OUR IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS ASSIST CLIENTS WITH RESIDENCY VISA

INTRODUCTION

Panama has become one of the most attractive destinations in Latin America for foreigners seeking a better quality of life, business opportunities, investment opportunities, and a welcoming environment in which to establish a new home.

Among the country’s immigration options, the Friendly Nations Visa (Visa de Países Amigos) is an important residency program designed for citizens of countries that maintain friendly, professional, economic, and investment relationships with Panama.

Originally established in 2012, the program was created to encourage foreign nationals to establish economic and professional connections with Panama. It offers qualifying applicants an opportunity to obtain legal residency through employment or qualifying investment.

The program has undergone significant changes, particularly in 2021. As of November 2026, applicants should understand that it is no longer an immediate permanent-residency program. The process begins with two years of provisional residency, followed by an application for permanent residency if the applicant continues to satisfy the applicable requirements.

For individuals considering relocating, investing, working, or establishing a business in Panama, the Friendly Nations Visa may offer an attractive path toward long-term residency.

1. What Is the Panama Friendly Nations Visa?

The Friendly Nations Visa is a special immigration category established by the Panamanian government under Executive Decree No. 416 of June 13, 2012.

It allows nationals of designated countries to apply for legal residency in Panama by demonstrating an eligible economic connection to the country.

Unlike certain immigration programs that require applicants to be retirees or high-net-worth investors, the Friendly Nations Visa provides different qualifying routes, including employment with a Panamanian company and qualifying financial investments.

The program is administered by Panama’s National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración).

2. What Are the Main Requirements?

Following the 2021 immigration reforms, applicants must establish an economic connection to Panama through one of the qualifying options.

Option A: Employment with a Panamanian Company

An applicant may qualify by obtaining employment with a legally established Panamanian company.

The employment arrangement must satisfy applicable immigration and labor requirements. Having a company offer a position does not automatically authorize the applicant to work.

Option B: Real Estate Investment

Applicants may qualify by purchasing real estate in Panama with a registered value of at least US$200,000.

The property must meet the applicable legal and registration requirements.

This option may be attractive to foreigners who want to establish a permanent home while making a real estate investment in Panama.

Another qualifying option is establishing a fixed-term deposit of at least US$200,000 in an eligible Panamanian bank.

The deposit must generally remain in place for a minimum of three years and satisfy the applicable immigration requirements.

This option may appeal to applicants who prefer a financial investment rather than purchasing real estate.

3. How Long Does It Take to Obtain Permanent Residency?

One of the most important changes to the Friendly Nations Visa occurred in 2021.

Previously, qualifying applicants could obtain permanent residency directly through the program. Under the revised rules, the process involves two stages:

1. Provisional residency: The applicant initially receives a two-year provisional residence permit.

2. Permanent residency: After the two-year provisional period, the applicant may apply for permanent residency, provided the original qualifying conditions and other applicable requirements are maintained.

This means applicants should plan for a longer immigration process rather than expecting immediate permanent residency.

4. What Documents Are Generally Required?

Although documentation may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances and qualifying category, the application generally involves:

• Valid passport.

• Criminal background certificate from the applicant’s country of residence or applicable jurisdiction.

• Passport photographs.

• Health certificate issued in accordance with Panamanian requirements.

• Notarized or authenticated copies of relevant documents.

• Proof of the qualifying employment or investment.

• Personal information and immigration application forms.

• Power of attorney

Foreign documents must be apostilled as well as certified Spanish translations where applicable.

Applicants should have a qualified Panamanian immigration attorney review their documentation before filing to avoid unnecessary delays.

5. Can Family Members Be Included?

Yes. The Friendly Nations Visa may provide a way for qualifying applicants to include eligible dependents in their residency applications.

Depending on the circumstances, eligible dependents may include:

• A legally married spouse.

• Children who meet the applicable age and dependency requirements.

• Other qualifying dependents under Panamanian immigration regulations.

Additional documentation is generally required to establish family relationships, such as marriage certificates and birth certificates.

Each dependent must satisfy the applicable immigration requirements, and additional government and legal fees may apply.

6. What Are the Benefits of Obtaining Residency in Panama?

Obtaining legal residency through the Friendly Nations Visa can provide several advantages.

Legal residence: Applicants who receive approval can legally establish residence in Panama.

Business opportunities: Panama offers opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals interested in developing business relationships in Latin America.

Real estate ownership: Foreigners can generally purchase property in Panama, subject to applicable laws and restrictions.

