Residency by Investment in Panama
Panama offers a pathway to permanent residency for foreign nationals who make a qualifying investment under the options and conditions established by current regulations.
It is not just about investing. The transaction must qualify.
The chosen investment option, amount, ownership, source of funds, and transaction documentation must all be reviewed before the application is filed.
SLE can assist with the immigration and legal review of the investment structure to identify which documents apply to your case.
A real estate investment in a qualifying new first-sale property may qualify from US$300,000 under the conditions established by current regulations.
Different ways to structure your investment
The minimum amount varies depending on the type of asset and investment option used.
Real estate
Current regulations distinguish between a first sale and the secondary market.
A new, unoccupied property acquired under the conditions established for a first sale.
A secondary-market property or a property that does not qualify under the first-sale rules.
Securities and deposits
Each option requires specific documentation and certifications. The investment amount alone does not replace an eligibility assessment.
First-sale and resale properties no longer have the same threshold
Before reserving or purchasing a property for immigration purposes, it is advisable to verify how the transaction is classified.
New property
- It must meet the conditions established for a first sale.
- The property and acquisition documents must support the classification.
- Transactions involving property under construction may be subject to additional guarantee or trust requirements.
Resale
- A higher threshold applies to secondary-market properties.
- The transaction and the applicable value must be documented.
- It is advisable to validate the structure before committing funds.
Your investment must be supported by documentation
The regulations reinforce the requirement to document the source and traceability of the funds used for the investment.
Banking and financial documentation showing where the investment capital comes from.
The flow of funds must be traceable to the investment made.
It must be clear who makes and controls the investment.
The required documents vary depending on whether the investment involves real estate, securities, or a deposit.
How you invest also matters
Different documentation may be required depending on whether the investment is made directly or through a legal entity.
Personal investment
The investment is registered directly in the applicant's name, and the contribution, ownership, and source of funds are documented.
- Investor identification
- Proof of payment or transfer
- Asset documentation
Investment through a company
When a legal entity is used, the ownership structure and beneficial ownership status, among other applicable elements, must be documented.
- Company existence and good standing
- Ownership structure
- Beneficial owner and effective control
The investment must be maintained
The program establishes a minimum investment holding period and mechanisms to verify that the investment remains in force.
From assessment to the residency application
The exact sequence depends on the investment option and the application file.
Assessment
We review the applicant profile, investment amount, and investment option.
Funds
We determine how to document the source and traceability of funds.
Structure
The transaction and its legal documentation are structured.
Certification
The corresponding investment certification is obtained.
Application file
The applicable immigration application is prepared and filed.
Follow-up
We assist with the process and subsequent obligations.
Your immigration planning can include your family
The program allows qualifying dependents, subject to the conditions and documentation applicable to each family relationship.
A spouse may be included subject to the program requirements.
Eligibility must be reviewed based on age, relationship, and documentation.
SLE can organize the documentation for the main applicant and dependents.
What documents might you need?
The exact list depends on the investment option, form of ownership, and the applicant's circumstances. These categories help explain how the application file is organized.
01 · Personal documents＋
Passport, police clearance, family documents, and other personal requirements applicable to the immigration application.
02 · Source and traceability of funds＋
Bank letters, account statements, transfers, and other documents showing the source and movement of the capital used.
03 · Documents based on the investment＋
Documentation varies depending on whether the investment involves real estate, securities, or a fixed-term deposit, and includes certifications issued by the corresponding entities.
04 · If you invest through a company＋
Documents regarding the legal entity's existence, good standing, ownership, representation, beneficial owner, and control may be required.
05 · Documents issued abroad＋
Depending on the document and country of issuance, apostille, authentication, or Spanish translation requirements may apply.
We can review the investment option, amount, source of funds, and structure before you begin.
What investors often ask before applying
What is the minimum investment?＋
Under the current program, the option with the lowest threshold is a real estate investment in a qualifying new first-sale property, starting at US$300,000, subject to the applicable requirements.
Can a resale property qualify?＋
Yes. Under the current rules, the minimum amount applicable to secondary-market properties is US$500,000.
Can I invest through a company?＋
The structure may involve a legal entity, but ownership, beneficial ownership, and other applicable elements must be properly documented.
How long must I maintain the investment?＋
The current program provides for a minimum five-year holding period and mechanisms to verify that the investment remains in force.
Can I include my family?＋
The program allows qualifying dependents, subject to the family relationship and applicable documentation.
Does buying a property guarantee residency?＋
No. The investment must meet the conditions of the applicable option, and residency approval is determined by the competent authorities.
Are you considering investing in Panama?
Before committing your capital, we can help you review the immigration pathway, investment structure, and documentation required for your case.
Tell us the approximate amount, whether you are considering a new property, resale property, securities, or a deposit, and whether you wish to apply alone or with family members.
General information only. Eligibility, requirements, and approval depend on current regulations and the competent authorities. Legal review is recommended before publication or use as specific legal advice.
