Panama Temporary Residency – Your First Step to Living in Panama

Get your residency card fast in 3 days and start your new life in Panama.

Are you thinking about moving to Panama for work, retirement, or investment opportunities? Temporary residency in Panama is the first step for many people who want to settle in this vibrant country without committing immediately to permanent status. On this page, we explain what it means, who can apply, the process, and what to expect.

What is Panama Temporary Resident Visa

The temporary visa is a legal permit that allows foreign nationals to live in Panama for one or two years, depending on the specific visa program.
It’s often chosen by professionals, investors, retirees, and family members of residents who need time to meet the criteria for permanent residency.

When you hold this visa, you are recognized as a legal resident, giving you access to many of the same benefits as Panamanian citizens, such as opening bank accounts, signing leases, or enrolling children in school.

Who Can Apply for Temporary Residency?

Panama’s immigration law allows several categories of applicants:

  • Professionals with valid job offers or special permits
  • Retirees or pensioners who meet the income threshold
  • Investors participating in approved programs
  • Dependents and spouses of Panamanian citizens or residents

If you fit into one of these groups, you can begin the process with guidance from experienced advisors like us.

Panama Temporary Resident Visa Requirements

Before submitting your application, you must meet the all requirements for temporary residency Panama:

  • A passport valid for at least six months
  • A clean criminal record from your home country and from Panama
  • Proof of income or investment that matches your chosen visa type
  • A health certificate issued in Panama
  • Passport photos and completed government forms
  • Payment of official fees and taxes

We help you collect, review, and legalize these documents so your application is processed without delays.

Step‑by‑Step Process and Timeline

Applying for temporary residency in Panama involves several important steps.

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Hire a Lawyer and Initial Consultation

Begin by hiring an experienced immigration attorney. We review your financial profile, discuss your plans, and make sure your situation aligns with panam residency requirements.

Consultation and Document Review

We evaluate your personal and business profile and confirm the best visa type for your goals.

Prepare and Legalize Documents

All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized and properly translated to meet Panama’s regulations.

File Application With Immigration Authorities

Our team submits your complete and compliant application package on your behalf.

Update on Supervision Policy

Once approved, you receive a residency card valid for one or two years, allowing you to live and work in Panama legally.

Immigration rules in Panama are complex and change frequently. A missing document or small error can lead to months of delay or even rejection. Our advisory team simplifies the process.

 

⚠️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.

Our Experienced Immigration Advisors

Meet our English‑speaking immigration lawyers, trusted professionals in Panamanian law dedicated to guiding you every step of the way as you build your new life in Panama.

Immigration attorney at Agroup
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Dagmar H.

Immigration Attorney

Immigration Attorney
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Luis A.

Paralegal

Panama´s Top Immigration Attorneys
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Ana D.

Immigration Attorney

How to Transition from Temporary to Permanent Residency

After maintaining temporary residency for the required period (often two years), you can upgrade to permanent residency. This requires:

  • Proof of continuous legal status
  • Updated background checks and documents
  • A new application filed with the Immigration Service

Once permanent, you enjoy long‑term stability in Panama and may even qualify for citizenship after several years.

Our step‑by‑step support has helped countless clients secure their permanent residency. See their experiences below.

Feedback From Those We’ve Guided to Residency and Tax Success
Hear from those who have experienced our exceptional services.
Google Review
Daniel Golden Visa review
Daniel

UK

“Applied for the Golden Visa in Panama and had a great experience. The lawyer Agroup connected me with was sharp, efficient, and knew exactly what to do. Everything was handled professionally. Thank you.”
 
Melissa Panama golden visa review
Melissa

USA

“I applied for permanent residency in Panama and a friend recommended Agroup. They were professional, responsive, and really knew the visa process well.”
Gordon's Golden visa in panama review
Gordon

Canada

“This firm helped me a lot with my visa process. Clear communication, no surprises, and they really made the process easy.”

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to get temporary residency in Panama?

You apply through an approved visa category such as investor, retiree, or professional. Gather legalized documents, submit them to Immigration, and wait for approval. Processing usually takes 3–6 months, after which you receive a residency card valid for one or two years.

Applicants need a valid passport, a clean criminal record, proof of income or investment, health certification, and completed forms. These documents must be legalized or apostilled before submission. Working with experienced advisors ensures compliance with Panamanian law.

Certain visa categories allow you to work, but others require a separate work permit. It’s important to confirm your specific situation before starting employment. Our team of immigration attorneys can guide you through obtaining any necessary permits alongside your residency application.

After holding your temporary visa for the required period, you file an upgrade application with updated documents and proof of continuous status. Immigration will review your case, and once approved, you receive permanent residency, which offers greater stability and future citizenship opportunities.

At Agroup Consulting, we guide you through all seven categories available for the Panama Temporary Residency Visa. These include positions such as foreign personnel hired by the national government or autonomous entities, staff of small businesses contracting with the government, and executives working in the Free Zone of Colón. We analyze your profile and match you with the category that best fits your situation, preparing all documents and filing them correctly on your behalf.

6. Is it hard to get residency in Panama?

Panama offers flexible programs for investors, retirees, and professionals. Compared to other countries, the document requirements are lighter and the timelines faster. Our team ensures every step is done correctly so you can achieve residency without unnecessary delays.

Yes. Through Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa, you can secure permanent residency from day one by making a real estate investment of $300,000. At Agroup Consulting, we assist you with the investment paperwork, legal filings, and the entire immigration process so you can enjoy your new status and later apply for citizenship after five years.

While there are many countries known for simpler residency pathways, such as Belize, New Zealand, Australia, Serbia, Latvia, Hungary, Antigua and Barbuda, and St. Lucia, Panama stands out for its clear legal framework, affordable options, and multiple visa categories. Agroup Consulting specializes in helping clients navigate Panama’s system efficiently.

If your temporary Panama residency visa card is lost or stolen, you don’t need to start over. You must file a replacement request with Immigration. We handle the paperwork and guide you through the re‑issuance process quic

Ready to start your journey?

👉 Contact us today and let our experienced team help you secure your temporary residency in Panama without stress or delays.