Residency through investment
Forestry Investment Visa
Also known as the reforestation visa. It offers two very different paths: an express option granting immediate permanent residency with a larger investment, and a more accessible regular option that goes through two years of provisional residency.
What it involves
What this category is
Residency is granted in exchange for investing in reforestation projects approved by the Ministry of Environment.
The express option grants permanent residency immediately. The regular option grants two-year provisional residency first and then allows a permanent residency application.
Who it is for
- Investors interested in long-term forestry assets.
- Those seeking immediate permanent residency through the express option.
- Those who prefer a lower entry amount and accept a staged process.
- Families adding dependents under the regular option.
Key figures
The numbers and timelines that matter
- Express option
- US$360,000: US$350,000 in the forestry project and US$10,000 for maintenance
- Regular option
- US$100,000: US$90,000 in land or project and US$10,000 for maintenance for up to 8 years
- Dependents (regular)
- US$2,000 additional for each one
- Estimated timeline (express)
- 60 to 180 days
- Estimated timeline (regular)
- Around 6 months per stage, close to 3 years in total
- Investment holding period
- At least 5 years after obtaining permanent residency
Documentation
Required documents
Every foreign document must be submitted translated into Spanish and legalized through an apostille or Panamanian consular authentication.
- Be over 18 years old and have no criminal record.
- Personal documents: passport, identification and birth or marriage certificates.
- Evidence of funds and of the investment made.
- For the regular option: criminal record certificate, tax clearance certificate and evidence of the direct investment.
- If a company is used as the investment vehicle: sworn statement by the treasurer or secretary, accounting certificate, copy of the share certificate, tax return and public registry certificate.
- To move to permanent residency under the regular option: valid provisional permit and updated documents.
How we work
The process, stage by stage
Choosing the option
We compare the express and regular paths against your budget and timeline.
Investing in the project
The investment is made in a reforestation project approved by the Ministry of Environment.
Filing the application
The file is submitted with evidence of funds and of the investment made.
Residency and reporting
Under the regular option, permanent residency is requested after two years; the investment is reported annually to immigration.
Additional considerations
- Under the express option the investment must be held for 8 years, and at least 5 years after obtaining residency.
- The visa does not automatically grant a work permit, but as permanent residency it can be applied for separately.
The amounts, timelines and requirements on this page summarize the immigration rules in force at the time of review and may change by decree. This information is general, does not constitute legal advice and does not guarantee approval of any application: each case must be assessed individually.
Content reviewed in July 2026
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