Panama has become one of the most attractive countries in Latin America for people who want a Plan B: a stable, dollarized economy, strong connections to the global market, and multiple routes to obtain temporary or permanent residency.
However, immigration law is technical and constantly evolving. Many people arrive with half-truths (“you get permanent residency in one step”, “just buy any property and you’re done”) and end up wasting time and money.
My goal as a Panamanian attorney is to give you a realistic, structured view of your options – and then design a strategy that fits your profile.
Temporary vs. Permanent Residency
Most Panamanian residency programs follow a two-step logic:
- You start with a temporary or provisional permit (often 1–2 years).
- After that period – if you still meet the requirements – you can apply for permanent residency.
There are a few special categories that can lead more quickly to permanent status (for example, certain investor routes or the classic pensionado), but the general rule is:
first you qualify, then you maintain the conditions, and only then you consolidate your status.
This is why it is so important to choose the right category from the beginning.
Main Routes to Residency
Panama offers several residency routes. The ones I most often work with include:
1. Residency through Investment
For investors who want to place capital in Panama in a structured way. Depending on the current regulations, this may include:
- Real estate investment above a legal minimum;
- Time deposits (fixed-term) in a Panamanian bank;
- Qualified investor programs with higher thresholds but faster processing and additional benefits.
The exact amounts, documentation and timelines are set by law and are updated from time to time. Before moving any money, we review:
- your nationality and tax residence,
- the source of funds and banking requirements, and
- whether a real estate, financial or mixed strategy makes more sense for you.
2. Residency for Retirees (Pensionado)
For people who already receive a lifetime pension (public or private) above a minimum income. The pensionado category is one of Panama’s “classic” routes and may offer:
- long-term residency,
- and additional benefits and discounts established by law.
It is not a “fast passport” program, but rather a way to live in Panama with a stable, predictable status.
3. Residency Based on Work or Professional Activities
There are specific options for those who:
- have a job offer in Panama under certain conditions, or
- qualify as foreign professionals (with recognised degrees, under allowed professions, and meeting local requirements).
These categories require careful coordination between immigration, labour law and taxation. They are not “DIY” friendly.
4. Residency Through Family Ties
In some cases, you may qualify based on:
- marriage to a Panamanian citizen,
- Panamanian children, or
- other recognised family links.
Here, documentation and evidence of a genuine family relationship are key. Each case has its own nuances.
Why You Should Not Rely on Generic “Residency Packages”
Online you will see many fixed “packages” that oversimplify reality:
“Pay X, get permanent residency forever”.
In practice:
- laws change,
- minimum amounts and timelines are adjusted,
- and immigration officers do look at substance, not only at formalities.
A strategy that worked perfectly three years ago may be risky or inefficient today.
How I Can Help
As a Panama-licensed attorney, I work with:
- individuals and families who want to relocate or secure a second residency, and
- investors and business owners who need to align immigration, corporate structures and tax planning.
What we usually do is:
- A detailed consultation (online or in person) to map your profile: nationality, family, income, assets, goals and timing.
- Identify 1–2 realistic residency routes for you under current law.
- Prepare a clear action plan: documents you need from your country, steps in Panama, approximate cost and expected timeline.
- Handle the filings and follow-up with immigration until your case is resolved.
If you are seriously considering Panama as a place to live, invest or base your business, the first step is to understand which residency routes actually apply to you today – not in theory, but in your real situation.
📩 Contact me and we can review your options calmly and professionally. Ana.lorenaforgnone@gmail.com
