The Panama $750,000 fixed deposit route under the Qualified Investor Visa grants immediate permanent residency to those who place the amount in a five-year, lien-free time deposit at a licensed Panamanian bank.
This pathway, part of the Panama residency by investment program, offers one of the fastest routes to permanent residency in Latin America, with minimal stay requirements and eligibility for citizenship after five years.
This guide covers:
- How does the Panama $750,000 residency route under the Panama Qualified Investor Visa work?
- What are Panama permanent residency requirements under the $750,000 residency route?
- What benefits does Panama permanent residency via the $750,000 route provide?
- Are there tax implications or restrictions on the $750,000 deposit or interest earned?
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The information in this article is for general guidance only. It does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice, and is not a recommendation or solicitation to invest. Some facts may have changed since the time of writing.
What Is the Panama Residence by Investment Program?
Panama’s Qualified Investor Permanent Residency, often known as the Golden Visa, grants immediate permanent residency to individuals who make a qualifying investment.
Migrants can choose from several investment routes that unlock residency rights for them and eligible dependents.
How to Get Permanent Residency in Panama by Investment
Applicants qualify through one of three primary investment thresholds under the Qualified Investor program:
| Investment Route | Minimum Investment | Holding Period |
| Fixed-Term Bank Deposit (USD) | $750,000 | ≥ 5 years |
| Stock Market / Securities Investment | $500,000 | ≥ 5 years |
| Real Estate Investment | $300,000 | ≥ 5 years |
- Fixed-Term Deposit: Deposit at least USD 750,000 in a Panamanian bank for a minimum of five years.
- Stock/Securities Investment: Invest USD 500,000 in approved securities via a licensed brokerage.
- Real Estate Investment: Purchase property valued at USD 300,000, with expanded flexibility for pre-construction deals backed by escrow or guarantees and allowance for co-ownership.
What Is the Panama $750,000 Investment Route?
It’s a Qualified Investor Visa option that grants immediate permanent residency in Panama in exchange for a five-year, lien-free fixed deposit of USD 750,000 at a licensed bank.
This pathway is a key part of Panama residency by investment and is designed for high-net-worth individuals seeking a secure and straightforward residency option.
It provides one of the fastest approvals compared to other residency programs in the region.
How to Qualify for the $750,000 Fixed Deposit Residency Program
Applicants must be of legal age, hold a valid passport, and demonstrate a clean criminal record from their home country and places of recent residence.
The deposit must be made in a Panamanian bank approved for the Qualified Investor Visa program, and funds must come from a verifiable legal source.
Additional documentation includes proof of the deposit, banking certifications, and evidence of economic solvency to support dependents, if applicable.
Benefits of the Panama $750 000 Residency Route
- Immediate Permanent Residency: Unlike other programs that offer temporary residency first, this route grants direct permanent status.
- Pathway to Citizenship: After five years of holding permanent residency, investors can apply for Panamanian citizenship.
- Banking and Tax Advantages: Panama offers territorial taxation, meaning only income sourced within Panama is taxed, appealing to international investors.
- Family Inclusion: Spouses and dependent children can be included under a single investment.
Panama $750,000 Fixed Deposit Route Risks and Limitations
Considerations investors should weigh include:
- High Capital Requirement – The $750,000 minimum deposit is significantly higher than Panama’s real estate ($500,000) or securities ($300,000) options.
- Opportunity Cost – Funds are locked in a low-yield deposit for five years, potentially limiting higher-return opportunities elsewhere.
- Bank & Currency Risk – Though Panama’s banking system is stable, reliance on a single jurisdiction and currency exposure may pose financial risks.
- Non-Refundable Fees – Government and legal fees apply on top of the deposit, which are not recoverable.
Additional Costs Beyond the Panama $750,000 Deposit
Besides the $750,000 deposit, applicants should expect government, legal, and documentation fees totaling roughly $16,000 for the main applicant, plus additional costs for dependents.
- Government Fees
- $5,000 to the National Immigration Service (main applicant)
- $5,000 to the National Treasury
- $1,000 per dependent to each of these entities
- Legal and Service Fees
- Typically, the total fee for processing (including legal and government charges) is around $16,000 for the main applicant.
- Adding a dependent under 12 years: ~$2,000 (inclusive of legal and government fees)
- For dependents aged 12 and up: ~$3,000 each
- Other Documentation Costs
- Not explicitly itemized in available sources, but standard visa documentation generally includes:
- Certified translations, notarizations, apostilles
- Bank certification of funds
- Health and background certificates
- Not explicitly itemized in available sources, but standard visa documentation generally includes:
Key Requirements for Maintaining Residency Under the $750,000 Program
- Applicants must preserve the US $750,000 lien-free fixed-term deposit in a qualifying Panamanian bank for a full five-year term. Early liquidation of this deposit will lead to the automatic revocation of permanent residency.
- Immigration authorities conduct annual verifications to confirm the deposit remains active and encumbrance-free.
- Physical presence requirements are minimal, with residents needing to visit Panama only once every two years to maintain status.
Comparing Panama $750 000 Residency Route to Other Investment Options
Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa’s three main paths are tailored to different investor priorities.
Below is a quick breakdown:
| Investment Route | Minimum Investment | Type of Asset | Pros | Considerations |
| $750,000 Fixed Deposit | USD 750,000 | Bank fixed-term deposit (5 yrs) | Immediate permanent residency, minimal management | Higher required capital, funds are locked for 5 years |
| $500,000 Real Estate | USD 500,000 (or USD 300,000 promo) | Titled property in Panama | Property ownership, potential appreciation | Requires property management, less liquid |
| $300,000 Securities | USD 300,000 | Panamanian stocks via brokers | Flexible asset, market-linked return | Requires active management and carries market risk |
Conclusion
The Panama $750,000 fixed deposit route offers a secure and efficient pathway to permanent residency for high-net-worth individuals.
With fast processing, minimal physical presence requirements, and a clear path to citizenship after five years, it remains one of Latin America’s most attractive investor residency options.
However, applicants should seek professional legal and tax advice to ensure compliance and optimize their investment strategy.
FAQs
What happens after the five-year deposit period ends?
While Panamanian law requires a five-year hold and doesn’t explicitly say what happens afterward, most legal advisors indicate that investors can then withdraw principal and interest if they’ve maintained their residency obligations.
Are there tax implications on the deposit or interest earned in Panama?
Yes, interest earned on the deposit may be subject to tax in Panama and potentially in the investor’s home country.
Panama follows a territorial tax system, meaning only income generated within Panama, such as bank interest, may be taxable locally.
However, foreign-sourced income is exempt, and investors should also consider possible tax obligations in their country of residence.
Can the deposit be in a currency other than USD?
No, the deposit must be made in US dollars.
The Qualified Investor Visa requires a fixed-term deposit of at least USD 750,000, and all investment thresholds are explicitly stated in U.S. currency.
What is the processing time for residency approval in Panama?
Applications under Panama’s USD 750,000 fixed-term deposit route are typically processed within approximately 30 days, offering one of the fastest permanent residency timelines among regional investment programs.
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