Living in PanamaFriendly NationsInvestorPensionadoPanama–Italy
Panama Residency · Friendly Nations

Panama residency through Friendly Nations

Citizens of more than 50 countries, including Brazil, the United States, Canada and France, can apply for residency in Panama through this route. FARO handles the entire process, from first contact to permanent residency.

Assess my case Book a 30-min call
50+ countrieson the Friendly Nations list
3 waysto qualify for residency
2 yearsof provisional residency, then permanent
5 yearsas a permanent resident to apply for citizenship
Who can apply

Is your country on the list?

Panama maintains economic and friendly relations with more than 50 countries. If you hold the nationality of one of them, you can apply for residency through this route. Some of the countries included:

BrazilUnited StatesCanadaSpainPortugalFranceGermanyUnited KingdomSwitzerlandArgentinaMexicoUruguayChileEcuadorJapanAustraliaand more
How to qualify

Three ways to qualify

To apply for residency as a citizen of a Friendly Nation, you must show an economic tie to Panama. There are three routes. On the first call, our team tells you which one makes the most sense for your profile.

01

Bank deposit

A three-year fixed-term deposit at a Panamanian bank, in your name.

US$ 200,000 for 3 years
02

Property purchase

The purchase of property in Panama, whether to live in, for occasional use or as an investment.

From US$ 200,000
03

Job offer

A job offer from a Panamanian company. Ideal for those planning to move and work in the country.

Subject to case review
The path

From provisional residency to citizenship

Stage 1

Provisional residency

You receive provisional residency valid for 2 years.

Stage 2

Permanent residency

At the end of that period, you apply for permanent residency.

Stage 3

Citizenship

After 5 years as a permanent resident, you can apply for Panamanian citizenship.

What residency offers

What you get

  • Live in Panama long term.
  • Include your family as dependents.
  • Enter and leave the country freely.
  • Easier access to bank accounts, contracts and a local driver's license.
To be clear

What it is not

  • It is not citizenship. You keep your own country's passport.
  • To work, a separate work permit is usually required.
  • It does not replace tax planning in your home country. For example, Brazilians who move must properly complete the Saída Definitiva.
How we work

The process with FARO

You don't need to understand Panamanian bureaucracy. Our legal team handles each stage and keeps you informed in your language.

Initial call

A confidential 30-minute conversation to understand your goals and your family.

Profile review

We recommend the most suitable way to qualify and the exact list of documents.

Documentation

We guide you on apostilles, translations and the economic tie (deposit, property or job).

Application

We file the application with Panama's National Immigration Service and follow up on every stage.

Ongoing support

We stay with you until permanent residency and support your move.

Why Panama

At the heart of the Americas

A dollar economy

Panama uses the US dollar. Your assets and daily life stay in a strong currency.

Hub of the Americas

Direct Copa Airlines flights to dozens of cities, including Brazil, the United States and Canada.

Convenient time zone

Close to US East Coast time and only 2 hours from Brasília.

Visit first

With Copa Airlines' Panama Stopover, you can stay up to 15 days in the country at no extra airfare.

Who will assist you

Service in your language

We work in Spanish, English, Portuguese, Italian and French. Our team supports you from the very first call, together with FARO's immigration attorneys in Panama.

30+ yearsof experience
3 officesPanama, Dubai and Lugano
Annabelle Villamariona
SpanishEnglishPortuguese

Annabelle Villamariona

Sales & Marketing Manager
Josie Ben Rubi
EnglishSpanishPortuguese

Josie Ben Rubi

Managing Partner
Luisa Ervolino
PortugueseSpanishEnglishDanish

Luisa Ervolino

Business Development · Brazil
Luca Sandoli
ItalianSpanishFrenchEnglish

Luca Sandoli

Managing Partner
Other residency options

Other visas

Any nationality

Qualified Investor

The fastest route: permanent residency in up to 30 business days with a qualifying investment.

  • From USD 300,000
  • Property, fixed deposit or securities
  • Hold the investment for 5 years
See details →Retirees

Pensionado

For those receiving a lifetime pension. No minimum or maximum age.

  • Pension from USD 1,000 a month
  • or USD 750 + a USD 100,000 property
  • Discounts and benefits
See details →Italian citizens

Panama–Italy

Permanent residency for Italians thanks to the treaty between both countries.

  • 3 to 6 months on average
  • No minimum property investment
  • The best Plan B program for Italians
See details →
Frequently asked questions

Your questions

Is my country on the Friendly Nations list?

The list includes more than 50 countries, among them Brazil, the United States, Canada, France, Spain and Portugal. If you have questions about your nationality, we confirm it on the first call.

Can I include my family?

Yes. Spouse and children can be included as dependents. On the initial call we explain the documents each one needs.

Will I lose my current citizenship?

No. Residency is not citizenship. You keep your own country's passport.

Can I work in Panama with this residency?

To work as an employee, a separate work permit is usually required. We assess your case and show you the right path.

How long does the process take?

It depends on how you qualify and on each case's documentation. On the first call we give you a realistic timeline for your profile.

Do I need to travel to Panama?

Yes, the application requires being in the country at certain stages. We organize your schedule so the trip is efficient, and you can take advantage of Copa Airlines' Panama Stopover.

Case assessment

Find out if you qualify

Fill in the form and our team will contact you on WhatsApp to schedule a confidential 30-minute conversation.

Book directly WhatsApp

The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements and amounts may change under Panamanian regulations. Always confirm current conditions with our team.