Glossary · Structures & visas
Qualified Investor visa
Definition
The Qualified Investor visa is Panama's fast-track residency-by-investment program: with a real estate investment from $300,000 in foreign-sourced funds (Executive Decree 193 of 2024, current as of September 2026 with no expiry date), in a property free of liens and held for 5 years, it 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: funds from abroad, investment in your own name (or a legal entity of which you're the beneficial owner), a property free of liens, and a minimum holding period. The 2024 decree allows financing the remainder above the $300,000 paid with a local bank and admits pre-construction through a trust or a bank guarantee. The 'increase to $500,000 in October 2026' circulating on golden-visa portals is not in the regulation (Gazette 30140-B): what exists is the biennial review of amounts the law requires from the Executive, and a decree can change them without notice — which is why 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