PANAMA FRIENDLY NATIONS VISA; COMPLETE GUIDE 2025

Panama has long been recognized as one of the most attractive destinations for expats, investors, and retirees and offers many immigration programs to investors to boost its economy and growth. Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa program stands out as one of the most popular programs that provides citizens from 50 friendly nations, a streamlined path to permanent residency and Panama passport.

✅ HOW TO OBTAIN PANAMA FRIENDLY NATIONS VISA?

Panama Friendly Nations Visa was first introduced in 2012 to encourage foreign investment and strengthen economic relations with select countries. This program allows citizens of 50 “friendly nations” to apply for permanent residency through either economic means.  Immigration lawyers of Panama Legal center, ensure that all the required documents, comply with the immigration law, and assist to obtain permanent residency for clients.   Our immigration lawyers have more than 15 years of experience assisting citizens of Friendly Nations and we strive to satisfy all our client’s goal.  Friendly nations Visa applicants may choose from one of the following programs.

✔ Employment Program:

Applicants need to be employed by a Panamanian company or employed by their own Panama company. 

✔ Real Estate Investment Program:

Applicants need to invest a minimum of $200,000. in real estate properties in Panama.

✔ Fixed Term Deposit Program:

Applicants need to deposit a minimum of $200,000. in a local Panama bank for 3 years.

GET IN TOUCH WITH OUR IMMIGRATION LAWYERS FOR FREE QUOTE!

EMAIL: customer@panamalegalcenter.com

WHATSAPP: +(507)6404-0388

✅ Benefits of the Friendly Nations Visa

✅ Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa, applicants must be citizens of one of the countries included on Panama’s official “friendly nations” list. These include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, all European Union countries, and several Latin American nations.

In addition to nationality criteria, applicants must demonstrate an economic tie to Panama by way of:

• Employment in Panama: Applicants who have a valid job offer from a Panamanian company
•  Investment in Panama: Applicants to invest in Panama real estate or deposit a minimum amount of capital in a local bank in Panama.

✅ Required Documents

Applying for the Friendly Nations Visa requires several key documents:

• Valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining
• Police background check from the applicant’s country of residence
• Proof of financial solvency (typically a minimum bank balance or investment)
• Professional or business documentation proving economic ties

All foreign documents must be authenticated through an apostille or legalized by a Panamanian consulate.

✅ The Application Process

The application for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa typically involves several steps:

• Initial Consultation: Our lawyers discuss eligibility of the applicant and advise of the required documents.
• Entry into Panama: Applicants must enter Panama as tourists to begin their visa process.
• Submission to the Immigration Office: The visa residency application is submitted to the Immigration office for approval.

LIST OF 50 FRIENDLY NATIONS

Andora, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cyprus,  Costa Rica, Croatia, Denmark,  Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Japan, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, San Marino, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, South Korea, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States of America, Uruguay. 

FREE CONSULTATION & QUOTE

✅ Panama Friendly Nations Visa: How It Works

PROVISIONAL VISA RESIDENCY: Upon your arrival in Panama, and affiliation, our trusted lawyers submit all the required documents to the immigration office for residency approval. Clients will be photographed and granted a provisional visa card valid for 6 months.

 PERMANENT VISA RESIDENCY: Within 4-6 months, immigration office advises Panama Legal Center’s attorneys that applicant’s residency request has been approved, and client need to fly to Panama to be photographed and obtain their new residency visa card, valid for 2 years. Permanent residency will be granted to applicants after 2 years.

Why Choose Our Trusted Immigration Lawyers & Legal Support?

Licensing, Testimonials and Professional Reputation

 At Panama Legal Center, all firm’s attorneys are fully licensed to practice immigration law in Panama.  See testimonials of some of our clients in TESTIMONIAL page.

Expertise in Panama Immigration Law

 Our trusted lawyers have more than 15 years of experience handling hundreds of immigration cases such as friendly nations visa, pensionado visa amongst others, assisting Expats to obtain their permanent residency.

 Strong Communication Skills

Our trusted attorneys have strong communication skills and always strive to maintain clear, timely, and professional communication throughout the immigration process.

 Personalized Approach

At Panama Legal Center, we recognize personalized attention is the most important factor to achieve success and we strive to provide a customized solution that aligns with client’s profile.

Friendly Nations Visa Conclusion

For anyone considering friendly nations visa, understanding the requirements and working with an experienced legal team is essential. With the right legal expert on your side, obtaining Friendly Nations Visa can be a smooth process and rewarding —opening the door to new opportunities in a country known for its welcoming culture and economic stability. Our experienced and trusted lawyers can qualify clients and assist to obtain their permanent residency.