unique shareholder for the mentioned minimum investment. The petitioner is allowed to have Panamanian partners, owners of the rest of the capital if it is greater than the minimum.
  

  The company could be established as industrial or wholesale commercial with a commercial license Type “A” or Industrial.

  The company must have a minimum initial payroll of three full time (3) Panamanian employees, who must earn a monthly wage not inferior than the minimum wage stated by Law . The employees must be registered in the Social Security system and fulfil the legal obligations (fiscal law).

  The visa grants a provisional residence permit and a further definitive permanence if the investment continues and the fulfilment of the requirements mentioned above.

• Micro Business
  
  The petitioner must invest his own capital by a minimum of US$ 40,000.00 and up to a maximum of 150,000.00. In addition, needs to be a director and dignitary of the company, as well as a unique shareholder for the mentioned minimum investment.

  The company must have a minimum initial payroll of three full time (3) Panamanian employees, who must earn a monthly wage not inferior than the minimum wage stated by Law. The employees must be registered in the Social Security system and fulfil the legal obligations (fiscal law).

  The visa grants a residence permit and further a definitive permanency.