Business Investor Visa
Panama
Last updated: December 27, 2025
2 years (renewable)
$1,050
3-6 months
High
About this Visa
This visa lets you start a business in Panama and get permanent residency. You invest USD $160,000 in a Panamanian company and hire at least 5 local employees. After 2 years, you can switch to permanent residency. This visa is for people who want to actively manage a business—not investors who just put money in and wait. It's different from Panama's Qualified Investor Visa, which is easier but costs more (USD $300,000) and doesn't require you to run a business. You get to work without restrictions and bring your family with you.
Key Benefits
- Work and run your own business without restrictions
- Get permanent residency after 2 years
- Bring spouse and children
- No tax on money earned outside Panama
- Get Panamanian citizenship after 5 years of permanent residency
- Your family gets same visa rights as you
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Must be 18 or older
- No criminal record
- Must invest USD $160,000 in real, operating Panama business
- Must employ at least 5 full-time Panamanian citizens
- Must pay employees minimum wage
- Cannot work as lawyer, doctor, or in restricted retail jobs
- Money must come from legal sources
- Must pass health check (no contagious diseases)
Financial Requirement
USD $160,000 invested in a Panama company. Add USD $2,000 per spouse or child. Money must come from your bank account with proof of its origin.
Documents
- Valid passport6+ months valid
- Criminal record checkFrom your country
- Health certificateFrom last 3 months
- Proof of USD $160,000Bank letter
- Panama company registration documentsOfficial company records
- Notary-signed statementAbout your investment
- Audited company financial statementsFrom certified accountant
- Proof of 5+ Panamanian employeesEmployee list with details
- Social Security registration proofFor each employee
- Proof of minimum wage paymentPayroll records
- Marriage certificateIf applicable
- Children's birth certificatesIf applicable
- Spanish translationsFor all non-Spanish documents
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.