Banking opportunities: Residents may explore banking services offered by Panamanian financial institutions, subject to each bank’s compliance and account-opening requirements.

Quality of life: Panama offers modern infrastructure, international schools, private healthcare facilities, shopping centers, restaurants, and a variety of residential communities.

Panama offers several advantages that make it appealing to international residents.

Its strategic geographic location connects North and South America and provides access to international markets through the Panama Canal.

The U.S. dollar is used as Panama’s principal circulating currency alongside the Panamanian balboa, which is maintained at parity with the dollar.

The country also has an established international banking sector, a growing real estate market, and a diverse expatriate community.

For individuals seeking to establish a new life abroad, Panama can offer a combination of business opportunities, modern conveniences, tropical surroundings, and access to international travel.

8. Why Is It Important to Hire an Experienced Immigration Attorney?

Although the Friendly Nations Visa offers an attractive immigration opportunity, the application process involves legal requirements that must be followed carefully.

A qualified Panamanian immigration attorney can help applicants:

• Determine whether their nationality qualifies.

• Select the appropriate immigration category.

• Evaluate the employment or investment requirements.

• Prepare and authenticate supporting documents.

• Submit the immigration application.

• Respond to requests from immigration authorities.

• Assist with the transition from provisional to permanent residency.

It is particularly important to understand the legal requirements before transferring money, purchasing real estate, or entering into an employment agreement.

Applicants should avoid relying on outdated information because the Friendly Nations Visa has undergone important regulatory changes.

9. Is the Friendly Nations Visa Still Worth Considering in 2026?

Absolutely. For individuals who meet the nationality and economic requirements, the Friendly Nations Visa remains an important pathway to establishing legal residency in Panama.

However, applicants should carefully evaluate the three qualifying options before deciding which one best fits their financial situation and long-term plans.

The US$200,000 investment requirements make this program different from its original version, when substantially lower financial requirements were possible.

Individuals who do not qualify under the Friendly Nations Visa may also wish to explore other Panamanian immigration categories, including the Pensionado Visa, Qualified Investor Visa, and other available residency programs.

Conclusion: Make Panama Your New Home

Panama continues to attract foreigners who are looking for new opportunities, international business connections, investment possibilities, and a different lifestyle.

The Friendly Nations Visa remains an attractive option for citizens of qualifying countries who want to establish legal residency in Panama through employment or investment.

With proper planning, accurate documentation, and professional legal guidance, the application process can be approached with greater confidence.

Whether your goal is to retire, invest in real estate, establish a business, or relocate with your family, understanding Panama’s immigration laws is the first step toward making your plans a reality.

Panama may be more than a destination. It may be the beginning of a new chapter in your life.

How Immigrating to Panama works: Visa Residency and Relocation

US citizens can easily immigrate to Panama and obtain permanent residency visa. Friendly Nations Visa program is designed for Americans who wish to relocate to Panama and obtain residency. Americans are welcomed to reside and work in Panama via Friendly Nations Visa program. American citizens do not need to apply for a visa to enter Panama. American citizens can enter Panama and stay for up to 90 days as a tourist and our attorneys can extend your visa for another 90 days. 

Another advantage of Being US citizen is to take advantage of Friendly Nations Visa program and obtain residency. One of the requirements of Friendly Nations Visa program is to invest sum of $200,000. in real estate properties in Panama or deposit sum of $200,000. in a local bank in Panama.  In  addition to the above requirement, Panama Legal Center trusted immigration attorneys would assist American citizens to get their residency without having to invest. The alternative way is to set up a company in Panama  and obtain residency for you. Contact our trusted immigration lawyers today and benefit from our expertise.

OUR IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS HAVE MORE THAN 15 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE SERVING AMERICAN CITIZENS

HOW RETIRED AMERICANS CAN RELOCATE TO PANAMA?

The answer is yes. Americans who receive social security checks or have private pension can retire in Panama and obtain Panama residency via Pensionado visa program. Panama makes it very easy for retired individuals to become Panama residents, and the only requirement is to receive pension of $1,000. per month. Panama Legal Center immigration attorneys also offer a special discount of 10% for American retirees who wish to immigrate to Panama. So we recommend that retired Americans contact us today by email: customer@panamalegalcenter.com or by calling us at +(507) 6404-0388 and take advantage of our special discount rate for American retirees.

