The Panama Friendly Nations Visa is one of the most efficient and flexible residency options in Central America, offering a streamlined path for eligible nationals to live, work, or invest in Panama.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from updated requirements and costs to key application steps and timelines for securing residency through this increasingly popular visa.
We’ll cover key questions and topics including:
- What is a Panama friendly country visa?
- How does the Panama Friendly Nations Visa work?
- How do you qualify for a friendly nation visa in Panama?
- How much is the friendly nations visa in Panama?
- Which countries are eligible to for Panama Friendly Nations Visa?
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What Is a Friendly Nations Visa in Panama?
The Panama Friendly Nations Visa is a residency program that allows citizens from designated “friendly” countries to obtain legal residency in Panama based on economic or professional ties to the country.
It was originally introduced in 2012 to attract talent, investment, and skilled individuals who could contribute to Panama’s growing economy.
Initially offering near-automatic permanent residency, the visa underwent changes in 2021 and now provides two years of temporary residency, after which applicants may apply for permanent residency.
The program remains one of the most accessible immigration routes in Latin America.
This visa is specifically geared toward professionals, remote workers, entrepreneurs, and financially independent individuals from eligible countries who can demonstrate either a local job offer, business ownership, or a qualifying real estate or bank investment.
Panama Friendly Nations Visa Requirements
While the process of acquiring Panama friendly nations visa is straightforward, recent reforms have added stricter economic tie and solvency conditions.
Legal and Financial Requirements
- Valid Passport from an Eligible Country
Applicants must hold citizenship from one of Panama’s officially designated friendly nations. A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity is required. - Establish Economic Ties to Panama
Applicants must demonstrate one of the following:- A formal job offer from a Panamanian company, registered with social security
- Real estate investment of at least $200,000 USD in Panama (can be financed through a Panamanian bank)
- A Panamanian bank deposit of at least $5,000 USD (plus $2,000 per dependent), showing financial solvency
- Proof of Financial Solvency
Whether through real estate or a bank deposit, proof of financial stability is essential. Bank reference letters, certified financial statements, or property title documents are typically required.
Required Documents
- Background Check from the applicant’s country of residence, issued within 6 months and apostilled
- Passport copies, including all stamped pages
- Proof of economic activity in Panama (job contract, business registration, or investment deed)
- Bank reference letter and/or property deed (if applying under financial solvency route)
- Photographs, health certificate, and affidavit of personal background
- Marriage and birth certificates (if including dependents), also apostilled and translated
All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Spanish by an authorized translator.
Need for a Panamanian Attorney
Hiring a licensed Panamanian immigration attorney is mandatory for submitting your application. Attorneys handle:
- Setting up a local company (if needed)
- Bank introductions
- Document filings
- Coordination with immigration authorities
An experienced lawyer can streamline the process, reduce delays, and help you meet evolving compliance standards especially given Panama’s recent policy updates.
Once all criteria are met, applicants are granted two years of temporary residency, after which they may apply for permanent residency.
Panama Friendly Nations Visa Cost
The costs can vary depending on whether you’re applying as an individual or with dependents, and whether you’re establishing economic ties through employment, or real estate.
Breakdown of Key Expenses
1. Government Fees
- Immigration application fee: $250 USD
- Visa issuance fee: $800 USD (includes contribution to the National Treasury)
- Temporary residency card (valid for 2 years): $50–$100 USD depending on issuance location
2. Legal and Translation Services
- Immigration attorney: $1,500–$3,000 USD depending on firm, number of applicants, and included services
- Document translation (to Spanish): $20–$40 USD per page
- Apostille/legalization of foreign documents (in country of origin): $30–$150 USD per document
3. Required Financial Deposits or Investments
- Bank deposit (minimum): $5,000 USD for the main applicant plus $2,000 USD per dependent
- Real estate investment route: Minimum $200,000 USD (can be financed through a Panamanian bank)
Estimated Total Cost for Individuals and Families
For a solo applicant, expect to pay between $2,500 and $6,000 USD.
For a family of three, costs can range from $4,500 to $10,000 USD, factoring in dependent fees, document preparation, and translations.
