Tired of American bureaucracy, or looking for a warmer, freer place to start fresh? This updated 2025 guide explains the visa options for U.S. 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 U.S. citizens is a legal permit that allows Americans 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 straightforward residency programs designed to welcome Americans. It’s no surprise that thousands of U.S. citizens 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 the U.S.
Over 25,000 Americans living full-time in Panama
Warm weather year-round, averaging 80°F
Direct flights from 15+ major U.S. cities
Easy residency options like the Friendly Nations Visa
For many Americans, Panama offers what the U.S. 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 U.S. citizens, depending on your goals and personal circumstances.
This is one of the most popular visas for Americans. 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 for US citizens are simple and the benefits include:
Another popular option for fast-track residency is the Panama Investment Visa, designed for American 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 U.S. citizens, 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 for U.S. citizens in Panama.
As of 2025, the process of obtaining a Panama visa for US citizens 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 for Americans. 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.
If you’re coming for tourism or a short stay, a Panama tourist visa for US citizens is not required. Americans can enter visa-free for up to 180 days, as long as they carry a valid passport and proof of onward travel.
But if you’re planning to stay longer or live in Panama full-time, you’ll need a temporary or permanent residency visa.
A Panama visa is right for you if you want to simplify your life, reduce costs, and enjoy a safe, permanent base in Latin America. Whether you are a retiree seeking stability, an investor protecting your assets, or a professional looking for more freedom, Panama offers straightforward residency programs tailored to U.S. citizens. If you meet the basic requirements and are ready for a smoother, more affordable lifestyle abroad, Panama is the right choice.
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The Friendly Nations Visa is the most accessible option for most Americans, especially digital nomads and entrepreneurs. It only requires a real estate purchase, job, or business registration in Panama.
Yes. The Pensionado Visa is perfect for retirees with a fixed monthly income of $1,000 or more. It’s permanent from day one and comes with generous discounts on travel, healthcare, and utilities.
You can stay up to 180 days without a visa. If you plan to stay longer or return often, applying for a residency visa is highly recommended.
Yes. Most visas start with provisional residency and allow you to apply for permanent status after two years. After five years, you can also apply for Panamanian citizenship.
No, an American visa does not grant entry to Panama. US citizens do not need a visa to visit Panama for tourism stays up to 180 days. However, they must present a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and financial solvency. Longer stays require a residency or other Panamanian visa.
