Friendly Nations visa
Reviewed by Hassim Patel Bhana, Managing Partner · Updated
The Friendly Nations visa is for citizens of the countries on Panama's Friendly Nations list who have an economic tie to Panama. You show one tie: a job with a Panamanian company, property from $200,000, or a $200,000 fixed-term deposit held for three years. It grants provisional residency for two years, then permanent.
Key points
- For citizens of the countries on Panama's Friendly Nations list.
- You must show one economic tie to Panama, not all three.
- The tie can be a job with a Panamanian company.
- Or property from $200,000.
- Or a fixed-term deposit of $200,000 held for three years.
- It grants provisional residency for two years, then permanent residency.
- Each one must be apostilled, or legalised, in the country that issued it.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need all three ties?
No. One is enough: a job with a Panamanian company, property from $200,000, or a $200,000 fixed-term deposit for three years.
Is this permanent residency straight away?
No. It grants provisional residency for two years first, and permanent residency after that.
Does this let me work in Panama?
Residency and permission to work are separate. A work permit is its own application, and the checklist sets out which route applies.
How long are my documents valid?
Six months from the date each document was issued, not from the date it was apostilled. That is why we ask you to request them close to filing rather than at the start of your planning.