Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Panama allows foreigners to purchase property in their own name with the same rights as Panamanian citizens. There is no requirement for residency, a local partner, or a special permit. You can hold title directly, through a Panama corporation, or through a trust. The legal framework is well-established and has actively encouraged international investment for decades. (Last verified: October 2, 2026.)

No. Residency is not a prerequisite for property ownership. Many foreign buyers own property in Panama while maintaining their primary residence elsewhere. Residency can be beneficial for tax planning, banking, and extended stays, but it is not required to purchase or own real estate. (Last verified: October 2, 2026.)

Closing costs for a buyer typically run about 2% to 4% of the purchase price for a cash purchase, once you include your independent attorney's fees (commonly 1% to 2%), notary and Public Registry fees, and administrative costs; when you finance, budget closer to 4% to 7% once mortgage registration, appraisal, and required insurance are included. The largest single line item, the 2% real estate transfer tax, is legally the seller's to pay under Panama's rules, though in practice the split is negotiable and should always be confirmed in your written contract. One new exception that lowers the buyer's tab on new construction: under Law 546 of August 31, 2026, the first B/.120,000 of the applicable tax base (base imponible) is exempt from the 2% transfer tax on the first sale of a qualifying new home, with reduced rates on the excess up to $200,000 (0.50% on the band from $120,001 to $130,000, then 1.00%, 1.40%, 1.60%, and 1.80% in successive bands up to $200,000), as long as the deed is executed within two years of the occupancy permit. Your attorney will provide a detailed breakdown before closing. (Last verified: October 23, 2026.)

Having your own independent attorney is essential. Your attorney conducts the title search at the Public Registry, reviews contracts, verifies the property has a clean title, and ensures the transaction is legally sound. This is your most important protection in any Panama real estate transaction. Do not skip this step. (Last verified: October 2, 2026.)

Yes, with the right steps. Panama has a well-established legal framework for property transactions and foreign ownership, and the risks are manageable when you verify the property. The most common trap for international buyers is right of possession property, which is not the same as full titled ownership: only a deed registered in the Public Registry conveys complete legal title, so always confirm the property has a registered finca (property file) before paying anything. Other common issues include properties with unclear title, misrepresented details, and inflated prices. Working with a licensed, experienced agent and your own independent attorney significantly reduces these risks. (Last verified: October 2, 2026.)

Property taxes in Panama are low. A primary residence is fully exempt on its first $120,000 of cadastral value, then taxed 0.5% on the portion from $120,001 to $700,000 and 0.7% above that. Non-primary properties, such as vacation or rental homes, pay a progressive rate after a $30,000 exemption: 0.6% on the band from $30,001 to $250,000, 0.8% from $250,001 to $500,000, and 1.0% above $500,000. Two separate exemptions matter for new construction. First, the improvements on qualifying new homes can carry a property tax exemption of up to 20 years for homes with cadastral value up to about $120,000, with shorter terms above that level, and the land value itself is still taxed. Second, under Law 546 of August 31, 2026, the first B/.120,000 of the applicable tax base (base imponible) on a qualifying new home's first sale is exempt from the 2% real estate transfer tax, with reduced rates on the excess up to $200,000 (0.50% to 1.80% across successive bands above $120,000), when the deed is executed within two years of the occupancy permit. Exemption rules change, so confirm the current status of any specific property. (Last verified: October 23, 2026.)

Yes. The safest, standard way to move money for a Panama purchase is a formal bank wire, ideally to your own Panama attorney's client trust account, with funds released only when the deed is ready to register. You do not strictly need a Panama bank account to buy, because your attorney can hold the funds, though many buyers open one for taxes, closing costs, and ongoing property costs. Confirm every wiring instruction by phone using a number you know, never one that arrives only by email, because wiring-instruction fraud is the leading scam in Panama real estate. Panama's anti-money-laundering rules (Law 23 of 2015) require banks and real-estate professionals to report cash and quasi-cash transactions of $10,000 or more and to establish the source of funds on large transfers, so prepare a clean paper trail. Dollar senders face no exchange-rate risk because Panama uses the U.S. dollar as its currency. A typical SWIFT wire costs about $25 to $65 at the sending bank, plus intermediary fees and roughly $15 to $50 at the receiving bank. Compliance has tightened since Panama's FATF grey-listing and removal, so banks now apply strict source-of-funds checks to property-related transfers and non-resident account openings, and a compliance review can take two to four weeks: start the paperwork early and keep a clean paper trail. (Last verified: October 13, 2026.)

We generally recommend renting before buying, especially if you are new to Panama. Renting for six to twelve months gives you time to understand different neighborhoods, learn the culture, and get a feel for the daily reality of living in Panama before committing to a purchase. This approach helps avoid costly mistakes from buying in the wrong location or overpaying.

Some Panamanian banks do offer mortgages to foreign buyers, but non-residents face stricter terms than residents: typically about 60% to 70% loan-to-value (a 30% to 50% down payment), quoted base rates for non-residents commonly in the 6.5% to 9.0% range a year in 2026, priced against the Superintendency of Banks' (SBP) reference mortgage rate of 6.50%, and maximum terms usually 15 to 20 years, with some banks quoting up to 25 for strong borrowers, capped so the loan matures by about age 75. Two charges push the all-in cost above the quoted base rate: banks require life insurance naming the bank as beneficiary, and a 1% FECI surcharge (Fondo Especial de Compensación de Intereses) applies to mortgages on non-primary residences and, in practice, to foreign borrowers who do not yet hold Panama permanent residency, even on a home they occupy, so expect an all-in rate toward the high single digits. Banks typically want proof of income (often two years of tax returns), a home-country credit report, references, and often a local bank account. Many international buyers still finance through their home country or pay cash. Terms vary by bank, so compare current offers; your agent and attorney can help you evaluate options. (Last verified: October 23, 2026.)

