New rules for the Panama Qualified Investor Programme

Panama has added investment options under the Inversionista Qualified Investor Programme, which allows foreign investors to obtain permanent residence. The new rules are set out in Decree No. 17 and have been in force since September 16th, 2026^{[1]Source: Decree No. 17 of September 8th, 2026 in Gaceta Oficial}.

Applications submitted to Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industries, MICI, before this date will be reviewed under the requirements in force at the time of submission.

Purchase of real estate

Panama has kept the real estate purchase option but raised the threshold for resale property. Investors can choose one of two options:

1. Purchase of new real estate — $300,000+.
2. Purchase of resale real estate — $500,000+.

To assess the minimum value of real estate, the lower of two amounts will be taken into account: the price actually paid or the market value of the property.

If MICI has doubts about the declared value of the property, the ministry will be able to request an independent valuation.

Opening a bank deposit

For bank deposits, Panama has kept the previous investment threshold of at least $750,000, but added a preferential option in a state bank, Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros — $500,000 or more. The deposit must be held for at least 5 years.

Purchase of securities

The minimum investment amount through the securities market remains $500,000, but the list of eligible instruments has been expanded.

Applicants can invest in:

• private equity and venture capital funds;
• government bonds;
• registered corporate securities, including shares, debt instruments, mutual funds, and REITs.

Investments must be made through a licensed brokerage company and maintained for at least 5 years.

Panama has clarified the requirements for the source of funds for the investment, the participation of family members, and the possibility of obtaining citizenship in the future.

How to include relatives in the application

The investor has the right to include a spouse, children, and parents in the application for permanent residence in Panama.

Under the new rules, relatives can obtain status after the investor’s application is approved. To do this, the investor must maintain the investment.

How to confirm the source of funds

Funds from a source outside Panama must be used for the investment. Money received as a gift from third parties does not qualify.

The investor can transfer the money personally, on behalf of a legal entity, or through a private foundation.

How to maintain permanent resident status in Panama

The investor must maintain the investment for at least 5 years and confirm it annually. Otherwise, permanent resident status may be annulled.

If the investment object is replaced or lost, MICI must be notified within 30 calendar days. The investor is given up to 90 calendar days to confirm a new equivalent investment.

Panama keeps the requirement to visit the country at least once every 2 years.

Can Panama citizenship be obtained after permanent residence?

Investors who have obtained permanent residence under the Panama Qualified Investor Programme, as well as their family members, can apply for Panama citizenship by naturalisation after 5 years of continuous residence in the country.

Panama updated the Panama Qualified Investor Programme to attract more foreign investment and create jobs. According to MICI, from July 2025 to June 2026, the ministry issued 268 certificates to investors, 38.9% more than in the previous 12 months^{[2]Source: Ministry of Commerce and Industries of Panama website, Qualified Investor program statistics}.

Immigrant Invest lawyers will help pass a preliminary check, choose an investment option, and prepare documents for permanent residence in Panama under the new rules.