Immigration & Visa

A tourist stay is temporary and does not authorise local employment. Longer stays go through Servicio Nacional de Migración categories (often via a Panamanian attorney).

Per SNM Art. 200 / Panamá Digital: foreigners with a lifetime pension from a foreign government, international organisation or private company may apply for permanent residence. Monthly pension must be at least B/.1,000 (USD 1,000 at par).

• If you personally own Panamanian real estate above B/.100,000, the minimum pension may be B/.750.
• Spouses may combine pensions to reach B/.1,000; each dependent typically needs extra solvency of B/.250/month.
• Private pensions need extra administrator/company documentation (SNM sheet).

Subcategory for nationals of listed countries with friendly/professional/economic ties (created by DE 416/2012; requirements reshaped by DE 226/2021). Current practice: a two-year provisional residence, then permanent if the economic link continues.

• Economic link options commonly cited from DE 226: Panamanian employment, real estate of at least B/.200,000, or a three-year fixed deposit of B/.200,000 at a general-licence bank.
• Filing fees on SNM sheets often include certified cheques of B/.250 (National Treasury) and B/.800 (SNM) for the provisional stage — verify live amounts.
• Country list is set by decree and changes — check the current list before applying.

Permanent residence by economic investment. MICI presents modalities (figures in USD/balboas at par). Executive Decree 17 of 8 Sep 2026 updates the programme (in force mid-Sep 2026 per official notices).

• Real estate: MICI lists USD 300,000 (programme overview); the 2026 decree distinguishes e.g. new/first-sale property at B/.300,000 and higher amounts for other property modalities — read the decree/MICI checklist.
• Securities: ca. USD 500,000 in registered instruments.
• Fixed deposit: ca. USD 750,000 in a licensed Panamanian bank (state-bank exceptions may apply — verify).
• SNM fees historically include large payments to Treasury and SNM (older sheets cite USD 5,000 each) — confirm current amounts.

Created by Executive Decree 198/2021 within the non-resident category (SNM / PROPANAMA). For foreign employees of transnational firms or freelancers working remotely, with effects abroad and foreign-source income.

• Minimum foreign income: B/.36,000 per year (or B/.3,000 per month as stated on employer letters).
• Validity: 9 months, renewable once for another 9 months; SNM PDF cites carnét fee B/.50 and application payment B/.250 to SNM.
• No acceptance of local job offers/services in Panama (sworn statement).
• Health insurance covering Panama for the stay is required.