Tired of Canadian bureaucracy, or looking for a warmer, freer place to start fresh? This updated 2025 guide explains the options of visas for Canadian citizens in Panama and shows how you can secure residency in just 3 days with the support of our legal team.
A Panama visa for Canadian citizens is a legal permit that allows Canadians to live, work, invest, or retire in Panama beyond the 180 days allowed for tourism. Depending on your goals, you can apply for residency through programs such as the Friendly Nations Visa, the Pensionado (Retirement) Visa, or other investment-based options. Each visa offers a pathway to long‑term or permanent residency, giving you access to Panama’s tax advantages, affordable lifestyle, and global mobility.
Panama offers a unique combination of modern infrastructure, low living costs, and simple residency programs designed to welcome Canadians. It’s no surprise that thousands of Canadians relocate here each year:
Panama uses the U.S. dollar as its official currency
Consistently ranked among the safest countries in Latin America
Healthcare costs up to 70% lower than in Canada
Over 8,000 Canadians living full-time in Panama
Warm weather year-round, averaging 80°F
Direct flights from major Canadian cities
Easy residency options like the Friendly Nations Visa
For many Canadians, Panama offers what Canada no longer does: simplicity, security, and freedom. Obtaining residency in Panama means enjoying lower taxes, affordable healthcare, and a relaxed lifestyle without sacrificing modern comfort. With the right visa, you can protect your wealth, secure long-term residency, and live in a country where your dollar goes further and your quality of life rises.
There are several immigration programs available for Canadians citizens, depending on your goals and personal circumstances.
This is one of the most popular visas for Canadians. Originally created in 2012 and updated by law in 2025, it grants:
To qualify for this visa, you must either invest at least $200,000 in real estate, start a business, or obtain a job offer with a Panamanian company.
If you’re retired and have a lifetime pension of $1,000 or more per month, you may qualify for this visa. The Panama retirement visa requirements are simple and the benefits include:
Another popular option for fast-track residency is the Panama Investment Visa, designed for Canadian investors seeking business opportunities in Central America. Certain programs grant permanent residency in just 30 days with a minimum investment of USD 300,000 in Panama, whether through real estate, a fixed-term bank deposit, securities, or an approved reforestation project.
Most Panama visa options for Canadians, including investment, retirement, and residency visas, share a few core visa requirements. Preparing these documents in advance helps you avoid delays and ensures your application is processed correctly:
Note: All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish by a certified translator to meet visa requirements.
As of 2025, the process of obtaining a Panama visa for Canadian 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.
Canadians don’t need a visa for short visits. With a valid passport and a return or onward ticket, you can stay in Panama for up to 180 days as a tourist. However, if you’re thinking about living, retiring, or staying long-term, you’ll need to apply for a Panama residency.
Toronto
Vancouver
Ottawa
No. Canadian citizens can stay in Panama without a visa for up to 180 days as tourists. However, if you want to live or retire in Panama, you must apply for a legal residency visa like the Friendly Nations or Pensionado Visa.
Yes. Canadian permanent residents must apply based on their nationality. If their passport is not visa-exempt for Panama, they must obtain a visa in advance. Residency options are also available for long-term stays, but these require full legal processing.
It’s a special visa for retirees with a guaranteed monthly pension of at least $1,000 USD. It offers lifetime residency, healthcare discounts, and many local benefits. Canadian citizens are eligible if they meet the income requirement.
On average, it takes 3 to 6 months from the time of application to full approval. This depends on your visa type, document preparation, and how quickly you complete the legal steps with your advisor
No. Canadian citizens can stay in Panama without a visa for up to 180 days as tourists.
