Panama’s Qualified Investor Visa, also known as the Panama Golden Visa, remains a route to permanent residency for international investors. The latest changes, introduced through a new decree in September 2026, are particularly relevant to those considering Panama property investment.
Panama Qualified Investor Visa: Before and After
The biggest change concerns the value and type of property which qualifies for the investment.
BEFORE
The real estate investment threshold was US$300,000, with no distinction between first-sale property and property purchased on the secondary market. Qualifying bank deposits were also available as an alternative investment route.
FROM SEPTEMBER 2026
The US$300,000 threshold continues to apply to qualifying first-sale property. For secondary-market property, the minimum investment is now US$500,000.
A new US$500,000 five-year fixed-term deposit route is also available through Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros.
The distinction is important for investors comparing new developments with existing properties, as the type of property now directly affects the amount required for Panama permanent residency by investment.
What Else Has Changed?
The revised Panama Qualified Investor Visa rules also introduce tighter requirements around investment funds. Applicants must demonstrate that the funds belong to them and can be traced to their source. Gifts, donations and other gratuitous transfers from third parties cannot be used to meet the investment requirement.
Investments held through a legal entity also face more detailed ownership and control requirements. Applicants need to provide documentation showing who owns and controls the entity.
A new route has also been introduced for investors using a five-year fixed-term deposit of US$500,000 with Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros.
The rules around maintaining an investment have also become more formal. Investors must provide evidence that the qualifying investment remains in place, including annual documentation before the anniversary of their immigration approval. Additional requirements apply to certain promissory-sale structures.
What These New Rules Mean for Property Investors
For investors considering Panama real estate investment, the revised rules make the structure of a purchase more important than before. A qualifying first-sale property can still meet the US$300,000 threshold, while a secondary-market purchase requires US$500,000.
Investors should confirm that a property and its transaction structure meet the current Panama Qualified Investor Visa requirements before committing funds. This is particularly important where the purchase involves a company, staged payments or a promissory sale.
Panama continues to offer permanent residency through qualifying investment, with real estate remaining an established route for international investors. The 2026 changes mean the details of the investment now deserve closer attention before a purchase is made.
What Investors Need to Check Before Purchase
The revised rules make due diligence particularly important for investors considering Panama property investment. Before committing to a purchase, investors should establish whether the property is classed as first-sale or secondary-market and confirm that its value meets the relevant investment threshold.
The source of funds also needs to be clearly documented. Investors using a company to hold the investment should check the ownership and control requirements, while those using a promissory-sale structure may need to provide additional evidence throughout the application and investment period.
Getting these details right before committing funds can help avoid issues later in the Panama Qualified Investor Visa process.
Considering Property Investment in Panama?
For investors considering property in Panama, understanding the revised Qualified Investor Visa requirements is an important part of the process. From identifying qualifying properties to understanding the investment structure and residency requirements, getting the right guidance early can help ensure the investment is structured correctly.
Benoit Properties International works with international investors exploring property opportunities across Panama and can guide clients through the investment process, from selecting a suitable property to understanding the requirements for residency. Get in touch with our team to explore current Panama investment opportunities and discuss your requirements.
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