Panama
Friendly Nations Visa
Panama's Friendly Nations Visa program offers one of the fastest and easiest paths to residency in the Americas. Add territorial taxation and a USD economy, and you have a compelling package for entrepreneurs and retirees alike.
Our framework evaluates Panama across 6 strategic pillars. Each pillar answers a key question that matters when planning your relocation strategy.
Profile Weight Distribution
How we score: Six strategic pillars with weighted sub-factors. Confidence indicators show data quality (●●● = verified, ●●○ = researched, ●○○ = editorial). Read our full methodology
Profile weighting: Different expat profiles prioritize different pillars. Select your profile above to see personalized rankings.
Something off? These scores improve with feedback. Help us get it right
Immigration Overview
Panama sits at the crossroads of the Americas, and it has built its economy on that strategic position. The Panama Canal generates massive revenue, the country uses the US dollar as its currency (eliminating exchange rate risk), and Panama City is a genuine financial hub with world-class infrastructure.
For expats, the Friendly Nations Visa is the standout program. Citizens of about 50 countries (including the US, Canada, UK, and most of Europe) can obtain permanent residency by opening a bank account and either forming a Panama company or getting a job offer. The process is remarkably fast, often completed in 3-4 months.
Visa & Residency Pathways
Friendly Nations Visa
Fastest path for citizens of 50+ countries
- Open Panama bank account ($5,000+ deposit)
- Form a Panama corporation OR get job offer
- Grants permanent residence immediately
- Process takes 3-4 months typically
Pensionado Visa
One of the world's best retiree visa programs
- $1,000/month pension minimum
- Plus $250/month per dependent
- Extensive discounts (25-50% off utilities, flights, entertainment)
- No age requirement (unlike most retiree visas)
Qualified Investor Visa
For those making significant investments
- $300,000 in real estate OR
- $500,000 in bank term deposit OR
- $500,000 in Panama securities
- Immediate permanent residence
Panamanian Nationality
After 5 years of permanent residence
- 5 years as permanent resident
- Basic Spanish proficiency
- Panama history and civics knowledge
- Panama does NOT allow dual citizenship (you must renounce)
Why Panama?
US Dollar Economy
No currency risk. Your income stays in dollars. Easier banking and financial planning for Americans.
Territorial Tax System
Only Panama-sourced income is taxed. Foreign income is completely tax-free, no matter how much you earn.
Banking Hub
International banking center. Easier to open business accounts than most Latin American countries.
Hub of the Americas
Tocumen Airport connects to most major cities in North and South America. Strategic location for business.
Pensionado Discounts
25-50% off flights, hotels, restaurants, medical services, utilities, entertainment. Real savings, not gimmicks.
Climate Variety
Tropical beaches on both coasts. Cool mountain town of Boquete. Modern Panama City. Pick your microclimate.
General Requirements
Common requirements for Panama residence (Friendly Nations):
- Valid passport from an eligible "friendly nation"
- Apostilled police clearance from home country
- Panama bank account with $5,000+ deposit
- Proof of economic ties (Panama company OR job offer letter)
- Professional reference letters (typically 5 personal, 2 bank)
- Passport photos meeting Panama specifications
- Health certificate from Panama-licensed doctor
Most applicants use an immigration lawyer to navigate the process. Total costs including legal fees typically run $3,000-5,000. The Pensionado visa has a simpler process but requires proving pension income.
Ready to explore Panama?
Join the private waitlist to get an invite window. We’re opening access in cohorts so each invite comes with momentum.
Free to start. Upgrade for document uploads and packet generation.