Executive Decree No. 17 of 2026 updated the permanent-resident subcategory for qualified investors and replaced the previous framework. The route requires a Panamanian investment funded from abroad, with the applicant’s own traceable funds and proof of ownership; minimum amounts vary by investment option. Before choosing an investment, applicants should assess both the immigration rules and the legal and financial risks of the transaction.

Who may apply

The subcategory falls under permanent residence for economic reasons. The decree sets a general minimum investment of B/. 300,000 and requires foreign-source funds owned by the applicant. If the investment is made through a legal entity, the applicant must establish beneficial ownership and effective control. Gifts or donations from third parties do not count as the applicant’s own investment.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) reviews the investment file and issues the certificate that is sent to the SNM. The certificate is valid for three months for filing the complete application with Immigration. Coordination between the financial transaction and immigration preparation therefore matters.

Main investment options

Executive Decree No. 17 provides for the following options, each subject to specific conditions:

  • First-sale real estate: at least B/. 300,000 for the initial purchase of a new, unoccupied property, with the evidence required by the decree.
  • Secondary-market real estate: at least B/. 500,000 if the property has already been marketed, occupied, rented, or transferred to an unrelated third party. Liens can reduce the qualifying value, which cannot rely solely on a nominal purchase price.
  • Real estate purchase promise: at least B/. 300,000, subject to specific payment, escrow, or guarantee conditions depending on the contract structure. The decree limits to three years the cumulative period during which immigration status may be supported solely by purchase promises; review the contract and safeguards before committing funds.
  • Panamanian securities market: at least B/. 500,000 through a licensed Panamanian securities firm and held for at least five years. Only the instruments and funds defined in the decree qualify; not every stock, fund, or financial asset is eligible.
  • Fixed-term deposit: at least B/. 750,000 with a private, generally licensed bank, or B/. 500,000 if placed directly with Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros. The deposit must remain free of liens and be maintained for five years.

For every option, the foreign source and path of the funds must be documented. If the investment is made through an entity, the applicant must establish beneficial ownership and effective control. The bank, MICI, or SNM may request more information to verify ownership, lawful source, and use of the investment. The MICI investment certificate is valid for three months and must be current when the complete file is submitted to Immigration.

Maintenance and obligations

The investment must be maintained for at least five years, with annual proof submitted to MICI. If it is sold, withdrawn, changed, or ceases to exist before then, the resident must give notice; the decree sets deadlines and conditions to reinvest, with consequences if they are not met. These funds should not be treated as freely available capital.

The decree also sets application and repatriation-deposit payments: B/. 5,000 to the National Treasury and B/. 5,000 to the SNM for the principal applicant; for each dependent, it lists B/. 1,000 for each payment. Confirm the amounts, payment methods, and any regulatory changes when filing because these figures may be updated.

How to assess the route before investing

The decision should not be based only on the nominal minimum. Determine whether a property qualifies as a first sale or secondary-market purchase, how foreign funding will be documented, which entity will certify the investment, and whether the capital can remain committed for the required period. Tax, corporate, and financial consequences should also be reviewed with the appropriate professionals.

Residence is not an investment recommendation or a guarantee of return. Immigration approval depends on proving every requirement and on the authorities’ review.

We can review the proposed option, ownership structure, and immigration documents to identify what should be confirmed before completing the investment and filing the application.

This guide provides general information, not individual financial advice or a guarantee of approval. It was reviewed on October 11, 2026, based on Executive Decree No. 17 of 2026. Verify the rules, MICI and SNM requirements, and investment terms before taking action.