Panama Residency 2025: Visa Options Compared

Q: How long does residency take?

Most cases resolve in 2–6 months depending on route and document readiness.

Q: Do I need to be in Panama during the process?

Yes—biometrics and card pickup require presence; we book and accompany you.

Thinking about Move to Panama? This guide compares the main routes to panama residency 2025—who qualifies, documents, costs and timelines—so you can choose the right path with confidence.

Video: Panama residency 2025 — documents, costs & timelines.

Panama Residency Options (2025)

Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) — citizens of eligible countries; base: employment or investment. Great for professionals and remote workers.
Pensionado (Retiree) — lifetime pension income (USD threshold). Excellent discounts; local employment restricted.
Qualified Investor — real estate or financial investment above thresholds; faster processing.
Professional / Employment — local job under permitted professions/quota.
Family Ties — spouse/children/parents of Panamanians or residents.

Required Documents for Residency in Panama

Passport (6+ months) and police background check (apostilled; usually ≤ 90 days).
Birth/marriage certificates (apostilled if applicable) + certified Spanish translations.
Proof of income/funds (pension, employment, investments) and bank statements (3–6 months).
Eight passport photos and notarized Power of Attorney for your attorney.

Panama Residency Costs & Timelines

Government + professional fees vary by category and family size. End-to-end timelines typically run 2–6 months depending on readiness and the route. After a free call, we provide a fixed-scope proposal with steps, fees and dates.

Panama visa options: Friendly Nations, Pensionado, Investor — Friendly Nations, Pensionado and Investor visas compared.

How We Handle Your Case

We map your visa path and give you a written plan (steps, fees, timeline).
Document coaching: what to apostille, where to request it, translation needs.
End-to-end filing in Panama: notarizations, sworn translations, biometrics & card pickup.
Weekly updates + after-approval steps (E-Cedula, bank, driver’s license).

Company or Foundation for Expats?

If you plan to invoice, hire or operate locally, consider a company. For asset protection/estate planning, a private interest foundation may fit better. We align the structure with your residency route.

Next Steps to Secure Your Residency

Download the Move to Panama checklist and start gathering documents.
Book your free 20-minute call: Book on calendar.
Review neighborhoods, costs and hospitals in our Move to Panama guide.

Residency in Panama — FAQs

How long does residency take?

Most cases resolve in 2–6 months, depending on the category and document readiness.

Do I need to be in Panama during the process?

Yes, for biometrics and card pickup. We schedule and accompany you.

Can I work on Pensionado?

You can own a company and receive dividends; direct local employment is restricted.