Moving to Panama and getting permanent residency is the dream of many expats around the world. But because of misleading information online, most people believe this dream requires a $200,000 investment in real estate or a bank deposit. What they don’t know is that getting residency in Panama can be achieved legally and safely without investing a cent.
There is a little-known option inside Panama’s immigration law that allows you to apply for Panama residency through the Panama Friendly Nations Visa program, and it is currently one of the smartest and easiest ways to obtain a Panama residence permit.
We explain how it works in this article.
Panama Residency Visa: What Changed After Decree 197
In 2021, Panama introduced Decree 197, which updated the rules for the Friendly Nations Visa. Since 2022, applicants have been required to invest $200,000 in real estate or a fixed bank deposit to qualify for permanent residency.
When that change took effect, many potential expats gave up on the idea of moving to Panama. They thought the only Panama residency options available were for the wealthy. However, a third legal route still exists within the same decree that very few people talk about.
This route allows you to get Panama residency with a job offer, not necessarily a work contract, from a registered Panamanian company. It remains one of the most flexible and affordable options for those who wish to live in Panama without making a major investment.
Even if you are not looking for a job within the country, you can still benefit from this legal path to obtain residency in Panama.
How Getting Residency in Panama Through a Job Offer Works
Under Article 3 of Decree 197, citizens from countries listed as Friendly Nations can obtain a Panama residency visa by signing a job offer with a Panamanian company. This method qualifies you for Panama temporary residency, which can later be converted into Panama permanent residency.
At Agroup Consulting, we work with established Panamanian corporations that partner exclusively with our firm to provide legitimate employment opportunities to foreign applicants. Once your job offer is submitted , we handle every part of your residency application, from paperwork and translation to your appointment at the National Immigration Office.
Our clients begin with a two-year temporary residency card and then receive permanent residency after fulfilling the required period. Once approved, they can also apply for the Panama permanent resident ID (Cédula E) and enjoy full residency benefits.
Why Few People Know About This Panama Residency Option
Most lawyers and consultants in Panama only focus on clients with large investments. They rarely mention this employment-based path because it requires coordination with registered corporations that can hire foreign residents legally.
At Agroup Consulting, we believe transparency is essential. This is why we have opened access to this Panama residency program for professionals, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads who want to live in Panama without making a $200,000 commitment, while fully following what immigration law allows.
Requirements to Apply for Panama Residency Through a Job Offer
To apply for residency in Panama under this legal route, applicants only need:
- A valid passport from one of the Friendly Nations listed by Panama
- A legitimate job offer from a registered Panamanian company
- Basic supporting documents such as a health certificate, background check, and proof of financial solvency
The total Panama residency cost for this process, including legal fees and all administrative steps, starts from approximately $14,000. This includes assistance with your bank account opening, immigration filings, and all government expenses.
Unlike Panama residency by investment, this method does not require you to purchase real estate or make a financial deposit. It is an entirely legal way of getting residency in Panama without any large capital commitment.
Curious if you can get Panama residency through the FNV without investing?
To check the list of nationalities eligible for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa and see the general requirements, visit our official page at https://agroupc.com/panama-friendly-nations-visa
Benefits of Panama Permanent Residency
After completing your two-year temporary residence through the Friendly Nations Visa, you can apply for permanent residency. Becoming a Panama permanent resident gives you advantages that few countries offer at this level of simplicity and affordability.
Some of the main residency benefits include no tax on foreign income under Panama’s territorial tax system, the ability to live and work freely in Panama, a stable economy that uses the U.S. dollar, access to modern healthcare, and a clear path to citizenship after five years of permanent residency.
To explore all the benefits, visit our main Panama Residency page.
How Agroup Consulting Helps You Get Panama Residency
Our firm, Agroup Consulting, works directly with Panamanian corporations that are approved to hire foreign residents. Once your job offer is confirmed, our legal team prepares your entire residency application and accompanies you through each appointment, translation, and filing process with the National Immigration Service.
From the first consultation to the delivery of your Panama permanent residency card, we make sure every document complies with the official residency visa requirements.
This is a 100% legal and secure process that has already helped dozens of foreigners obtain their Panama permanent residency through our exclusive partnership network.
Real Client Results
In 2024, our clients from Europe, Canada, and the United States who began their process in 2021 successfully received their permanent residency permits without a single rejection. Many now enjoy full legal residency, property ownership, and the ability to live and work in Panama without restrictions.
You can read real reviews and testimonials from our clients on our official Google page here: Agroup Consulting Reviews.
Now that you know the secret, it’s time to call Panama home.
The Friendly Nations Visa makes it simple to live legally in Panama without investing $200,000. It’s your chance to enjoy freedom, sunshine, and a new life in one of the most welcoming countries in the world.
At Agroup Consulting, we make the process easy from start to finish. You could have your Panama residency approved just days after you arrive. Your new beginning starts here.