Summary: The Panama Reforestation Visa grants permanent residency to foreign investors who put money into a government-certified forestry investment, through either an express residency track or a slower, lower-cost regular process.
At Kraemer & Kraemer, our experienced immigration legal team provides end-to-end guidance throughout your Panama Reforestation Visa process. From evaluating government-certified forestry projects and ensuring full legal compliance to managing all government filings and delivering your official residency card, we handle every detail so you can invest with total confidence.
What is the Panama Reforestation Visa Program?
The Panama Reforestation Visa program allows investors to obtain residency and requires an investment to go into an approved reforestation project regulated by the Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente). This includes forest plantations (such as teak or pine) and even tropical fruit crops. The program offers two distinct paths: an Express track built around direct permanent residency, and a Regular track that starts with provisional residency.
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Select the track that matches your investment:
Express Residency (Permanent)
The express residency track skips the provisional stage entirely and grants direct permanent residency once your investment and file are approved. In order to keep the permanent status, the investment must be maintained for a minimum period of 5 years.
- The Panama Reforestation Visa investment amount for the Express track is $360.000 divided as follows:
- USD $350.000 investment in an approved reforestation project.
- USD $10.000 for maintenance, and management.
- At least 18 years old
- Clean criminal background
- Personal documentation such as passports, national IDs, birth and marriage certificates (if applicable).
- Proof of funds along with proof of direct investment into an approved forestry program.
- Step 1 (Project Selection): You complete your investment in an approved reforestation project.
- Step 2 (Document Preparation): We gather and authenticate your personal and civil documents.
- Step 3 (Filing): We submit your application, with supporting investment documentation, to Panama’s National Immigration Service.
- Step 4 (Direct Permanent Status): You receive permanent residency within 60 to 180 days, with no provisional stage first.
Provisional Residency (Regular Process)
The regular reforestation visa program offers foreign investors a legal pathway to secure residency in Panama by making an investment into certified forestry projects. This initiative includes long-term land management, family dependent coverage, and flexible corporate investment structures.
- A minimum investment of $100.000, utilized as follows:
- $90.000 for the land. The area depends on the project of your choice from our list of partners.
- $10.000 for maintenance, and management for a period of up to 8 years (see application process).
- At least 18 years old
- Valid passport and standard identification documents
- Criminal Background Check
- Applicant’s certificate of clearance from fees and taxes owed to the government (Paz y Salvo)
- Proof of direct investment in reforestation activities for at least USD $100.000
- If using a Corporation or a Company as an investment vehicle:
- A sworn declaration from the Treasurer or Secretary, stating the activity of the entity, shares a percentage of the applicant, and the capital invested for these shares.
- CPA certificate detailing the total investment directly related to reforestation projects and the percentage of such investment attributed to the capital invested by the applicant.
- Authenticated copy of the applicant’s shares certificate.
- Copy of the latest income tax return, detailing the capital invested in reforestation projects. If such does not exist because the entity has not completed its first fiscal year, then a copy of RUC inscription and copy of annual tax (Tasa Unica) payment.
- Company’s original public registry inscription certificate.
This immigration program first grants a 2-year provisional residency permit, prior to applying for and obtaining the permanent residency permit. In general, it takes 3 years to obtain permanent residency based on these steps:
- Step 1: The process begins by submitting the initial application at the immigration office (refer to the application requirements below).
- Step 2: When the initial application is accepted at the immigration office, the applicant receives a temporary residency permit.
- Step 3: The immigration office usually takes 6 months (sometimes less) to resolve this initial application.
- Step 4: Once the initial application is approved, the immigration office issues a provisional residency permit.
- Step 5: The provisional residency permit is valid for 2 years. Afterward, the holder may apply for permanent residency.
- Step 6: The immigration office usually takes 6 months (sometimes less) to resolve the application for permanent status.
- Step 7: Once the application is approved, the provisional residency permit is replaced with a permanent residency permit.
- Step 8: Following existing laws, the permanent resident must hold the investment on the reforestation project for at least 5 years once permanent residency is approved.
- Step 9: During these 5 years, after permanent status is granted, the permanent resident must submit yearly documentation to the immigration office proving he still holds the reforestation project under his name.
What Are the Benefits of the Panama Reforestation Visa Program?
- Direct permanent residency through the Express track, or provisional-to-permanent residency through the Regular track
- Dependents included in the same application
- Eligibility for citizenship by naturalization after 5 years of permanent residency
- Tax advantages under Panama’s Law 24 on the underlying reforestation investment, including exemptions on harvested-timber income, capital gains, and import duties on project equipment, for an extended period set by the law (these apply to the investment itself, not the visa; confirm current terms with your attorney)
What Are the Associated Costs and Fees?
The breakdown below covers only the government fees tied to the Panama Reforestation Visa application, paid directly to Panama’s National Treasury and National Immigration Service, separate from the investment itself and from legal fees. Main applicants and dependents are billed at different amounts. These are the main government fees. Other fees not listed here, such as the Carné de Trámite, notarizations in Panama and registration fees, among others, may apply.
Government Fees (EXPRESS)
Government Fees (REGULAR)
Add to Order and Start your Process Now
At Kraemer & Kraemer, we offer an online platform to start your Panama Reforestation Visa process in a few simple steps. Select your track and the number of dependents, and pay securely via credit card, bank transfer, or Bitcoin. Just review the fee breakdown and click “Add to Order” to get started. Our team of experts will contact you as soon as possible.
Main Applicant Included.
Select Dependents:
To Pay Now:$3500
Total:$7500
Main Applicant Included.
Select Dependents:
To Pay Now:$2000
Total:$5000
Main Applicant Included.
Select Dependents:
To Pay Now:$500
Total:$1400
