The Friendly Nations Visa is Panama's most popular residency program for citizens of over 50 countries. It offers a flexible, investment-based pathway to permanent residency for individuals, families, and professionals seeking a secure Plan B or a new home in Panama.
Key Advantages of the Friendly Nations Visa
50+ Eligible Countries
Open to citizens of Europe, Americas, Asia, and Africa (see full list below).
Flexible Investment Options
Choose what works for you: real estate, fixed-term deposit.
Optional Work Permit
Professionals can work and live in Panama simultaneously with an optional work permit.
Family Inclusion
Spouse and children under can be included in your application.
Program Overview
Residency Type
Temporary (2 years) → Permanent
Minimum Invesment
$200,000 USD (real estate or fixed deposit)
Alternative Option
Real job offer from a Panamanian company
Work Permit
✓ Optional
Family Members
Spouse and children under 25
Investment Holding Period
3 years minimum
Processing Time
Approximately 3-4 months (per application)
Which Countries Qualify?
Europe
Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Finland, France, Great Britain, Greece, Croatia, Ireland, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Cyprus
Americas
USA, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay
Asia & Africa
Australia, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, South Africa
Invesment
Options
Choose the pathway that best suits your situation:
Option 1: Real Estate Investment
Why this option? Combine residency with a tangible asset investment in Panama's growing real estate market.
Minimum Investment
$200,000 USD
Property Requirement
Houses, apartments, commercial spaces, agricultural land
Holding Period
3 Years
Option 2: Fixed-Term Deposit (Plazo Fijo)
Why this option? Safe, liquid, and earns interest while you secure your residency. No property management required.
Minimum Investment
$200,000 USD
Where
Panamanian bank
Term
Minimum 3 years
Current Interest Rates
Approximately 5%
Option 3:
Job Offer
Why this option? Ideal for professionals with employment opportunities in Panama. No upfront investment needed.
Proof Required
| Formal job offer from a Panamanian company |
Work Permit
Must be processed through Ministry of Labor
Application Timeline
First contact with our law firm
Email us all documents in advance for review, as only complete applications can be submitted.
1st trip to Panama
Coordinate your dates with our office in advance. Application First appointment in our office, passport registration, formal application Photo session immigration: temporary IMMIGRATION ID CARD and Multiply Visa Personal presence required
Aplication Processing
Notification We collect your resolution for you.
2nd trip to Panama
Coordinate your dates with our office in advance. Trip to Panama required Photo session immigration: 2 YEAR IMMIGRATION ID CARD Personal presence required
Required Documents: Complete Checklist
For the Main Applicant:
1 Passport
Must be valid for at least one more year
2 Police Clearance Certificate
• Not older than 6 months
• Must have Apostille
• Name must match passport exactly
3 Passport Photos
5 recent passport-sized photos
4 Health Certificate
Issued by a licensed Panamanian doctor (we coordinate)
Additional Documents for Married Couples:
6 Marriage Certificate
• Not older than 6 months
• Must have Apostille
• Certified copy or extract from marriage register
Additional Documents for Children:
7 Birth Certificate (for children only)
• Not older than 6 months
• Must have Apostille
• Certified copy or extract from birth register
8. Panama Bank Account (for married couples/families only)
Proof of Panamanian bank account with minimum $5,000 balance.
