ASK PANAMA
– FOR EXPAT SERVICES –
Residency Assistance: Your Gateway to Panama (2025 Edition)
Welcome to the most comprehensive guide on obtaining legal residency in Panama. At AskPanama.com, we don’t just process paperwork—we pave the way for your new life in one of the world’s most expat-friendly countries. Whether you’re a retiree, entrepreneur, or investor, our expertise ensures a seamless transition to your Panamanian residency.
Residency Options Tailored for You
1. Friendly Nations Visa
Your Flexible Path to Permanent Residency
The Friendly Nations Visa is one of the most popular residency programs in Panama, offering a streamlined path for citizens of over 50 designated “friendly nations,” including the USA, Canada, Australia, most European countries, and more.
Option 1: Corporation Setup
Eligibility: Establish a Panamanian corporation and work as an employee within your company.
Key Features:
- Enables professionals and entrepreneurs to secure residency while building a business.
- Offers flexibility in creating a company tailored to your goals (e.g., consulting, trade, or real estate).
Process Overview:
- Incorporation: Our team assists in registering your corporation with Panama’s Public Registry.
- Employment Contract: Create a legally compliant contract showing your role within the company.
- Residency Application: Submit your corporation details along with personal documents to the immigration authorities.
- Approval: Receive your temporary residency card within weeks, transitioning to permanent status within 3-6 months.
Why Choose This?
Perfect for entrepreneurs or professionals looking to establish a business while securing residency.
Option 2: Real Estate or Fixed Deposit Investment
Eligibility
Invest a minimum of $200,000 in Panamanian real estate or a fixed deposit.
Key Features:
- Ideal for families or individuals seeking a straightforward investment-based residency.
- Dependents, including spouses and children under 18, can be included in the application.
Investment Options:
1. Real Estate
Purchase residential or commercial properties with titles.
- Benefits: Own property in a growing market with potential for appreciation.
- Support: Our real estate experts help you identify secure and profitable properties.
2. Fixed Deposit
Open a certificate of deposit (CD) of $200,000 in a Panamanian bank for three years.
- Benefits: Earn interest while securing residency.
- Support: Assistance with banking paperwork and account setup.
Process Overview
- Benefits: Earn interest while securing residency.
- Support: Assistance with banking paperwork and account setup.
Why Choose This?
Offers a simple and secure way to combine residency with investment opportunities in Panama’s growing economy.
2. Qualified Investor Visa
Invest in Panama and Secure Residency in 30 Days
Invest a minimum of $200,000 in Panamanian real estate or a fixed deposit.
Eligibility
A minimum investment of $500,000 in Panamanian real estate or other approved assets.
Benefits
- Fast-tracked approval process—your permanent residency within 30 days.
- Ideal for investors looking to establish a base in a stable, tax-friendly country.
Investment Avenues:
- Real Estate: Purchase luxury properties, beachfront homes, or commercial real estate.
- Fixed Deposits: Secure investments in Panamanian banks.
- Government Securities: Diversify your portfolio with safe national securities.
Process Overview
- Initial consultation to assess investment preferences.
- Legal guidance for purchasing real estate or setting up fixed deposits.
- Priority submission and expedited residency card issuance.
Why Choose This?
Be part of Panama’s thriving economy while enjoying rapid residency approval.
3. Pensionado Visa (Retirement Visa)
Eligibility
A lifetime pension of at least $1,000 per month (add $250 per dependent).
Key Benefits
- Discounts of up to 50% on healthcare, entertainment, and utility bills.
- Access to premium private hospitals accepting US Medicare Advantage and private insurance plans.
Additional Perks (2025 Update)
- Telemedicine support in rural areas via Starlink Internet.
- Faster processing times and immediate access to pensioner benefits.
Process Overview
- Documentation: Proof of pension, background checks, and notarized documents.
- Submission: Fast-tracked applications managed by our legal experts.
- Approval: Receive permanent residency within 3-6 months.
Why Choose This?
Retire in paradise with affordable living and first-class healthcare.
2025 Highlights: Why Now Is the Best Time to Move to Panama
Invest a minimum of $200,000 in Panamanian real estate or a fixed deposit.
- Real Estate Trends: Emerging towns like Chitré, Dolega, and Penonomé are attracting attention for their affordability and proximity to modern amenities.
- Healthcare Upgrades: Expanded public healthcare services in rural areas and direct billing options at private hospitals for U.S. insurance holders.
- Telemedicine Revolution: High-speed internet ensures seamless telemedicine options for residents, particularly retirees in remote locations.
How AskPanama.com Makes It Easy
Personalized Consultations:
- Assess your eligibility and recommend the
- best visa option for you.
- Tailored solutions for retirees, investors, and entrepreneurs.
Document Preparation:
- Full support in gathering and notarizing required documents.
- Translation and apostille services included.
Fast-Track Processing:
- Priority handling for Qualified Investor Visas.
- Step-by-step guidance through application submission.
Post-Residency Support:
- Assistance with obtaining a Cedula (Panamanian ID).
- Integration services, including banking, utilities setup, and property guidance.
Success Stories
Maria’s Smooth Transition:
Maria, a retiree from Canada, secured her Pensionado Visa with our help in just four months. She now enjoys discounted healthcare and a serene beachside home in Coronado.
John’s Investor Journey:
John from the U.S. invested in a luxury condo in Panama City and obtained his residency through the Qualified Investor Visa in under 30 days.]
Emily’s Family Relocation:
Emily, a professional from Australia, established a Panamanian corporation and successfully transitioned her family to Panama under the Friendly Nations Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, dependents can be added to most visa applications. Specific documentation is required.