The Panama Friendly Nations Visa is a unique program initiated by the Panamanian government to boost immigration from certain “friendly nations”. This program focuses on attracting foreign investors, professionals, and workers from designated countries, boosting Panama’s economic growth and progress.
Eligible countries
Quickly find out if your country is on the list of 51 nations that qualify for Panama’s special visa program. Simply select your country and see if you can apply!
Country 51 is Ecuador and has been added to the last executive decree No. 16 issued on Monday, August 31, 2026, opening a single door for all Ecuadorians who want to live or invest in Panama!
Friendly Nations Residency Visa Costs
| Main applicant | Dependents | Under 12 years | |
| Legal fees | $1,810 | $930 | $200 |
| Gov. fees | $1,050 | $1,050 | $1,050 |
| Total | $2,860 | $1,980 | $1,250 |
| Main applicant | Dependents | Under 12 years | |
| Legal fees | $850 | $850 | $850 |
| Gov. fees | $300 | $300 | $300 |
| Total | $1,150 | $1,150 | $1,150 |
As part of Panama's Friendly Nations Visa Program, certain government fees apply. These include:
- Certified bank check for B/.250.00, made payable to the National Treasury of Panama.
- Certified Check for B/.800.00 in favor of the National Migration Service.
All about friendly nations visa
| Program Type | Friendly Nations Visa Panama |
| Time for citizenship | Up to 5 Years |
| Time to Permanent Residency | 2 years |
| Requirement for Physical Presence | Not specified |
| Timeframe for Application Processing | 1-2 Months |
| Visa-free Travel with Granted Citizenship | Yes, to 120+ countries |
| Investment Options | Real estate, business, etc. |
Get Residence in Panama
Requirements for the Friendly nations visa in panama
Under the Panama Friendly Nations Visa Program, the Panamanian National Migration Service can offer a Temporary Residence Permit, valid for two years. This is available to individuals from certain nations with strong and beneficial relations with Panama who wish to pursue professional or economic activities in the country.
- Notarial Power of Attorney and Application, which must include the name and nationality of the applicant's parents.
- Six (6photographs.
- A duly certified copy of the passport (notarized or authenticated accordingly).
- Criminal Record Certificate from your country of origin, duly apostilled or authenticated by the Panamanian embassy in your country
- Health Certificate.
- Certified Check for B/.250.00 in favor of the National Treasury.
- Certified Check for B/.800.00 in favor of National Migration Service.
- Personal Background Affidavit Form.
For work reasons:
- Employment letter on company letterhead (notarized).
- Certificate of Public Registry of Panama of the employing company.
- Copy of the Employer's Business Operating Notice (Notarized).
- Copy of the power of attorney and permit application submitted to MITRADEL, signed by the legal representative and the applicant.
For reasons of investment in real estate:
- Certificate from the Public Registry of Panama proving ownership of a property with a minimum value of 200,000.00. The acquisition of the property can be financed through a local bank.
For reasons of fixed term deposit:
- Certificate from a general license bank operating in the national territory stating the existence of a fixed term deposit for an amount of 200,000.00, for at least three (3) years.
For dependents:
- Letter of responsibility from the resident or national.
- Proof of kinship, marriage certificate for the spouse or birth certificate for the children.
- For applicants between 18 and 25 years of age: Certification from an educational institution that accredits the status of regular full-time student and a sworn statement of single status.
- Proof of the resident's financial solvency.
- Copy of the income tax return, with its peace and save and it must comply with the minimum income of one thousand balboas (B/.1,000.00) per month plus one hundred balboas (B/.100.00), additional for each dependent.
- Updated work letter with its respective payroll or Social Security Fund card and copy of the work permit.
The Process to Obtain Permanent Residency
If you choose the first option, the steps are as follows:
- Start a business
- Register with Panama's Social Security (Caja de Seguro Social)
- Register the company with the Social Security Administration
- Open a personal bank account, followed by a business bank account
To establish a company in Panama, you need three people to serve on the company's board of directors.
To open a bank account, at least two of the board members must be residents, as banks place restrictions on tourists. If you do not have someone who meets this requirement, contact us and we will help you.
Once you have your first ID, you can apply for a driver's license. You will need to take this ID to the Canadian embassy to obtain a driver's license application package.
Timeline
Once your business is ready and we have verified all of your documentation in advance at our offices, the process unfolds in three phases, with an optional fourth phase if you wish to obtain the Cédula E. The visa application must be submitted upon arrival in the country. Below, we outline the immigration process for your first week in Panama.
Temporary residency is the first and fastest step to legalize your immigration status in the country right after you arrive in Panama. With this residency you can travel outside Panama, as it includes a multiple-entry visa that lets you leave and re-enter the country without affecting your immigration process.
We welcome you at our office and complete the forms required by immigration. The application must include your physical passport, but don't worry, we will give you a circulation letter issued by the law firm.
This letter explains why you do not have your passport with you and provides our contact details and office information in case any authority needs to reach us.
During these days, our team takes care of everything; you simply wait to hear from us. We will register your passport and submit the formal application for your immigration process.
At the end of day three, you will hear from us with the details of your immigration appointment.
On this day, you will go to the nearest immigration office, but don't worry, you won't be alone. One of our lawyers will accompany you throughout this short process, from taking your photo to receiving your first ID.
Congratulations, today you receive your temporary residency.
We will notify you two weeks before your six months expire, to arrange the issuance of your provisional residency.
Once your immigration resolution issued by the National Immigration Service is ready, we will accompany you back to the offices to take your new photo and make sure the process is fast and free of complications.
This ID is valid for two years.
Three months before your provisional residency expires, you can begin the application for permanent residency. This time, while your application is being processed, you will receive another temporary ID valid for six months, until your application is approved.
Permanent residency is usually the final phase of the process for many expats in Panama, but some choose to obtain the Cédula E. To do so, you will need to wait around one month after receiving your permanent residency.
We will arrange an appointment for you at the Electoral Tribunal, and on the day, we will accompany you to receive the Cédula E, the final ID that can be granted to a foreign national in Panama.
Panama Friendly Nations Visa for Chinese Citizens
Chinese citizens qualify for Panama's Friendly Nations Visa, one of Latin America's most accessible permanent residency programs. The application is structured around a Panamanian company (IBC), which serves as the required economic tie to Panama. No large capital investment or real estate purchase is needed, and the process can begin remotely from China with no minimum annual stay requirement. Family members can be included in the same application.
Panama operates under a territorial tax system, meaning income earned outside the country is not subject to Panamanian taxation. NDM Law Firm guides Chinese nationals through every stage, from company incorporation to document authentication and immigration filing. For a complete step-by-step guide in Chinese, visit our dedicated page at chinatopanama.com
For any questions, please feel free to contact us.
FAQ
Panama Friendly Nations Visa scheme covers a select list of countries with which Panama maintains strong diplomatic and economic bonds. Citizens from these countries are welcomed to apply for the visa, provided they can demonstrate financial stability, a clean criminal record, and a viable plan for economic or professional activity in Panama.
Here's a list of countries whose citizens may be eligible for Panama's Friendly Nations Visa: United States, Canada, Italy... see more.
The cost of permanent residency in Panama varies depending on the visa option chosen. For example, the Visa de Países Amigos can start from $5000 and upwards, considering legal fees and government expenses.
If you hold a Friendly Nations visa in Panama, you can be absent from the country for up to 2 years without losing your residency. However, if you’re unable to return within that time frame, you’ll need to start the process anew.
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