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Permanent Residency in Panama as a Qualified Investor: 2024 Updates

  • Writer: Roxana Rangel
    Roxana Rangel
  • May 24
  • 2 min read

Panama City
Panama City

Panama remains a top destination for foreign investors thanks to its stable economy, pro-business climate, and strategic location.

The Qualified Investor Permanent Residncy Prohram, originally established by Executive Decree No. 722 of 2020, was recently modified by Executive Decree No. 193 of October 2024, introducing important changes aimed at making the program more accessible and atractive.


Key Changes Introduced By Executive Decree 193.

  1. Reduced Minimum Real Estate Investment.

The required minimum amount for real estate investments has been reduced from USD$500,000.00 to USD$300,000.00. This applies to both completed property purchases and pre-construction sales agreements (promissory purchase agreement). In cases of Promissory Purchase agreement, the agreement must be registerd at the Panama Public Registry.

 

The investment must originate from foreign funds, and the applicant must be the ultimate beneficial owner in cases where the applicant uses a corporate structure or asset protection structures


  1. New Real estate Investment Options.

Two additional options for real estate investment through promissory contracts are now available:


  • Trust Deposits: Investments held in trust with a bank or fiduciary company licensed in Panama.

  • Direct Payment to Developer or Seller: Full payment made directly to the developer for a property under construction or pending registration, backed by a bank performance guarantee in favor of the investor.


  1. Co-ownership with Spouse and Dependents

The program now allows investments to be made jointly between spouses or with dependents, whether personally or through a legal entity, provided they are the beneficial owners.


  1. Option to Convert Provisional residncy to Qualified Investor Residency.

Foreigners who began applications for the Provisional Economic Solvency Residency through real estate investment since 2020 may now opt to switch to Qualified Investor Permanent Residency, if they meet the updated requirements.


Other Investment Options.

Besides real estate, the following investment paths remain valid under the program:

 

  • Investment in the Panamanian Stock Market:Minimum investment of USD$500,000.00 through a licensed brokerage firm authorized by Panama’s Securities Market Superintendency.

  • Fixed-Term Bank Deposit: Minimum of USD$ 750,000.00 held for at least five years in a bank with a general license in Panama.


Required Documentation

  • Valid Passport

  • Criminal/Police Record.

  • Bank Certification of funds origin.

  • Legal documentation related to the investments

  • Sworn declaration, related of the purpose of the investment.

*All foreign documets must be apostilled or duly legalized by the nearest Panama Consulated.


Benefits of the Program

  • Inmidiate permanent residency.

  • Eligibility to include dependents (spouse and childen).

  • Long term Legal and migration security.

  • Pathway to Panamanian citizenship (under certain conditions).


Considering Investing in Panama?

Our legalteam is ready to guide you thorugh every step of the process, from Choosing the best investment option to securin your Panamanian ID. Contact us today for a personalizaed consultation and take the first step toward your permanent residncy in one of the Latin America´s most promising economies.



 
 
 
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