Panama Residency by Investment — Frequently Asked Questions

The minimum investment is US$300,000 in real estate under the Qualified Investor Programme (QIP), established by Executive Decree 722 of 2020. Multiple properties can be combined to reach this amount. Approval takes 30–45 business days and grants permanent residency from day one. GLP offers qualifying projects from $145,800 city apartments to luxury penthouses above $1,000,000.

Requirements include a valid passport, a criminal-background check, proof of a US$300,000+ real-estate investment, birth and marriage certificates (if applicable), and legal representation by an authorised Panamanian attorney. At least one visit to Panama is required to complete biometrics with the National Immigration Service. GLP coordinates the entire legal process with its specialist attorneys.

GLP offers 8+ exclusive projects: Oceana Residences & Skyhomes in Santa María (from $437,950), Ipanema in Costa del Este (from $228,000), Armonía on Cinta Costera (from $145,800), Bosco di Santa María, The Tides at Playa Caracol, Surfside, Brisas del Mar and Panamá Viejo Residences — spanning luxury city apartments, oceanfront homes, single-family houses and golf-course penthouses.

No. Panama's Qualified Investor Programme has no minimum-stay requirement. You only need to visit Panama once every two years to keep your permanent-resident status active. The investment must be held for a minimum of five years.

No. Panama uses a territorial tax system, meaning it taxes only income generated inside the country. Foreign-source income is not subject to Panamanian tax. Panama also has no inheritance or estate tax, making it a tax-efficient destination for wealth protection.

Yes. Under the QIP, your spouse, dependent children and dependent parents can be included in the same permanent-residency application with no additional investment. All receive permanent residency from day one, and after five years may apply for Panamanian citizenship.

Panama offers a very competitive cost of living compared with the U.S. and Europe — comfortable living is possible from $1,000–$2,000 per month. The country uses the U.S. dollar, and Panama City offers high-quality hospitals, 140+ restaurants in premium areas like Santa María, international schools (American, British, French, German and IB) and modern infrastructure.

Annual yields vary by segment. City properties (Santa María or Costa del Este) can generate 5%–8%, while beach properties range from 4%–6%. GLP offers full property and rental management to maximise your return. Projects like Armonía with lock-off options are designed specifically to optimise profitability.

GLP (Grupo Los Pueblos) is Panama's most experienced real-estate developer, founded in 1985. With 40+ years of track record it has delivered 15,000+ residential units, developed 6.5M+ m² and built 60+ developments. It was the first developer of artificial islands in the Americas with Ocean Reef Islands, and offers full investor support: legal advice, property management, hospitality, virtual tours and after-sales.

Yes. Under the Qualified Investor Programme you may combine multiple properties as long as the total registered value is US$300,000 or more. Financing can be used provided at least US$300,000 of own funds is registered in the purchase — offering flexibility to diversify a portfolio across city and beach.

After holding permanent residency for five consecutive years, investors and their families may apply for Panamanian citizenship. During that period the real-estate investment must be maintained and a visit to Panama is required at least once every two years.