Residence in Panama: permits and requirements
Living legally in Panama is possible through 10 permit types: permanent, investment, retiree, family, digital nomad. Each program has its own requirements; below are the duration, renewal, costs and documentation according to the country's official sources.
Permanent Resident Through Economic Solvency (Term Deposit)
Residence type #1 of 10
Permanent residency for foreigners who open a time deposit in a Panamanian bank of at least USD 300,000 with a minimum 3-year duration.
Requirements
- Open a time deposit of at least USD 300,000 in an authorized Panamanian bank
- The time deposit must have a minimum 3-year duration
- Show the lawful source of the funds
Documentation
- Valid passport
- Time-deposit certificate issued by the Panamanian bank
- Declaration of source of funds
- Criminal record certificates from the country of origin and Panama
- Medical examination
- Photos
Frequently asked questions about residence in Panama
How many types of residence permits are there in Panama?
Panama offers 10 residence permit types, grouped into the categories permanent, investment, retiree, family, digital nomad. Each permit has its own requirements, duration and documentation, detailed in this fact sheet according to the country's official sources.
How long do residence permits in Panama last?
Durations vary by permit type: Permanent; 2 years (renewable); 9 months, extendable once for 9 more (18 total max; Decree 198/2021); Duration of the educational program (maximum 6 years). The exact details of each type appear in the corresponding fact sheet.
Can residence permits in Panama be renewed?
It depends on the type: 3 of 10 permits are renewable. Each fact sheet on this page indicates whether the permit in question allows renewal.
What documentation is usually required to reside in Panama?
Although each permit requires its own file, the most recurrent documents are: Valid passport; Certificado de antecedentes penales; Photos; Medical examination. The complete list by residence type appears in each fact sheet, together with the corresponding official link.
Does residence in Panama lead to nationality?
Yes, through the Ordinary naturalization by residence pathway, which requires 5 consecutive years of residence in the territory of the Republic (Constitution, art. 35.1). The complete requirements are in the nationality fact sheet of Panama.
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Anything to correct or add about Panama?
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