Panama Residency

The Panamanian government has created several laws which enable foreigners to obtain legal residency and citizenship / passports in the Republic of Panama. Most of these laws have been created to promote foreign investment in the country which benefits the local environment or local economy of Panama.

Below we have listed several immigration program which offer permanent residency leading to passports.

Second Passport Program offering Immediate Panamanian Passport:

Immediate Passport Program

This program allows foreigners to obtain immediate Panamanian Passport under the condition that they make a 5 year time deposit (certificate of deposit - "CD"), at the Banco Nacional de Panama, which earns a minimum of US$750 per month in interest income. More…

Second Passport Program which offer Permanent Residency and eventual Passport through Naturalization:

Self Economic Solvency (Bank Deposit Program)

The applicant must invest a minimum of US$100,000 in a 1 year time deposit at any licensed bank in Panama. For each additional dependent that applies under the primary applicant, the time deposit (CD) amount must be incremented by US$5000 (for each dependent).

Reforestation Investment Program

The Panamanian government offers international investors the opportunity to obtain legal residency and eventually a passport in Panama through a US$50,000 investment in any approved reforestation project. More…

Small Business Investor Program

This programme allows foreign business owners to obtain legal residency in Panama under the condition that they invest a minimum of US$40,000 in either a new business venture, or an established company in Panama. Part of the requirement is that the business must employ at least 3 Panamanian employees paying them at least minimum wage, with social security benefits.

Tax Free Processing Zone Investor Program

This program allows foreign investors to obtain legal residency in Panama under the condition that they must rent a plot of land or an office or building (rented through a 10 to 20 year concession) within one of the new tax free processing zones in Panama, for the purpose of operating a business from Panama that exports its products or services.

Retired or Pensioned Program

This program allows foreigners to obtain permanent legal residency in Panama under the condition that they are retired or pensioned. The applicant’s retirement income (or pension income) must be at least US$500 per month. For each dependent, the retirement income (or pension income) this amount must be increased by US$100.

Summary

Many international investors and companies find Panama to be an excellent location for investing in reforestation, manufacturing plants, assembly plants, distribution facilities for import/export, e-commerce, call centers, and a variety of other business activities. Many times, investors find that legal residency qualification is just an "extra benefit" to the investments that they are making in Panama.

Obtaining a second residency in Panama is useful for those who wish to:

Have a second home overseas in a tropical country where they can live at or visit.

Have a "safe haven" to escape to in the event of war or any type of civil unrest that may threaten their family.

Actually live in Panama permanently, perhaps after retirement.

Relocate to a tropical, stable, safe country where it is very economical to live in comparison with most other developed countries such as the US, Canada, Europe, etc.

Relocate to a more "tax friendly" country where foreign earned income, capital gains, and interest income is not taxed.

Relocate to a country where frivolous lawsuits are not recognized by courts, and assets can be truly protected through a corporate shield, without the risks of "piercing the corporate veil".

Relocate to a country where one can begin business operations economically, and without heavy restrictions, regulations, or taxes that hinder the growth of the business.

Relocate to a country where real estate is still affordable for purchasing homes in the city or land at the beaches, mountains, lakes, etc.

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