Introduction
If you are considering real estate investment in Panama to obtain permanent residency, the Qualified Investor Program is one of the best options available. This program allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residency in Panama through the purchase of properties or strategic investments in real estate. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the Qualified Investor Program in Panama, including the requirements, benefits, application process, and how to take advantage of real estate investment opportunities in Panama to obtain permanent residency.
1. What is the Qualified Investor Program in Panama?
This is a program designed to attract foreign investment in real estate in Panama and strengthen the local economy. It allows international investors to obtain permanent residency in Panama by making a minimum investment of $300,000 in properties.
This visa was introduced by Executive Decree 722 of 2020 and updated with Executive Decree 193 of 2024, maintaining the minimum investment amount at $300,000 until 2026, when it will increase to $500,000. This program has been key in real estate investment in Latin America, attracting investors from the United States, Europe, Asia, and Russia.
Key Benefits of the Qualified Investor Visa:
- Permanent Residency in Panama: Obtaining permanent residency for the investor and their immediate family.
- Access to Profitable Investment Opportunities: Investments in luxury properties, beach real estate in Panama, and tourism projects with high returns.
- Tax Exemptions: Tax benefits for foreigners, such as exemptions from property taxes and capital gains.
This program makes Panama an attractive destination for those seeking real estate investment for residency or to diversify their real estate portfolio.
2. Requirements to Obtain Permanent Residency through the Qualified Investor Program in Panama
To obtain Permanent Residency, the following requirements must be met:
- Minimum Investment Amount:
- Invest a minimum of $300,000 in real estate in Panama until 2026.
- After 2026, the minimum amount will increase to $500,000.
- The investment can be in residential, commercial, or tourism properties in strategic areas such as Panama City, Panama Pacifico, Boquete, and beach areas in Panama.
- Property in the Name of the Investor:
- The property must be registered in the name of the investor. Purchase is also allowed through a Panamanian corporation in which the applicant is the principal shareholder.
- Required Documentation:
- Property title or investment certificate issued by the Public Registry of Panama.
- Criminal Background Certificate from the investor's country of origin.
- Proof of funds certifying the legality of the money used for the investment.
- Valid passport and identification documents of the investor and their immediate family.
- Maintenance of the Investment:
- The real estate investment in Panama must be maintained for a minimum of 5 years to retain permanent resident status in Panama.
3. Application Process for the Qualified Investor Visa in Panama
The application process for the Qualified Investor Visa in Panama includes the following steps:
- Selection of the Investment:
- Choose a property for investment in Panama that meets the minimum amount of $300,000.
- The most popular options include luxury properties in Panama City, beach real estate in Panama, and properties for sale in Boquete, Panama.
- Preparation of Documentation:
- Gather all the required legal and financial documents.
- At NL Realty & Legal Services, we have real estate lawyers in Panama specialized in immigration procedures for foreign investors.
- Submission of the Application:
- The application is submitted to the National Migration Service of Panama with all the necessary documents.
- The approval process takes only 30 business days.
- Approval and Permanent Residency:
- Once the application is approved, permanent residency in Panama is granted to the investor and their immediate family.
