Key Facts
- The Panama Business Investor Visa grants residency through a $160.000 investment in an operating Panamanian company, not real estate or securities.
- Also known as the Active Investor Visa or the Macro-Empresa (macro-company) permit.
- Requires hiring at least 5 Panamanian citizens, registered with Social Security.
- Grants 2-year provisional residency first, then permanent residency.
The Panamanian government has identified growing interest among foreigners in participating in the national market and settling in the country. In response, it has developed immigration programs such as the Panama Business Investor Visa, which facilitates enterprise creation and opens the path to residency.
This visa, aimed at entrepreneurs from other countries who wish to live and run a business in Panama, requires a financial contribution and certain legal requirements to be obtained. The team of immigration lawyers at Kraemer & Kraemer offer their experience and knowledge of Panamanian laws. With their specialized advice, investors can submit their application in accordance with the requirements of the authorities.
What Is the Panama Business Investor Visa?
The Business Investor Visa allows foreigners to obtain residency by investment in Panama by creating a formal Panamanian company or holding a substantial share in one. It is a special alternative for entrepreneurs who wish to start operations in a growing market, taking advantage of the tax, logistical, and commercial benefits offered by the country.
Unlike other immigration programs, this visa is meant to attract capital, drive job growth, and support local businesses. It focuses on structured investments that have a clear impact on Panama’s economy.
Panama Business Visa Requirements
To obtain a Panama Business Investor Visa, you must comply with certain documentation, commitment to a corporate contribution, and essential requirements:
- Establish or invest in a company registered in Panama with at least 160.000 U.S. dollars in authorized capital. This amount must be duly accredited by an audited financial statement and supported by official records.
- The company must be operational* and generate direct employment for at least five Panamanian citizens, who must be affiliated with social security.
- A copy of the company’s Articles of Incorporation and its respective inscription in the Public Registry.
- Certification from an authorized public accountant (CPA) validating the contribution made.
- Proof that the applicant is listed as a shareholder and legal representative of the company.
- Certificate of criminal record from the country of origin or residence.
- Personal documents such as passport, photographs, and official forms. Among others.
*Important: This Panama’s residency by investment program requires your business to operate, pay wages, and follow tax and labor laws. As a result, Panama benefits from real contributions to its economy.
The Business Investor Visa allows you to include immediate family members in the application. For each dependent, you must invest an additional USD 2.000 and provide:
- Letter of responsibility.
- Proof of kinship.
- Proof of address.
- Certificate of single status and studies, for those over 18 years of age.
How Long You Can Stay
The Panama Business Investor Visa grants provisional residency first, then permanent residency, across two distinct stages:
- Provisional Residency: Once your complete file is submitted, initial processing typically takes 1 to 2 months. Provisional residency is valid for 2 years, during which you must maintain your investment, comply with tax and labor regulations, and keep your company operational.
- Permanent Residency: After the 2-year provisional period, you apply for permanent residency with a tax authority good-standing certificate, business income statements confirming your $160.000 shareholding, Form 03 from the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and a current Social Security good-standing certificate.
Spending more than 6 consecutive months outside Panama during the provisional period can jeopardize your permanent residency application. A solid investor visa business plan from the start makes it easier to show continuous, genuine operation of your company through both stages.
Cost and Fees
Below are the main government fees for the Panama Business Investor Visa. These charges are separate from your company investment, and notarization, translation, and document legalization are billed on top, as are Kraemer & Kraemer’s legal fees. The table below lists each amount. Other fees not listed here, such as the Carné de Trámite and registration fees, among others, may apply.
Main Government Fees
