Investing in Panama, a practical overview
Panama, as you may have heard, is known as a paradise because it offers commercial, judicial, and financial advantages that are not possible in other parts of the world. You may think that we are the result of our privileged geographical position, and you are quite right: we are an important tourist and multimodal hub. Panama has a competitive advantage as the benchmark for the region with just 4.5 million inhabitants.
Speculation aside, investing in Panama is an advantage for retirement, according to those who live out their retirement years here in the tranquility and peace of mind that this beautiful country offers us.
Currently, according to UN figures and the most recent population census, between 250,000 and 313,000 foreigners live in Panama, a minority compared to the 4.5 million people throughout this small country. This sector is in its infancy, and represents an opportunity for those who are keen observers.
Legal Security: Investment is Protected by Law
In Panama, private property is not a concession, but a solid right.
Equality before the Law: According to the Constitution of Panama and Law 54 of 1998, foreign investors have the same rights as nationals. No local partner is required, nor are there any restrictions based on nationality to own 100% of the property.
Transparent Public Registry: Panama has one of the most advanced registry systems in the region. Once the property is registered in your name, it is enforceable against third parties, and no one can claim rights to it without a rigorous legal process.
To put it in the right terms, we are living in a very reasonable investment climate when we consider migration options. This can be corroborated by the IMF 2025 reports, in which we have been classified as investment grade. Standard & Poor's (S&P), this important rating agency, has confirmed our BBB- investment grade rating with a stable outlook, opening up new possibilities. And as we know, everything good has its moment, and that moment is now, due to the large number of investments in the infrastructure construction sector with projected growth at an interesting rate of 15.5% by 2025.
On another aspect, but along the same lines, visas are an important product for our economy and offer investors different options, at least eight. We have provided a summary in monetary terms so that you can see which of these options will define your next investment in Panama. Attached is the link to the National Immigration Service of Panama.
https://www.migracion.gob.pa/permisos-migratorios
Temporary Permit as a Macro-Enterprise Investor Minimum share capital of US$160,000.00 per participant
Retired or Pensioner Tourist Visa. Monthly income cannot be less than US$1,000.00.
Residence permit for retirees (permanent residence) minimum monthly income of US$1,000.00 for a lifetime
Temporary Permit on the basis of Economic Solvency (temporary residence for 2 years and subsequent right to apply for permanent residence) minimum investment of US$300,000.00
US$300,000.00 for the purchase of a fixed-term deposit in a personal capacity. Purchase of real estate free of encumbrances up to the amount of US$300,000.00.
Mixed investment in the acquisition of a fixed-term deposit at a local bank in the amount of US$300,000.00, free of encumbrances.
Indefinite Stay Permit for Italian Nationals
Special Temporary Visitor Visa
Permanent resident as a foreign professional
Permanent Resident Permit for foreigners from specific countries that maintain friendly, Professional, economic, and investment relations with the Republic of Panama.
We are ready to offer you peace of mind during this important stage of your life, regardless of your age or investment interests. You could email us at info@gruposhahani.com and/or contact us by phone at +507 63423366.
It will be a privilege to assist you in this new venture with a partner that has been operating in Panama for 50 years.