Friendly Nations Visa requirements
You will need eight personal documents, proof of one economic tie (employment, real estate or a bank deposit) and two government fee checks.
Documents issued abroad generally need an apostille and, if not in Spanish, a Spanish translation; we confirm each one for your country.
Immigration asks for two kinds of proof. The first is who you are: your passport, a clean criminal record and a health certificate. The second is your economic tie with Panama, through one of the three routes. Most delays come from foreign documents that were apostilled in the wrong order or have expired, so we check each one before anything is filed.
Which route fits you?
All three routes lead to the same residency. The difference is what you commit: your work, your property or your savings.
| Employment | Real estate | Fixed-term deposit |
|---|---|---|
| What you need A job with a Panamanian company and a work permit | What you need Property worth at least US$200,000 | What you need US$200,000 deposited for three years |
| Capital tied up None | Capital tied up US$200,000 or more (financing allowed) | Capital tied up US$200,000, free of liens |
| Can be held through a company or foundation No | Can be held through a company or foundation Yes, if you are the final beneficiary | Can be held through a company or foundation Yes, if you are the final beneficiary |
| Best for People moving for a job | Best for People who want to live in or rent out a home | Best for People who prefer not to buy property yet |
National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PPT-PE (routes a, b and c)
Personal documents (every applicant)
- Power of attorney and applicationNotarized, in favor of your Panamanian lawyer, who files on your behalf. It must state the names and nationality of your parents.
- Three photosPassport-size.
- Passport copyA full copy, certified by a notary (or authenticated as appropriate).
- Criminal background certificateFrom your country of origin or residence.
- Health certificateIssued by a licensed physician.
- Certified check for B/. 250Payable to the National Treasury (Tesoro Nacional).
- Certified check for B/. 800Payable to the National Immigration Service.
- Sworn statement of personal backgroundImmigration’s official form, which we prepare with you.
Route a: employment
- Notarized employment letterOn company letterhead, signed by the company’s legal representative, stating your position, your salary and the repatriation commitment.
- Employer’s Public Registry certificateShowing the company is validly registered in Panama.
- Employer’s commercial license (Aviso de Operación)Notarized copy, or the justification the law allows when it does not apply.
- Work permit applicationCopy of the power of attorney and application filed with the Ministry of Labor (MITRADEL), signed by the employer and by you.
Route b: real estate
- Public Registry certificate of the propertyProving ownership with a minimum value of US$200,000, in your own name, through a company whose shares you ultimately own, or through a private interest foundation of which you are founder and final beneficiary.
The purchase may be financed by a local bank.
Route c: fixed-term deposit
- Bank certificate of the fixed-term depositFrom a bank with a general license operating in Panama, certifying a US$200,000 deposit, free of liens, for three years.
It may be held personally, through a company you ultimately own, or through a private interest foundation of which you are founder and final beneficiary.
For your spouse and children
- Letter of responsibilitySigned by you, the main applicant.
- Proof of relationshipMarriage certificate for your spouse, birth certificates for your children, or the court order for guardianship.
- Children aged 18 to 24A certificate from their school showing full-time enrollment and a sworn statement that they are single.
- Proof you can support themYour tax return with its tax clearance showing a minimum income of B/. 1,000 per month plus B/. 100 per dependent, or a current employment letter with pay stub or Social Security record and work permit.
- Executive Decree 416 of June 13, 2012
- Executive Decree 226 of July 20, 2021
- Executive Decree 197 of May 7, 2021
- Executive Decree 16 of August 31, 2026
- Decree-Law 3 of February 22, 2008 (Immigration Law)· Full text
- Executive Decree 320 of August 8, 2008 (regulations of the Immigration Law)· Full text
Last verified: October 26, 2026
Get your documents in the right order
Only the health certificate has a validity set by law: it is issued in Panama within the three months before you file (Decree-Law 3 of 2008, article 28). For the criminal record certificate, Immigration in practice counts about six months from the date of the apostille. So request it about six weeks before filing, apostille it, have it translated in Panama, and leave the health certificate for last.
Not sure where to start?
Book a free 15-minute call. We will confirm your eligibility and the route that fits you best.