Looking to move to Panama and become a permanent resident? This updated 2025 guide explains how you can secure permanent residency in just 3 days with the support of our legal team.
Getting permanent residency in Panama is an ideal choice for anyone looking to establish a secure base in Central America. With its solid economy, favorable tax system, and advantageous immigration programs, many foreigners consider Panama the perfect Plan B or second home for life, retirement, or business.
While some home countries face social, political, or economic decline, Panama continues to grow, offering safety, prosperity, and one of the most attractive relocation environments in the region.
If you already know the lifestyle benefits of moving to Panama, it´s also important to understand the legal advantages of obtaining permanent residency. Below are the key benefits you gain as a permanent resident of Panama.
No visa renewals.
Permanent residency allows you to live in Panama indefinitely without renewing visas or applying for additional permits.
No tax on foreign income.
Permanent residents become tax residents, and under Panama’s territorial tax system, foreign income is not taxed.
Eligibility to apply for Panamanian citizenship.
After five years as a permanent resident, you may be eligible to apply for citizenship and obtain a Panamanian passport.
Better banking access.
Having permanent residency makes it easier to open and manage bank accounts in Panama, and financial institutions tend to process requests with fewer complications.
Family member inclusion.
Permanent residents may include certain family members such as spouses, children, and dependent parents under the same residency status.
Panama offers several immigration programs that allow foreign nationals to obtain permanent residency, but some are faster, more efficient, and more popular than others. Below you will find the most common immigration programs to secure permanent residency in Panama.
This program offers fast-track permanent residency with a processing period of up to 30 days, granted through an approved investment of at least USD 300,000 in real estate, bank deposits, or securities. It is ideal for investors seeking rapid approval and long-term legal stability in Panama. The investment must be maintained for a minimum of five years in accordance with government regulations.
Designed for retirees who receive a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000 per month. It grants permanent residency almost immediately and offers discounts on healthcare, entertainment, transportation, and essential services. Ideal for retirees seeking a stable, low-tax country with a high quality of life.
A residency option for citizens of eligible countries who want to work, invest, or establish economic ties in Panama. The program grants temporary residency for two years and then allows you to apply for permanent residency. It is ideal for professionals, business owners, and digital nomads.
Provides temporary and then permanent residency through an approved investment in certified forestry projects. Minimum investments vary depending on the category, and applicants must maintain their investment for at least five years. Best for investors seeking an environmentally friendly path with long-term returns.
Foreigners married to Panamanian citizens can apply for residency by presenting marriage documentation and proving a genuine relationship. The process begins with temporary residency and may lead to permanent status and eventual citizenship. Ideal for couples building their life together in Panama.
As of 2025, the process of obtaining a Panama permanent residency remains the same. While specific requirements may vary depending on the residency program, the overall procedure follows a well-defined structure. Below, we outline the key steps typically involved in securing legal residency in Panama.
Under Panamanian law (Decree Law No. 3 of 2008, Article 28), all residency applications must be filed through a licensed immigration attorney. Our Panama immigration attorneys will guide you from the first consultation, making sure every requirement is met, and stay with you until your residency is officially approved.
The next step is to collect the required documents for your residency, such as police clearance certificates, proof of financial solvency, and, if applying with family, marriage and birth certificates. All documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish. Don’t worry, our team will guide you step by step in obtaining these documents and the necessary apostilles in your home country.
Once your documents have been reviewed and approved by our attorneys, we will schedule your first trip to Panama. You should plan to stay at least three days in Panama City to complete the residency application process. Upon arrival, our team will pick you up from the airport and have all documents ready for your signature. Within a maximum of three days, we will accompany you to the National Immigration Service to file your application.
Within three days, we make sure your visa application is filed and you receive a provisional residency card valid for six months. During this period, you can either stay in Panama or return to your home country. Once the Immigration Office finishes processing your permanent residency card, our team will notify you and personally accompany you to “Migracion” to collect it.
Warning:The steps outlined above reflect the process carried out exclusively by our attorneys, backed by more than 15 years of experience and a record of 0% visa rejections. Thanks to this expertise, most applications are finalized in just 3 days. Working with traditional firms often results in longer waiting times, and incomplete documentation can significantly increase the risk of delays or even a visa denial.
At Agroup Consulting, we work with top Panama immigration attorneys specializing in the Panama residency visa. With over 15 years of experience, a 0% denial rate, and the trust of more than 100 expats in Panama, our firm delivers trusted services that help you secure residency with complete confidence.
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Choose your visa route (investment, employment, or Friendly Nations), prepare required documents, hire a local lawyer, and apply. Some panama permanent residency programs grant residency in 30 days.
It allows long-term living, offers international tax advantages, and gives access to the legal system, banks, and citizenship opportunities.
Applicants must meet the requirements of the specific residency category they choose. Most programs require a valid passport, a clean criminal record, and proof of investment, pension, employment, or family ties. All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish. The application must be filed through a licensed Panamanian immigration attorney before the National Immigration Service.
You may lose your residency if you remain outside Panama for more than two years, commit serious criminal offenses, or violate immigration regulations. To stay compliant, it is important to keep your residency documents up to date and maintain genuine ties to Panama.
The Panama permanent resident card is issued once your status is approved. It serves as your national ID and proves your legal residency.
At Agroup Consulting, we’ve helped hundreds of clients through the Panama permanent residency process, from the first consultation to final residency approval.
Let our team guide you through the legal steps, costs, and requirements so you can focus on building your future in Panama.