Understanding the Apostille
The Apostille is an international certification that authenticates your documents for use in Panama. Required for:
Police clearance certificate
Marriage certificate
Birth certificate (for children)
Where to Get Your Apostille by Country:
Germany
| Bundesamt für Auswärtige Angelegenheiten | Regierungspräsidien or Bezirksregierung |
Austria
| Bezirkshauptmannschaften | Bezirkshauptmannschaften |
Switzerland
| Cantonal authorities | Cantonal authorities |
USA
| U.S. Department of State (for FBI) or Secretary of State | Secretary of State where issued |
Canada
| Global Affairs Canada (Authentication, not Apostille) | Global Affairs Canada |
What We Prepare For You
Document Translation
We coordinate official translation of all documents
Application Forms
We prepare all forms (Affidavits, Power of Attorney, etc.) in advance for your signature
Health Certificate
We coordinate with certified Panamanian doctors
Investment Guidance
We help you navigate real estate purchase or fixed deposit setup
Full Representation
We submit and monitor your application throughout
FRIENDLY NATIONS VISA FEES
The Friendly Nations Visa is a two-step process
Step 1. Temporary residence (2-year card), then
The Friendly Nations Visa // First application (Single Applicant)
- Legal fees (our services): from USD 2,080.00*
- Government fees & basic expenses (per adult): approx. USD 1,649.00**
Couple (main applicant + spouse, same file)
- Legal fees (our services): from USD 3,359.00 for both applicants together
- Government fees & basic expenses: approx. USD 3,298.00** for both applicants together
Step 2. Permanent residence:
After holding temporary residence for two years, you may apply for permanent residence. This is not a simple renewal, but a second application with its own legal fees, government fees and expenses. We provide a tailored quotation for the permanent residence step once we have reviewed your situation and the chosen investment structure
Friendly Nations Visa Investment route only:
Our firm handles Friendly Nations Visa applications exclusively on the basis of genuine investments in Panama (for example qualified bank deposits or real estate investments). We do not work with employment structures that are created only on paper for immigration purposes. This includes:
- nominal or purely formal employment contracts,
- arrangements where an employer-employee relationship exists only to satisfy visa requirements, and
- artificial “self-employment” or company setups used solely as a technical route to qualify.
If you are looking for a solid, compliant long-term structure in Panama, we will gladly advise you on suitable investment-based options.
What You’ll Pay: A Transparent Fee Breakdown
The Friendly Nations Visa is a two-step process:
- Frist application: temporary residence (2-year card), then
- Second application: permanent residence.
The Friendly Nations Visa // First application (Single Applicant)
- Legal fees (our services): from USD 2,080.00*
- Government fees & basic expenses (per adult): approx. USD 1,649.00**
Couple (main applicant + spouse, same file)
- Legal fees (our services): from USD 3,359.00 for both applicants together
- Government fees & basic expenses: approx. USD 3,298.00** for both applicants together
Important
*Legal services for real estate transactions and/or bank account opening are charged separately according to our respective fee schedules.
*Government fees and basic expenses are calculated per person by the Panamanian authorities and typically include immigration filing fees, notary fees, health certificate, residence cards and other related local expenses. Special (lower) expenses apply for children under 12 years of age. Third-party costs (such as translations, apostilles/legalisations in the country of origin) are not included and will be invoiced separately.
Permanent residence
After holding temporary residence for two years, you may apply for permanent residence. This is not a simple renewal, but a second application with its own legal fees, government fees and expenses. We provide a tailored quotation for the permanent residence step once we have reviewed your situation and the chosen investment structure.
Friendly Nations Visa Investment route only:
Our firm handles Friendly Nations Visa applications exclusively on the basis of genuine investments in Panama (for example qualified bank deposits or real estate investments). We do not work with employment structures that are created only on paper for immigration purposes. This includes:
- nominal or purely formal employment contracts,
- arrangements where an employer-employee relationship exists only to satisfy visa requirements, and
- artificial “self-employment” or company setups used solely as a technical route to qualify.
If you are looking for a solid, compliant long-term structure in Panama, we will gladly advise you on suitable investment-based options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply remotely?
The initial document preparation can be done remotely, but you must visit Panama four times to complete the process.
What if I want to change my investment later?
Once you choose an investment option and submit your application, you cannot switch. Choose carefully.
Is the $200,000 investment refundable?
For fixed-term deposits, yes – after the 3-year holding period. For real estate, you own the property.
Can I work immediately?
Yes, once your work permit is approved alongside your residency.
What happens after 2 years?
You apply to convert your temporary residency to permanent residency, which has no expiration.
Do I need to know Spanish?
No. Our team works with you in English and German, and we handle all Spanish documentation.