Thinking about relocating to Panama as a resident? A Panama residency visa grants you the legal right to live, work, orinvest in one of Latin America’s most stable and tax-friendly countries. This updated 2025 guide explains how, with the support of our experienced Panama immigration lawyers, you can secure residency in just 3 days.
A resident visa allows foreigners to live in the country legally without needing constant renewals or relying on tourist entries. A residency in Panama offers a stable and long-term solution for those who want to stay in Panama, along with valuable benefits provided by many residency programs such as:
If you’re planning to become a legal resident in Panama, your first step is deciding whether you want to apply as a temporary resident or a permanent resident. The panama temporary residency is ideal for those looking to stay short or mid-term, while permanent residency is designed for long-term settlement and offers a pathway to citizenship.
Once you know which option fits your goals, you can explore the specific visa programs available for each category. We’ve outlined the main visa categories in Panama to help you take a smart decision.
The Panama temporary resident visa is ideal for those planning to stay for a limited period, such as work contracts, exploratory stays, or transitioning into permanent residency.
Below is the list of temporary resident visas:
The Panama permanent residency visa offers indefinite legal residence to qualifying applicants. panama residency options available through several pathways, including investment, retirement, employment, or professional qualifications. It also sets you on the path to citizenship.
Below is the list of permanent resident visas:
Each type of residency visa has its own specific requirements, depending on the applicant’s profile and visa category. However, most visa types share a core set of standard requirements. Below are the most common documents and conditions needed to apply for any Panama resident visa:
These basic documents are essential to initiate the residency process, regardless of which visa path you choose.
Planning to move from the US to Panama?
As experts in immigration services for Americans in Panama, we understand how challenging it can be to obtain certain additional documents issued by U.S. institutions. Please make sure to have the following documents ready for your visa application.
U.S. green card holders can apply for a Panama permanent residency card, but some, like the Friendly Nations Visa, require citizenship from specific countries.
Our team of immigration attorneys ensures that U.S. citizens meet all Panama residency visa requirements without delays or risk of rejection. With offices in both Panama and the United States, Agroup Consulting makes panama permanent residency requirements easy to gather the necessary documents and navigate the process smoothly from start to finish.
As of 2025, the process of obtaining Panama resident visa remains the same. While specific requirements may vary depending on the visa type, 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 visa 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 visa, 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 visa 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.
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 case, whether it results in a temporary or 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 Panama residency visas. 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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“I loved Agroup´s customer service. They were responsive and patient with my 1,000 questions as a new resident. I’d definitely recommend them for immigration services.”
To become a resident of Panama, follow these steps: 1. Choose your visa type (e.g., Friendly Nations Visa). 2. Hire a Panamanian lawyer. 3. Gather and legalize documents (2–4 weeks). 4. Submit application to SNM (4–6 months). 5. Receive provisional residency card. 6. After two years, apply for permanent residency if needed (4–6 months).
A resident visa allows you to legally enter Panama and stay long-term. Once approved, SNM grants a residency permit (cédula), your actual ID card and legal status. In summary, the visa gives entry permission; the permit is the physical proof of your right to live in Panama. Both are essential steps to legally reside in the country.
As a Panama resident, you’ll enjoy low income tax, access to public and private healthcare, the freedom to live and work without restrictions, ability to include dependents, easier foreign property ownership, and visa-free travel to 140+ countries. Additionally, Panamanian residency provides a stepping stone for future permanent status or citizenship
A Panama residency visa costs approximately $1,200–2,000 USD, including government and legal fees. Additional expenses include document legalization ($200–300), translations ($100–200), and the lawyer’s fee ($1,000–3,000). In total, expect about $2,500–5,000.
Most tourists can stay in Panama for up to 90 or 180 days, depending on their nationality. For example, U.S. and EU citizens typically receive a 180-day tourist stamp upon entry. If you plan to stay longer or return frequently, applying for a residency visa is the legal and secure path to remain in Panama long-term without overstaying your tourist permit.
Yes, Panama residents can leave the country and return freely, as long as they maintain their legal status. However, if you leave Panama for more than 2 years without returning, your residency may be considered abandoned. It’s recommended to visit at least once a year or consult your lawyer if you plan to be away for extended periods.
No, a visitor visa or tourist stamp is not the same as a temporary resident visa. A tourist visa allows short-term stays (90–180 days) for travel or exploration. A temporary resident visa grants legal status for longer periods (1–2 years) and often includes work rights or pathways to permanent residency. To live legally in Panama long-term, you need to switch from tourist status to an approved residency program.