Ongoing Costs
- Residency card renewal (after 2 years, when applying for permanent residency): $100–$300 USD
- Annual legal representation for company owners (if applicable): $300–$500 USD
- Optional private health insurance: $600–$2,000 USD per year, depending on coverage and provider
- Caja (social security): Required only if you’re employed locally
Friendly Nations Visa Countries
As of 2025, the official list includes over 50 countries whose nationals are deemed eligible for this streamlined residency route.
The Friendly Nations Visa is available exclusively to citizens of countries that maintain close diplomatic, economic, or cultural ties with Panama.
The countries on the list include:
| Eligible Countries | ||||
| Andorra | Cypress | Hungary | Monaco | Singapore |
| Argentina | Czechia | Ireland | Montenegro | Slovakia |
| Australia | Denmark | Israel | New Zealand | South Africa |
| Austria | Estonia | Japan | Norway | South Korea |
| Belgium | Finland | Latvia | Paraguay | Spain |
| Brazil | France | Liechtenstein | Peru | Sweden |
| Canada | Germany | Lithuania | Poland | Switzerland |
| Chile | Greece | Luxembourg | Portugal | UK (England) |
| Costa Rica | Netherlands | Malta | San Marino | United States |
| Croatia | Hong Kong | Mexico | Serbia | Uruguay |
This wide eligibility makes the visa especially attractive to North Americans, Europeans, and other developed countries’ citizens seeking a low-barrier path to relocate.
Diplomatic Criteria Behind the List
Panama’s government selects friendly nations based on bilateral relationships, trade partnerships, and shared democratic values.
These countries often have strong investment ties with Panama or allow Panamanians similar immigration privileges in return.
The list is subject to periodic updates, so it’s crucial to confirm current eligibility before applying.
Holding a passport from one of the approved friendly nations is a non-negotiable eligibility factor.
It cannot be substituted or bypassed by other qualifications regardless of income, investment, or employment.
Dual nationals may use their qualifying passport, even if they reside elsewhere, to apply.
If you’re not from a listed country, alternative residency options like Panama’s Investor Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or Retiree (Pensionado) Visa may be more suitable.
How to Get a Friendly Nations Visa in Panama?
Below is a step-by-step guide to help applicants navigate the process smoothly.
1. Hire an Immigration Attorney
A Panamanian attorney is required to file your application. Choose one experienced in immigration law, ideally with a track record handling Friendly Nations Visa cases.
2. Prepare and Legalize Documents
Gather all necessary documents
All non-Spanish documents must be translated by an official translator and may require notarization.
3. Open a Panamanian Bank Account
Visit Panama in person to open a local bank account, which is typically required even if you’re qualifying through employment or business.
4. Submit Your Application
Your attorney will file your application with the Servicio Nacional de Migración (National Immigration Service).
At this stage, you’ll also receive a temporary residency card valid for 6 months while your full application is processed.
5. Receive Provisional and Then Permanent Residency
If approved, you’ll be issued a two-year provisional residency permit.
After maintaining your status and ties to Panama for two consecutive years, you may apply for permanent residency.
No additional investment is needed if your original qualifying conditions remain valid.
Estimated Timeline:
- Document preparation: 2–4 weeks
- Bank account setup and local arrangements: 1–2 weeks (must be done in Panama)
- Application processing: up to 6 months
- Transition to permanent residency: After 2 years of temporary residency
Conclusion
The Panama Friendly Nations Visa stands out as one of the most practical and flexible residency options for those seeking a foothold in Latin America.
Beyond its growing popularity among expats, the visa provides more than just residency.
It offers access to Panama’s dollarized economy, strong banking sector, and strategic location as a hub between North and South America.
Whether you’re a remote professional, entrepreneur, retiree, or someone seeking greater mobility and lifestyle flexibility, the Panama Friendly Nations Visa offers a smart, future-ready way to plant roots in one of the region’s most stable and globally connected countries.
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May I kindly find out who qualifies to be offered this opportunity,in terms of Age, Education , Skills,(Artisanship), and maybe any other important things that I couldn’t remember to ask about, as well as Bank Statement and it’s auxiliaries.
The reason being that I’m not financially sound at all, But I think it’s an opportunity for me to test the waters.
Thanks in advance.
The article should answer this question.