Panama residency · Países Amigos # Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa, explained in plain English If you are a citizen of one of 51 countries, including the United States, Canada and many European countries, you can live in Panama by showing one economic tie: a job with a Panamanian company, real estate worth at least US$200,000, or a US$200,000 fixed-term bank deposit. You start with a two-year provisional residency and then apply for permanent residency. [Free consultation](/contact/) - 51 eligible countries - US$200,000 property or bank deposit - 2 years provisional, then permanent - B/. 250 + B/. 800 Treasury fee + repatriation deposit [National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PPT-PE / PPP-PE (Países Específicos)](https://www.migracion.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/02-PAISES-ESPECIFICOS.pdf) · October 26, 2026 ## Do you qualify? You need two things: a passport from a Friendly Nation and one economic tie to Panama. Check your country in ten seconds. ## The 51 Friendly Nations on a map Type your country of citizenship - Andorra - Argentina - Australia - Austria - Belgium - Brazil - Canada - Chile - Costa Rica - Croatia - Cyprus - Czech Republic - Denmark - Ecuador - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Greece - Hong Kong (SAR of China) - Hungary - Ireland - Israel - Japan - Latvia - Liechtenstein - Lithuania - Luxembourg - Malta - Mexico - Monaco - Montenegro - Netherlands - New Zealand - Norway - Paraguay - Peru - Poland - Portugal - San Marino - Serbia - Singapore - Slovakia - South Africa - South Korea - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland - United Kingdom - United States - Uruguay [Executive Decree 416 of June 13, 2012, article 2, as amended by Executive Decree 197 of May 7, 2021 and Executive Decree 226 of July 20, 2021 (Official Gazette 29335); current list in Executive Decree 16 of August 31, 2026, article 1 (Official Gazette 30601-B), which added Ecuador and took effect on September 1, 2026.](https://www.migracion.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/02-PAISES-ESPECIFICOS.pdf) ## Key takeaways - You need a passport from one of the 51 countries on the current list (Executive Decree 16 of 2026). - You also need one economic tie: a job with a work permit, real estate of at least US$200,000, or a US$200,000 three-year fixed-term deposit. - At filing, the main applicant pays B/. 250 to the Treasury and leaves a B/. 800 repatriation deposit. - You get a two-year provisional residency first, then you apply for permanent residency. - A licensed Panamanian lawyer files for you; by law Immigration has up to 60 business days to decide. ## Three ways to show your economic tie Immigration accepts three routes. You need only one of them, and you choose the one that fits your plans. ### Work for a Panamanian company An employment letter from a company registered in Panama, stating your position and salary, plus the work permit application filed with the Ministry of Labor (MITRADEL). Source: [Immigration requirements sheet PPT-PE, route a](https://www.migracion.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/02-PAISES-ESPECIFICOS.pdf) ### Buy real estate Property in Panama worth at least US$200,000, in your own name or held through a company or private interest foundation you ultimately own. Local bank financing is allowed. Source: [Immigration requirements sheet PPT-PE, route b](https://www.migracion.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/02-PAISES-ESPECIFICOS.pdf) ### Place a fixed-term deposit A US$200,000 fixed-term deposit for three years, free of liens, at a bank with a general license in Panama, in your name or through a company or foundation you ultimately own. Source: [Immigration requirements sheet PPT-PE, route c](https://www.migracion.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/02-PAISES-ESPECIFICOS.pdf) ## Why people choose this route ### A clear path to permanent residency Two years of provisional residency, then permanent residency. No need to re-qualify under a different program. ### Your family can come too Your spouse and dependent children can be included as dependents in your application. ### A route to citizenship later Permanent residents can, over time, apply for Panamanian nationality by naturalization. [Check your countrySearch the official list of 51 countries and see what to do if yours is not on it.](/eligibility/)[Get the document checklistEvery document Immigration asks for, route by route, with what needs an apostille.](/requirements/)[See what you pay and to whomThe Treasury fee, the repatriation deposit, and the third-party costs to budget for.](/costs/)[Plan your timelineFrom your first call to permanent residency, including your stay in Panama while you apply.](/process/)[Read the answersFamily, work, travel during the application and the Spanish terms you will see.](/faq/) ## How we work with you ### A signed contract ### An invoice for every expense ### Licensed attorneys [Official sources](/about/) · October 26, 2026 ## Not sure where to start? Book a free 15-minute call. We will confirm your eligibility and the route that fits you best. [Book your free call](/contact/)[Message us on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/50761970238?text=Hi%2C%20I%20would%20like%20a%20consultation%20about%20the%20Panama%20Friendly%20Nations%20Visa%20(from%20friendlynationspanama.com).)