Panama Friendly Nations Visa (property purchase / deposit)

Panama · Permanent residence · Summary: A classic route for citizens of more than 50 "friendly nations", conditioned on economic ties (property purchase / deposit / employment in Panama). Grants 2-year temporary residence first, convertible to permanent residence on expiry, at a lower threshold than the Qualified Investor Visa.

Outcome2-year temporary residence → permanent residence
Capital thresholdProperty US$200,000 or 3-year term deposit US$200,000
Investment / routeProperty purchase / deposit / local employment
Processing timeApprox. 4–8 months
Residence requirementNo mandatory residence
CategoryPermanent residence
⚠️ The applicable nationality list is published by the Panamanian immigration authority; whether mainland China is included must be verified case by case. If not on the list, only the Qualified Investor or Pensionado route is available.

FAQ

How much does Panama Friendly Nations Visa (property purchase / deposit) require?

The current threshold is: Property US$200,000 or 3-year term deposit US$200,000. The route is: Property purchase / deposit / local employment. Beyond the published threshold, expect government fees, legal fees and due diligence costs; actual outlay depends on the firm's quote.

How long until I receive "2-year temporary residence → permanent residence"?

The typical processing time is around Approx. 4–8 months. Actual duration depends on document completeness, background checks and official processing pace, and varies significantly by case.

Is there a residence requirement?

No mandatory residence

Anything specific for mainland Chinese applicants?

Terms may change as authorities adjust them, and practice can differ by consular district and over time. Where cross-border transfers or tax arrangements are involved, consult a professional adviser before filing.

Source: Panama National Migration Service (Executive Decree 197/2021) ↗ · Last verified: 2026-09-20 · For reference only; not application or legal advice. Always check the official source for current rules.

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