Friendly Nations Residence in Panama in 2026

The Países Específicos (Friendly Nations) category is available to nationals of the countries listed in Panama's current legal framework, not to every foreigner who registers a company. Confirm the current nationality list and any amendments with SNM before relying on a passport.

Two-year provisional residence

The official SNM checklist describes two years of provisional residence before an application for permanent residence. The applicant must demonstrate a qualifying economic or professional connection to Panama. Published evidence categories include Panamanian employment, qualifying Panama property with a value of at least B/.200,000, or a qualifying fixed deposit of B/.200,000 maintained for the required term.

Employment and investment are different bases

Employment applicants need employer evidence and a work-permit application with MITRADEL. A migration residence permit and a local work authorization are not interchangeable. Investment applicants need properly evidenced ownership, qualifying funding and the corresponding applicable labor authorization if they intend to work locally.

Document checks

The official process includes legal-representative filings, passport and personal-background evidence and the category-specific employment or investment papers. Foreign documents can need apostille/legalization and authorized Spanish translation. Avoid obsolete claims of instant permanent status or nominal-account incorporation. Compare economic solvency residence if your nationality is not eligible.

Verify before filing

Check the latest official requirements, exact visa category, documents, authorized economic activity and whether a separate MITRADEL permit is necessary. The editorial team has not obtained a licensed legal review of your individual case. See Panama immigration routes, our methodology, and the legal disclaimer.

Official source: Panama government — Friendly Nations Residence.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Panama