Panama keeps a list of Friendly Nations: countries it has economic, professional and investment ties with. If you are a citizen of one of them, you can apply for a residency that becomes permanent by showing an economic or professional tie to Panama.
Who qualifies?
Citizens of the countries on the official list. It includes the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and most European countries, as well as others in the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Ecuador was added in August 2026. Because the list can change, we confirm your nationality at the start of your consultation.
You can see every residency option on our Panama immigration services page.
Three ways to show your tie to Panama
1. Buying real estate
A property in Panama worth at least USD 200,000, registered with the Public Registry. It can be financed through a bank with a general license in Panama.
2. Employment contract
A job offer or contract with a registered Panamanian company, which also processes your work permit with the Ministry of Labor (MITRADEL).
Planning to start a business in Panama? You can open your own Panamanian corporation (S.A.) and have your company hire you. We guide you through every step: forming the corporation, the business operating notice (aviso de operación), the employment contract and the work permit, all the way to your residency. Read more about how to open a Panama corporation from abroad.
3. Fixed-term deposit
A deposit of at least USD 200,000 at a Panamanian bank with a general license, for a term of at least three years and free of liens.
From provisional to permanent residency
- Two-year provisional residency. This is the first approval, with its resident card.
- Permanent residency. Before the provisional residency expires, you apply to change to permanent, showing that your economic or professional tie is still in place.
- Resident ID. With permanent residency you get your cédula E.
Documents usually required
- Valid passport.
- Apostilled criminal background check from your country.
- Health certificate, obtained in Panama.
- Passport-size photos.
- Proof of your economic tie: deed and Public Registry certificate, employment contract or bank deposit certificate.
- Power of attorney for the lawyer filing your application (we prepare it).
- If you include family: apostilled marriage and birth certificates.
Documents in other languages must be translated into Spanish by an authorized public translator. We send you the exact list for your country and the route you choose.
Can I include my family?
Yes. Your spouse and minor or dependent children can be included in the same application as dependents.
What to know before you apply
- Much of the preparation is done remotely, but you must travel to Panama for the filing and registration.
- The employment route depends on the company processing your work permit; without it, the application does not move forward.
- If you want direct, fast permanent residency, there is the Qualified Investor category, with different requirements. We can help you compare.
Common mistakes that delay the process
- Buying a property whose value registered with the Public Registry falls below the minimum.
- Apostilling the background check too late: it is only valid for a limited time.
- Letting the provisional residency expire without applying for permanent residency in time.
- Not keeping proof that your economic tie remained in place during the two years.
This article is for information only and does not replace personalized legal advice. Immigration requirements and the Friendly Nations list can change; we confirm them with you when your process starts.
Your case, in expert hands