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FAQ

Common Questions About Panama

Everything you need to know before making your move to Panama.

To obtain residency in Panama as a foreigner, you must apply under an immigration programme suited to your nationality and profile. The most widely used options include the Friendly Nations Visa, the Qualified Investor Residency, and the Retiree Visa. The Friendly Nations Visa allows you to obtain residency in Panama by demonstrating an economic or professional tie to the country. The Qualified Investor Residency requires a minimum investment of $300,000 USD. The Retiree Visa is designed for those wishing to live in Panama with retirement income from $1,000 USD per month. Residency in Panama requires apostilled documents and compliance with the requirements of the chosen programme.

The cost of residency in Panama in 2026 depends on the visa type chosen, but in general legal and administrative fees for obtaining residency in Panama range from $5,000 to $10,000 USD per person. The Qualified Investor Residency requires a minimum investment of $300,000 USD, while the Panama Retiree Visa requires monthly income from $1,000 USD. The Friendly Nations Visa may involve variable costs depending on the economic or professional tie used. The price of residency in Panama varies by programme, the foreigner's profile, and the structure used to apply.

Opening a bank account in Panama as a foreigner is possible, but banks in Panama apply strict compliance controls. To open a bank account in Panama, you must present a valid passport, bank references, and documents justifying the origin of funds. Banks in Panama for foreigners typically require physical presence or a link to the country. However, opening a bank account in Panama remotely is possible when the file is correctly structured and presented through intermediaries with a local banking relationship, allowing the process to be completed without travelling in certain cases.

The time to open a bank account in Panama is typically 2 to 4 weeks from submission of a complete file. Opening a bank account in Panama may take longer if the bank requests additional information or if the profile requires enhanced due diligence. For opening a bank account in Panama remotely, the timeline depends on file validation and the bank's internal processes.

Creating a company in Panama as a foreigner is a fast process that allows you to open a company in Panama without needing residency. The most commonly used structures are the Sociedad Anónima (S.A.), the Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.), and the Private Interest Foundation. The S.A. is the most widely used option for commercial activities and international investment. The S.R.L. is more commonly used for local operations. The Private Interest Foundation in Panama is used primarily for asset protection and estate planning. Opening a company in Panama is handled by a lawyer and allows a registered structure to be in place within a few days, even remotely in certain cases.

The cost of creating a company in Panama depends on the chosen structure. Creating a Sociedad Anónima (S.A.), a Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (S.R.L.), or a Private Interest Foundation in Panama typically costs between $1,500 and $2,000 USD. Opening a company in Panama also involves annual costs such as the tasa única, the resident agent, and administrative services, which generally range from $600 to $1,000 USD per year. The price of a company or foundation in Panama varies depending on the foreigner's profile and the structure used.

Yes, a foreigner can buy property in Panama with the same rights as a Panamanian citizen. The law allows foreigners to acquire real estate in Panama in their own name or through a company or foundation. Buying property in Panama as a foreigner is a safe process provided the property title is verified and the transaction is conducted correctly. It is not mandatory to have residency in Panama to purchase a property, but it may facilitate banking and administrative procedures.

Yes, buying property in Panama can allow you to obtain residency, provided the investment meets the requirements of a current immigration programme. The Qualified Investor Residency allows you to obtain permanent residency in Panama through a minimum real estate investment of $300,000 USD, with a legal processing time of 30 days. It is also possible to apply for the Friendly Nations Visa, which allows you to obtain temporary residency through a minimum real estate investment of $200,000 USD or a bank deposit. This programme requires maintaining an economic tie to Panama and leads to permanent residency after the provisional period. Buying property in Panama is one of the most widely used ways for foreigners to obtain residency, as it combines real estate investment with immigration benefits.

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