Executive Decree 193 of October 15, 2024, has been published, which modifies provisions of the Permanent Resident category for economic reasons: Qualified Investor.

New forms of investment have been added, giving foreign investors more options to apply for Permanent Residency in Panama, as well as new ways of verification, including a promise of sale.

With this new decree, permanent residency in Panama can be obtained with an investment of at least three hundred thousand US dollars (USD 300,000.00), in one of the following forms:

1. Real Estate Investment: Three hundred thousand US dollars (USD 300,000.00) in the purchase of a property, free of encumbrances. If the property exceeds this amount, the rest may be financed by a local bank.
2. Investment through a Promise of Sale Agreement of three hundred thousand US dollars (USD 300,000.00), in the following scenarios:

   A. Trust Deposit, managed by a bank or trust company in Panama, for which the following must be provided: • A notarized copy of the contract and the original (or notarized copy) of the trust agreement, which must establish that the full amount in the trust will be disbursed to pay the obligations assumed by the trustor as part of the promise of sale agreement made with the real estate company.

   B. Through payment to the developer or seller of 100% of the property that has not yet been built or registered with the Public Registry, for which the following must be provided: • A notarized copy of the Sales Agreement. • A Bank Guarantee of compliance in favor of the investor, established under a series of conditions.

3. Investment in Securities: Individuals who make one or more investments through a securities house for a total of five hundred thousand US dollars (USD 500,000.00) in securities issuers whose business affects the national territory, through the Panama Stock Exchange, and whose commitment is maintained for at least five years, will be eligible for this category.
4. Investment in Fixed-Term Deposit: A foreigner who makes an investment of seven hundred and fifty thousand US dollars (USD 750,000.00) in a fixed-term deposit may qualify for permanent residency. This must be made at a local bank with a natural license, and the deposit must have a minimum term of five years.

In all cases, and depending on the form of investment planned in Panama, the proper procedure and documentation must be followed as established. It must be demonstrated that the funds come from a foreign source and can be through a natural person or a legal entity; in the latter case, the applicant must be the ultimate beneficiary.

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