Work and professional mobility
Friendly Nations Visa
Open to citizens of a list of countries with friendly, economic and professional relations with Panama. Since August 2021 it requires evidence of a specific economic activity: formal employment in the country or the purchase of property.
What it involves
What this category is
It allows residency for citizens of a list of countries with friendly, economic and professional relations with Panama.
Since August 2021 one of two economic activity options must be met: being employed in Panama by a legally incorporated Panamanian company, with a formal employment contract and work permit, or purchasing real estate worth at least US$200,000.
Legal basisExecutive Decree 343 of 2012, amended by Decree 197 of 7 May 2021, in force since 5 August 2021
Who it is for
- Citizens of the countries included in the program's list.
- Professionals with a formal job offer from a Panamanian company.
- Buyers of homes or investment property in Panama.
- Families relocating to the country in a planned way.
Key figures
The numbers and timelines that matter
- Employment route
- Employment with a legally incorporated Panamanian company, with a formal contract and work permit
- Property route
- Purchase of property from US$200,000, with bank financing permitted
- Process
- Two-year provisional residency, then permanent residency
- Estimated timeline
- Around 6 months for each of the two stages
Documentation
Required documents
Every foreign document must be submitted translated into Spanish and legalized through an apostille or Panamanian consular authentication.
- Application with a power of attorney in favor of a Panamanian lawyer.
- Complete notarized copy of the passport.
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or of residence for the last 2 years.
- If you have lived in Panama for 2 consecutive years, the record may be issued by the DIJ.
- Evidence of economic solvency.
- Evidence of the professional or economic activity to be carried out in Panama.
- For the property route: title deed for property worth at least US$200,000.
- For the employment route: employment contract and work permit.
How we work
The process, stage by stage
Checking nationality and route
We confirm your nationality is on the list and decide whether the employment or property route fits better.
Evidencing the economic activity
The employment contract or property purchase is completed and evidence of solvency is gathered.
Provisional residency
The application is filed and two-year provisional residency is obtained.
Permanent residency
Once the period is complete, permanent residency is requested with updated documents.
Additional considerations
- Those holding residency under this program who seek a work permit must also provide an employment contract with the company, social security enrollment and a recent company payroll record.
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.