Panama Friendly Nations Visa
The Friendly Nations Visa is Panama's most popular pathway to permanent residency for citizens of 50 countries with close economic and professional ties to Panama. Established by Executive Decree 416 in 2012, this program lets eligible applicants and their dependents obtain temporary residency that converts to permanent status after two years.
Dawcas helps you determine eligibility, prepare documentation, and manage the entire process from start to finish.
Am I Eligible? The 50 Friendly Nations
Citizens of countries including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, most EU member states, Australia, Japan, and many Latin American nations are eligible for this visa. Contact us to confirm your country qualifies and to discuss your options.
How to Qualify: 3 Pathways
You can qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa through one of the following:
- Real Estate Investment: Own-titled Panamanian real estate with a registered value of at least US$200,000 (can be financed through a local institution).
- Fixed-Term Bank Deposit: Deposit at least US$200,000 in a Panamanian bank, held for a minimum of three years.
3. Professional / Employment Route: Hold a valid employment contract with a registered Panamanian company.
Documents You'll Typically Need
- Notarized power of attorney
- Authenticated/apostilled passport copy
- Clean criminal background check (national-level, issued within the last 6 months)
- Health certificate
- Proof of investment (property title, bank deposit certificate, or employment contract)
- Personal History Affidavit
- Passport-sized photographs
Application Costs (Government Fees)
- US$800 — National Immigration Service (repatriation fee)
- US$250 — National Treasury (application fee)
*Professional fees for legal and document services are separate; contact Dawcas for a personalized quote.
The Dawcas Process
- Free consultation: We review your situation and confirm eligibility.
- Document preparation: We help you gather, translate, and apostille required documents.
- Investment setup: If needed, we help you open a Panamanian bank account or coordinate your real estate purchase with trusted partners.
- Filing & follow-up: We submit your application and liaise with Panama's National Immigration Service on your behalf.
- Approval & residency card: Once approved, we help you obtain your Panama residency card and, if needed, your cédula.
From Temporary to Permanent Residency
The Friendly Nations Visa grants temporary residency for two years.
After this period, you can apply to upgrade to permanent residency, a step Dawcas can also manage for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I apply for the Friendly Nations Visa while in Panama as a tourist? Yes. Many applicants enter Panama as tourists and begin the application process in person.
- Do I need a lawyer for the Friendly Nations Visa? While not strictly mandatory, working with experienced professionals like Dawcas helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures your application is complete and correctly filed.
- Can my family be included in my application? Yes, dependents can be included with additional supporting documentation for each family member.
- How does this visa compare to the Pensionado Visa? The Friendly Nations Visa is investment- or employment-based and available to working-age applicants, while the Pensionado Visa is designed specifically for retirees with a qualifying pension. Read our Pensionado Visa guide to compare.
Ready to Start Your Panama Residency Journey?
Dawcas combines residency & legal expertise with financial services to make your move to Panama seamless. Contact us today for a free consultation.