WE ARE PANAMA TRUSTED ATTORNEYS FOR AMERICANS

If you are looking to relocate to Panama and looking for a trusted immigration lawyer to process your residency, we are here to help. At Panama Legal Center, we care about our clients and with more than 15 years of immigration experience, we make sure a successful residency visa outcome.  We are happy to answer all your questions and guide you through the PANAMA residency process. We are your trusted lawyers in Panama, and you can consult with our immigration attorneys FREE OF CHARGE.

WHAT IF YOUR FBI REPORT HAS A DING ON IT?

In order to immigrate to Panama, immigration laws require that American citizens can obtain residency when their FBI report is clean and no arrest or charges appear on their report. In spite of this requirement, our trusted immigration attorneys can obtain Panama residency for Americans that have prior arrests or convictions of certain charges.

Since our immigration lawyers have expedited many residency visas for many Americans, we have the know-how and knowledge of immigration laws and how to get around certain elements in order to obtain Panama residency visa. Based on our experience whether you are retired and looking to pensionado residency visa or ready to relocate to Panama via Friendly Nations Visa program, our trusted immigration attorneys are here to help you.

CAN AMERICANS OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT IN PANAMA?

Opening a bank account in Panama is a big deal due to many factors such as money laundry or narco activities. Generally foreigners would not be able to open a bank account in Panama. In spite of this strict banking regulation in Panama, Panama Legal Center attorneys can assist their clients to open a bank account in Panama. Having an offshore bank accounts is a plus for businessmen who are doing international trading such as import and export.

In addition to the above, we assist American citizens to open a bank account in Panama so when you are immigrating to Panama, we take you to a local reputable bank in Panama such as Banco General, Banistmo, Banesco, to open a bank account. Our service oriented firm is here to assist you to make you feel at home. Get in touch with us by email at: customer@panamalegalcenter.com and we fill you in all the details.

HOW TO OBTAIN PANAMA’S DRIVER LICENSE IF YOU HAVE A US DRIVER’S LICENSE:

1. Make an appointment with US embassy (pa.usembassy.gov) in Panama for notary services.
2. Bring your valid U.S driver license to US embassy in Clayton for verification.
3. Pay the required notary fee at the U.S. embassy and receive the affidavit from US Consulate.
4. Take the U.S. Embassy affidavit along with your valid US driver license to SERTRACEN office.
5. You will be receiving your Panama license.

FBI Background Check * HOW TO IMMIGRATE TO PANAMA FROM CANADA?

Canadian citizens are welcomed in Panama and do not need a visa to enter Panama. Currently many Canadian citizens live and work in Panama. Our immigration attorneys have helped many Canadians to relocate to Panama and obtain their permanent residency. Canadians are part of “50 Friendly Nations” and can easily apply for Panama friendly nations visa program and obtain residency. Canadians can take advantage of friendly nations visa program and by investing $200,000. in a Panama property to obtain their permanent residency.

Many Canadians are immigrating to Panama for various reasons such as.

• Panama tropical weather
•  Panama is a safe and secure country
• Panama low cost of living
• Panama Easy going lifestyle

Canadian citizens can contact our attorneys with any questions such as how to immigrate to Panama, required documents to process their visa, how to apostille their documents, etc. Our law firm is here to serve Canadian citizens and provide them with answers they need to make the right decision.

HOW TO OBTAIN PANAMA FIRENDLY NATIONS VISA?

Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa is a special program that is designed to entice, relocation of citizens of Friendly Nations to Panama, to receive permanent residency visa. This residency visa program aims to attract foreign investors, professionals and special workers from designated “50 Friendly Nations” to boost Panama’s economy.  The immigration law was modified in 2021, and Panama grants permanent residency visa to qualified Friendly Nations citizens, after 2 years, 

FRIENDLY NATIONS VISA program allows citizens of 50 Friendly Nations to obtain Permanent Residency visa and work permit. In addition, Friendly Nations residents would be eligible to become citizens of Panama and obtain Panama passport after 5 years. Our immigration lawyers have more than 15 years of experience assisting citizens of Friendly Nations to obtain residency visa in Panama.

HOW TO APOSTILE YOUR DOCUMENTS?

Panama requires all foreign documents such as police report (FBI report for US citizens), pension benefits certificates, marriage certificates and birth certificates to be apostilled by International Apostille Agency abroad. However, if you are a US citizen, you may apostille all your documents via Panama embassy in Washington DC, USA. Their website: www.embassyofpanama.org

Also you may contact us for apostille services anywhere in the world.

The Panama Embassy contact information:

 Location: