Residency through investment
Macro Business Investor Visa
For those who create or acquire a formal Panamanian company. The program is built around local job creation, so the company must be operating and sustain at least five direct jobs for Panamanian citizens.
What it involves
What this category is
Residency is granted to foreign nationals who invest in creating or acquiring a formal Panamanian company, with the aim of encouraging local employment.
The applicant must be a shareholder and an officer or legal representative of the company, and the minimum investment is counted per applicant.
Who it is for
- Entrepreneurs setting up an operating company in Panama.
- Those acquiring an existing Panamanian business.
- Partners applying individually in relation to the same company.
- Families adding dependents to the file.
Key figures
The numbers and timelines that matter
- Minimum investment
- US$160,000 in the share capital of a registered Panamanian company, per applicant
- Local employment
- At least 5 Panamanian citizens in direct employment
- Evidence
- Audited financial statements and certification by a Certified Public Accountant
- Dependents
- US$2,000 in additional investment for each one
- Process
- Residency for 2 years, then permanent
- Path to citizenship
- Naturalization after 5 years of continuous residency
Documentation
Required documents
Every foreign document must be submitted translated into Spanish and legalized through an apostille or Panamanian consular authentication.
- Audited financial statements of the company.
- Certification by a Certified Public Accountant evidencing the investment.
- Documentation showing that the applicant is a shareholder and an officer or legal representative.
- Payroll records evidencing direct employment of at least five Panamanian citizens.
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence.
- Personal documents: passport, photographs and official forms.
- For each dependent: a local bank reference letter justifying the additional US$2,000.
How we work
The process, stage by stage
Setting up or buying the company
We structure the Panamanian company and the shareholding position the program requires.
Accounting evidence
Audited financial statements and the Certified Public Accountant's certification are prepared.
Filing the application
The immigration file is submitted together with evidence of operations and local employment.
Permanent residency
After the initial two years, permanent residency is requested.
Additional considerations
- The company must be operating: formal incorporation and declared capital alone are not enough.
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
Let us assess whether this category fits your case
Schedule an initial assessment and receive an honest review of your eligibility, along with the documents you would need.