Bill No. 299: Panama Residency for Qualified Investor

Strengthening the Subcategory of Permanent Residency for Qualified Investors

The immigration legal framework of the Republic of Panama includes, among its various categories, the permanent residency option for qualified investors, a subcategory specifically designed to attract foreign capital through an agile, secure, and transparent residency process. This category was initially established by Executive Decree No. 722 on October 15, 2020, which defined the requirements, minimum investment amounts, and investment options that foreigners must meet to access this immigration benefit.

The program offers applicants a direct path to obtain permanent residency in Panama in exchange for a significant investment in the country. In this way, the Panamanian government seeks to strengthen its appeal as a destination for international investment, encouraging the inflow of new capital, promoting job creation, and stimulating economic development across various sectors.

Subsequently, to maintain the program’s competitiveness compared to other countries in the region, Executive Decree No. 109 of October 13, 2022, reduced the minimum real estate investment amount from USD 500,000.00 to USD 300,000.00. This measure, originally introduced as a temporary exception, highlighted the need to continue refining the legal framework for qualified investors to secure its long-term effectiveness. This immigration framework was subsequently replaced by Executive Decree No. 17 of 2026, which redefines investment amounts and types.

Objectives and Scope of Law No. 493 of 2025 (formerly Bill No. 299)

In this context, Law No. 493 of 2025, currently in force, amended Law No. 32 of the Passport Authority with a view to strengthening and modernizing the Qualified Investor Program.

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Among its main objectives are:

• The issuance of a special travel document for each qualified investor, facilitating their international mobility and granting them additional recognition for their contribution to the country.


• Reform of Articles 20, 23, and 24 of Law 32 on the Passport Authority, updating the legal framework to adapt it to the current needs of the program and to international standards in immigration matters and investment attraction.


• Strengthening the Qualified Investor Program as a key tool for attracting foreign direct investment, providing legal certainty and clarity in immigration processes.


• Consolidating the business climate in Panama through incentives that position the country as a competitive destination compared to other jurisdictions in the region that also offer residency and investment schemes.


• Granting special passports to qualified investors, constituting an additional incentive that increases the program’s prestige and builds confidence in Panama’s legal platform.

This bill responds to the need to maintain Panama as a center for international investment, aligned with the government’s policy of attracting foreign capital to diversify and fortify the national economy.

Legislative Process Status

Bill No. 299 was passed and enacted as Law 493 of October 28, 2025. The law will take effect once its implementing regulation is issued, which will establish the specific amounts, deadlines, and requirements for the special passport.

Impact on the Legal Sector and Foreign Investment

For legal professionals specializing in immigration and corporate law, this reform represents a strategic opportunity and a significant international attraction. The regulatory update reinforces legal certainty and the stability of immigration processes, factors that are decisive for foreign investors when deciding where to establish their capital.

Moreover, the possibility of obtaining permanent residency through a substantial investment in the country, along with the potential granting of special travel documents, positions Panama as a modern, safe, and reliable jurisdiction, aligned with the best international practices in mobility and investment.

In conclusion, Law 493 of 2025 (Bill No. 299) is a decisive step toward positioning Panama as the preferred destination for foreign investment, offering a clear, efficient, and stable path to residency and, eventually, naturalization, for those who choose to contribute to the country’s economic and social development.

Obtain Your Permanent Residency through Investment in Panama

Law 493 of 2025 represents an opportunity for investors who wish to establish themselves in Panama. At Kraemer & Kraemer, we have a team of migration specialists ready to guide you through each stage of the process, ensuring that you can take full advantage of the benefits that this reform offers. Contact us today.