Glossary · Structures & visas
Qualified Investor visa
Definition
The Qualified Investor visa is Panama's fast-track residency-by-investment program. Since September 16, 2026 it has been governed by Executive Decree 17 of 2026: a real estate investment from $300,000 if the property is new (the developer's first sale, never occupied) or from $500,000 if it's resale, paid with the applicant's own foreign funds and held for 5 years, grants permanent residency in a weeks-long process.
In practice
It's the preferred route for buyers who want to solve residency and investment in one move: the property can be the same one they'll live in or rent out. The operational requirements matter: the applicant's own funds from abroad with a documented trail, a 5-year holding period, and the property's condition, which sets the minimum — resale means previously sold, occupied, rented or transferred to an unrelated third party. Per Icaza's analysis, the amount above the minimum can be financed if the lien doesn't reduce the net value below that minimum, and pre-construction qualifies from $300,000 through a promise-to-purchase. Decree 17 (Official Gazette 30613) replaced Decree 722 of 2020 and its amendments, including Decree 193 of 2024. This is general information: we confirm the current parameter with our partner immigration attorney and structure the purchase to qualify.
Keep going
Relocation to Panama service →General information, not legal or tax advice. Every transaction is confirmed with an attorney and accountant.
Term reviewed as of July 2026 · Vaca Group Real Estate, Lic. PN 5904