Residency through investment
Export Processing Zone Investor Visa
An immigration program tied to Export Processing Zones, designated areas with tax incentives for export-oriented production. It covers both investors and staff hired by those companies.
What it involves
What this category is
It grants the right to apply for permanent residency as an investor to those who invest in a company authorized as a promoter or operator of an export processing zone, or in a company established within such zones.
Alternatively, foreign nationals hired as trusted staff, executives or technicians by companies in these zones may obtain a temporary resident visa for the duration of their contract.
Who it is for
- Investors in companies promoting or operating processing zones.
- Those investing in companies already established within those zones.
- Trusted staff, executives or technicians hired by such companies.
- Business groups relocating export operations to Panama.
Key figures
The numbers and timelines that matter
- Minimum investment
- US$250,000 in a promoter or operator company, or one established within the zone
- Outcome (investment)
- Permanent residency as an investor
- Contract alternative
- Temporary residency for the duration of the contract, for trusted staff, executives or technicians
Documentation
Required documents
Every foreign document must be submitted translated into Spanish and legalized through an apostille or Panamanian consular authentication.
- Evidence of the investment in the authorized company.
- Documentation showing the company is duly authorized as a promoter or operator, or established within the zone.
- Personal documents: passport, photographs and official forms.
- Apostilled or authenticated criminal record certificate.
- Health certificate issued in Panama.
- For the contract route: an employment contract with the processing zone company.
How we work
The process, stage by stage
Reviewing the company
We verify that the company holds the authorization the processing zone regime requires.
Completing the investment or contract
The investment is evidenced or, under the alternative route, the hiring as trusted staff, executive or technician.
Filing the application
The immigration file is submitted to the corresponding authority.
Decision
Permanent residency as an investor, or temporary residency for the duration of the contract, is obtained.
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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