Looking to enjoy tax benefits, special discounts, and permanent residency in Panama? This updated 2025 guide explains how you can secure a visa in just 3 days with the support of our legal team.
A Panama Visa is an official authorization that allows foreign nationals to enter, live, work, or retire in Panama under specific legal conditions. Panama offers several visa programs, such as the Pensionado Visa for retirees, the Friendly Nations Visa for certain nationalities, the Golden Visa for investors, and many more, each with its own requirements and benefits.
Panama is not just another residency destination, it is a global hub for investors, retirees, and high-net-worth individuals. With one of the world’s most stable dollarized economies, Panama has maintained average GDP growth of 4–5% annually over the last decade, ranking among the fastest-growing economies in Latin America. Unlike many countries that tighten immigration rules, Panama offers more than 15 visa programs designed to attract foreign investors, entrepreneurs, and retirees, making it one of the most accessible residency pathways worldwide. Choosing a Panama visa means choosing security, financial efficiency, and lifestyle. The country combines a territorial tax system (foreign income is not taxed) with a cost of living that is often 40–50% lower than the U.S., all within a safe jurisdiction recognized as the “Switzerland of the Americas.” Add to this a strategic geographic location, direct flights to major U.S. cities, and thriving expat communities, and Panama stands out as one of the few places where residency is both a smart investment and a lifestyle upgrade.
As we mentioned earlier, Panama offers one of the most diverse residency frameworks in the region. With more than 15 visa categories available, applicants can choose the program that best fits their lifestyle, investment goals, or retirement plans.
Here are some of the most sought-after visa options in Panama as of 2025:
The pensionado visa Panama is a favorite among retirees. It allows you to live in Panama permanently if you have a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 per month. Panama retirement visa requirements include proof of pension, a valid passport, and background checks. Holders enjoy discounts on utilities, travel, and entertainment.
The Panama Golden Visa, also known as the Panama Investment Visa, provides a direct path to permanent residency. By investing at least $300,000 in approved real estate or government bonds, applicants can qualify for permanent residency in as little as 30 days, making it one of the fastest residency-by-investment programs in Latin America.
Citizens of more than 50 countries can apply for Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa, one of the most popular residency programs in the region. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate economic or professional ties to Panama, such as purchasing real estate or being formally employed by a Panamanian business.
Remote workers can enjoy Panama’s lifestyle through the Panama digital nomad visa (also known as Panama nomad visa or Panama remote work visa). It allows foreign professionals with foreign income to live in Panama for up to 18 months without forming a local company.
The Panama reforestation visa offers residency to those who invest in approved sustainable forestry projects. It’s a unique way to combine environmental impact with long‑term residency benefits for you and your family.
Accepted to a Panamanian university? Applying for a Panama Student Visa, also called a Study Visa, grants you temporary residency. You will need an admission letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. This option also applies to students enrolling in specialized programs or language courses in Panama.
The Panama SEM Visa (Special Economic Migrant Visa) is intended for executives and key employees of multinational companies operating under Panama’s SEM regime. This program grants temporary residency and work authorization, making it easier for global corporations to relocate top talent to Panama.
Panama visa requirements vary by nationality, and specific programs such as the Panama pensionado requirements focus on proving a guaranteed lifetime pension and meeting basic residency criteria. Citizens of the U.S., Canada, most of Europe, and countries such as Australia, Singapore, and Japan may enter Panama visa-free for stays of 90 to 180 days. However, If you plan to apply for a Panama resident visa or another long-term residency option, the following are the main requirements most residency programs have in common:
Additional documents depending on the visa type, such as proof of investment for a Panama business visa, an employment contract, or evidence of family ties.
If you are a citizen of China, Russia, or another country that is not part of Panama’s visa-free list, you must apply for the correct visa in advance before entering the country. At Agroup Consulting, we have extensive experience handling visa for Russian citizens and visa for Chinese citizens, ensuring that each application is managed with precision and full compliance with Panamanian immigration law.
As of 2025, the process of obtaining a Panama 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.
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 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 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.
Friendly Nations Visa
“As a Canadian permanent resident with a South African passport, I was confused about the entry requirements for Panama. Agroup explained that I needed a visa and helped me apply through the Friendly Nations program, commonly called the friendly nation visa Panama. Thanks for the support!”
Panama Digital Nomad Visa
“I’m big on travel and honestly, Panama just felt right. Agroup helped me get the nomad visa and made the whole thing pretty easy. Didn’t feel like I was dealing with a bunch of red tape, which I really appreciated.”
Pensionado visa
“I’m 60 and moved to Boquete after feeling worn out by life in the U.S. It’s peaceful here, the weather’s perfect, and the community is welcoming. Getting the retirement visa was easier than I expected thanks to this amazing team. Living here has been one of the best choices I’ve made.”
Panama offers multiple visa types: retirement (Pensionado), Friendly Nations, investment, business, digital nomad, student, and more. Each has specific requirements depending on your purpose for staying.
Tourist stays are usually 90–180 days depending on your nationality. Residency visas, like the Pensionado or Friendly Nations Visa, allow you to live in Panama indefinitely once approved.
You need a valid passport, financial proof (like income or investment), background checks, and official translations and apostilles for foreign documents. Our team will guide you through every step.
It depends on the visa type. For example, the digital nomad visa allows remote work for foreign employers, while business or Friendly Nations visas can lead to work permits.
Costs vary by visa type and legal fees. For example, investor visas require higher investments, while tourist and residency visas have government fees and processing charges. We provide a clear cost breakdown upfront.
Panamanian law requires you to hire a licensed lawyer to submit residency applications. Our experienced legal team handles document preparation, translations, and filings so you can get approved smoothly.
Countries that do not require a visa to enter Panama include Andorra, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, El Salvador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, Sweden, Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. These nationals can enter for short stays without prior visa approval.
While Canada is part of Panama’s visa-free list for short stays, long-term residency still requires an application. Options include the Pensionado Visa, Friendly Nations Visa, and Investor programs. The Panama visa for Canadian citizens is typically straightforward, with fast approval when handled through licensed attorneys.
