How to Obtain a Qualified Investor Visa for your Panama Real Estate Project
- Edilmar Mejias
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Whether it is the friendly countries visa or the qualified investor visa, here we tell you how to apply for it. Panama has “Friendly Countries” agreements that facilitate foreign investment and the obtaining of permanent residence. The countries included in this program, which may vary, are Germany, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, South Korea, Denmark, Spain, United States, France, Japan, Mexico, Norway, United Kingdom and many others. These agreements offer benefits for real estate investment, business creation and other economic activities in Panama.
Friendly Countries Visa Panama
The friendly countries visa in Panama is a bilateral agreement that allows citizens of certain nations to apply for temporary residence in this Latin American country. This visa seeks to promote cooperation, cultural, tourist and commercial exchange between Panama and the participating nations. It is important to note that this visa is not a permanent residence nor does it grant Panamanian citizenship, but an authorization to stay in the country for a specific period of time.
This residence permit is granted to nationals of certain countries, by virtue of the friendship and collaboration agreements signed by the Republic of Panama. Currently this list consists of 50 nations, according to Executive Decree No. 226 of July 20, 2021.
Since the reforms implemented in August 2021, the Panama Friendly Country Visa requires a minimum investment of US$200,000 if the investment route is chosen. The options available to comply with this requirement are:
Purchase of real estate: Acquire a property in Panama with a minimum value of US$200,000. This property may be in the name of the applicant or of a legal entity in which he/she is the final beneficiary. The operation can be financed through a Panamanian bank. (Panama Sovereign Realty)
Time Deposit: Make a time deposit of at least US$200,000 in a Panamanian bank with a general license, for a minimum period of three years. The deposit must be free of encumbrances and may be in the name of the applicant or an entity in which he/she is the beneficial owner. (Universal Services)
In addition to the investment options, it is also possible to apply for this visa through an offer of employment in a Panamanian company. In this case, a letter of employment signed by the legal representative of the company is required, certifying the position and salary, as well as the presentation of other documents related to the company and the labor contract. (Kraemer & Kraemer, OPM Abogado en Panama)
It is important to note that the process of obtaining residency under the Friendly Countries Visa is done in two stages: first a provisional residency is granted for two years, and then permanent residency can be applied for. (Panama Sovereign Realty)
To ensure compliance with all requirements and to facilitate the process, it is recommended to have the advice of a Panamanian lawyer specialized in immigration. (rodriguezarrocha.com)
How to Apply for the Friendly Country Visa for Real Estate Investment in Panama
Panama is one of the most attractive destinations for those seeking quality of life, stability and investment opportunities. Thanks to its economic growth, strategic location and favorable climate, many foreigners from allied countries choose to settle permanently in Panama. To do so legally, one of the most convenient options is the friendly countries visa, particularly the modality for investment in real estate.
In order to obtain permanent residency through investment in Panama, citizens of these countries can:
Investing in real estate:
The minimum investment amount may vary, but generally a significant investment in property in Panama is required.
Create or invest in a business:
Permanent residency benefits can be obtained by investing in an established business or creating a new one in Panama.
Make financial investments:
Some programs allow you to obtain residency by investing in the Panamanian financial market.
Qualified Investor Visa
For the Panama qualified investor visa, the minimum investment amount is $300,000. This amount can be invested in real estate, securities or a time deposit in the banking sector. There is also the option to invest in reforestation projects, with a minimum amount of $350,000.
Current investment options for this visa
To qualify for permanent residency under the Qualified Investor Visa, you may opt for one of the following:
Real Estate Investment: Acquire a real estate property in Panama for a minimum value of $300,000, either in finished property or in pre-construction through a promise of sale contract. (Lexology)
Investment in the Panama Stock Exchange: Invest at least $500,000 in securities issued in Panama, through a brokerage firm with a license approved by the Superintendency of the Securities Market of Panama. (Lexology)
Time Deposit: Make a time deposit of a minimum of $750,000 in a Panamanian bank with a general license, for a term of five years. (Panama Sovereign Realty)
Additional details of the investment modality
Real Estate Investment:
It is possible to invest in real estate, either by buying a property directly or through a trust.
Investment in Securities:
A minimum investment of $500,000 in securities in an authorized Panamanian securities office is required.
Time Deposit:
It is possible to invest a minimum of $750,000 in a time deposit in the banking sector.
Forestry Investment:
To invest in government-approved reforestation projects, an investment of $350,000 is required, and the investment must be maintained for a specified period.
Investment in a commercial enterprise:
For the EB5 visa in the U.S., a minimum investment of $900,000 and the creation or preservation of 10 jobs is required.
Why use specialist lawyers?
The immigration process can be complex, especially when it comes to real estate investments and the creation of legal structures. Panama immigration lawyers can help you:
To create corporations or private foundations.
Assist you in the purchase of a suitable property.
Ensure compliance with all legal requirements.
To manage procedures before the National Migration Service.
Panama offers a clear and structured path for those who wish to establish themselves by investing in real estate. With the right advice, this visa becomes an excellent opportunity to build a new life in one of the most dynamic countries in Latin America.
Legal Disclaimer
The information shared here is of a merely informative nature. Grupo Ideas and Ideas Group International, S.A. provide it with the purpose of providing guidance, but it does not constitute legal, immigration or financial advice of any kind.
No decision should be made exclusively based on this content without first consulting a qualified attorney duly authorized to practice in the Republic of Panama. Grupo Ideas and Ideas Group International, S.A. are not responsible for decisions made by companies, organizations or individuals based on the information shared in this document or publication.
Hello!
My name is Gabriel Solano Lázaro, I am an ideal architect in Panama City and editor of this Architecture & Design Blog.
I founded Grupo Ideas with my partner Jaqueline Molina in 2016, we are an architecture firm that is dedicated to residential, commercial and urban design.
Any questions write to my email ventas@grupoideas.co
Follow me on my Twitter account @gabrielsolanola, I will continue sharing information, architecture.
I wish you a successful day.
Comentarios