Apply for Panama's Friendly Nations Residence Route
Panama's Friendly Nations route allows eligible nationals to apply for two-year provisional residence through a qualifying employment or investment route, then apply separately for permanent residence. Eligibility and tax treatment need individual review.
Who this is for
- Citizens of approved Friendly Nations countries seeking Panama residency
- Entrepreneurs wanting a stable Latin American base with territorial tax
- Nomads who want a second residency for banking, travel, and tax diversification
- Those planning long-term toward a Panama passport (after 5 years residency)
Panama government fees and attorney fees charged separately. Annual banking deposit required for some application routes.
Start My Panama ResidencyWhat's included
- Friendly Nations Visa eligibility check and document requirements
- Full application preparation and apostille guidance
- Coordination with a Panama immigration attorney
- Panama bank account opening assistance
- Dashboard tracking from application to residency card
How it works
Document preparation
We prepare apostilled birth certificate, police clearance, passport, and proof of economic ties to Panama.
Application filed
We coordinate with our local Panama immigration attorney to file the FNV application.
Provisional residence decision
Panama's immigration authority reviews your application for two-year provisional residence. We update you throughout the process.
Permanent residence later
After two years of provisional residence, a separate application for permanent residence may be made if you meet the applicable requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Which countries are on the Panama Friendly Nations list?
Panama's Friendly Nations list includes approximately 50 countries with which Panama has special diplomatic, economic, or migration relationships. Major countries on the list include the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, and most of Western Europe, as well as several Latin American countries. We confirm your eligibility during onboarding.
What economic ties to Panama do I need?
The immigration authority lists qualifying employment and real-estate investment routes for provisional residence. Company ownership or a bank deposit alone should not be assumed sufficient. We review the relevant route and evidence with local immigration counsel before filing.
Does Panama tax foreign income?
Panama's tax authority describes income from activities performed in Panama as potentially taxable regardless of the recipient's nationality, domicile or residence. Foreign clients or payments alone do not determine where remote professional income is sourced. Consult a Panamanian tax specialist about each income type and an adviser in your other residence countries.
Can I get a Panama passport after residency?
Yes. After 5 years of continuous Panama permanent residency (with minimum presence requirements), you can apply for Panamanian citizenship and passport. Panama's passport provides visa-free access to approximately 140 countries, including the EU Schengen area.
Review before you continue
Check the listed scope, requirements, price note, and FAQs. Final decisions remain with the relevant bank, government authority, or institution.
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