Your own attorney verifies title through Panama's Public Registry (Registro Público de Panamá) before you commit. Every registered property has a finca number; the attorney searches the finca and requests a current ownership and encumbrances certificate (Certificado de Propiedad) that names the registered owner and lists any recorded liens, mortgages, embargoes, prohibitions to sell, easements, or lawsuits. Ask for a certificate issued close to closing, generally no more than about 30 days old, because new charges can be recorded at any time. A clean certificate shows no active registered encumbrances. The biggest red flag is property sold as right of possession rather than a registered finca: only a deed inscribed in the Public Registry conveys full legal ownership you can freely sell or finance. Have your own attorney, never the seller's attorney, run this check. (Last verified: October 2, 2026.)

The best protections are a licensed, experienced agent and your own independent attorney, who runs the title check at the Public Registry on your behalf. The leading scam in Panama real estate is wire-transfer fraud: confirm every wiring instruction by phone on a number you already know, never one that arrives only by email. Treat any property sold as right of possession but presented as titled, any deposit paid directly to a seller without legal oversight, and any pressure to decide quickly as red flags. Panama's anti-money-laundering rules require banks and real-estate professionals to establish the source of funds on large transactions, so keep a clean, documented paper trail. A trustworthy agent will tell you when a deal or area is not right for you. (Last verified: October 2, 2026.)

For most individual foreign buyers, owning in your personal name is the simplest and most common route, and it works fine for a single home or condo. A Panama corporation (sociedad anónima) can make sense for privacy, estate planning, or holding several properties, and it remains a standard structure here. One 2026 change to know before choosing: Law 526 of May 2026 introduced economic substance rules for Panamanian companies that are part of a multinational group and receive foreign-source passive income, including real estate income; from fiscal year 2027 those entities must show genuine local substance in Panama or face a 15% tax on that income. A typical individual buyer's single-purpose Panama company is not necessarily in that category, but the rules are new, so confirm your intended structure with a qualified Panamanian accountant and attorney before you commit. A second 2026 change affects transparency rather than tax: Decree 25 of June 29, 2026 lowered the FATCA/CRS controlling-person ownership threshold for entity accounts from 25% to 10%, so banks must now identify and report individuals who own or control 10% or more of a company holding an account, which makes company-held real estate more visible to the tax authorities of your home country. There is no one-size-fits-all answer; choose the structure with your advisers based on your actual situation. (Last verified: October 16, 2026.)

Yes, foreigners can open bank accounts in Panama without being a resident, but each bank sets its own requirements and some are stricter than others. You will typically need your passport, a second form of ID, proof of address (some banks accept a foreign address, others want a local one such as a lease), a bank reference letter from your current bank, and documentation of your income and the source of funds, which banks verify under Panama's anti-money-laundering rules. Most banks require you to be physically present in Panama to open an account, and opening is not instant: expect a compliance review that can take two to four weeks. Minimum opening deposits vary widely by bank and account type, commonly from about $1,000 to $5,000 for standard accounts (some banks set non-resident minimums around $3,000 or higher), with premium or private accounts typically requiring $10,000 or more. U.S. citizens and residents must also complete FATCA self-certification forms, and a few banks decline U.S. applicants to avoid FATCA reporting duties. Digital-only bank accounts are generally limited to Panamanian citizens and residents. You do not need a local account to buy property, because your attorney can hold and disburse purchase funds, but many buyers open one for taxes, closing costs, and ongoing property expenses. Requirements and fees change and differ by bank, so confirm current terms with the bank directly. (Last verified: October 13, 2026.)

You can, but understand the difference before you do. Right of possession (derecho de posesión, often abbreviated ROP) refers to someone's possession or claim over land they do not hold registered title to; it is not the same as ownership. Only a deed (escritura) inscribed in the Public Registry conveys full legal title you can freely sell, finance, or pass to heirs. ROP property is typically sold with a possession document instead of a registered finca, which leaves the buyer exposed to competing claims, disputes with other possessors or the state, and problems financing or reselling later. It is one of the most common and costliest mistakes international buyers make, especially outside Panama City. A few experienced investors buy ROP deliberately at steep discounts with local legal guidance; for most buyers, a titled property registered in the Public Registry is the safe choice. If a deal looks dramatically cheaper than comparable titled properties, ask why, and it is often ROP. (Last verified: October 2, 2026.)

The best place depends on your priorities. Panama City offers urban convenience, dining, and healthcare. Coronado offers Pacific beach living with a social expat community. Boquete offers a cool mountain climate and retirement community. Bocas del Toro offers Caribbean island life. Each location has real trade-offs, and the right answer is personal.

Coronado is Panama's most developed Pacific beach community and a popular choice for both weekend homes and full-time residency. It has a growing expat community, restaurants, a golf course, and basic services. The trade-offs include volcanic sand beaches, a 90-minute commute to Panama City, limited medical facilities, and weekend crowds. It works well for people who want beach living with reasonable access to the city.

Boquete is one of the most popular retirement destinations in Central America. Its spring-like climate, active expat community, natural beauty, and affordability make it highly attractive. The trade-offs include a rainy season with significant rainfall, limited medical facilities, distance from Panama City, and a smaller property market. It is an excellent choice for people who enjoy mountain living, nature, and community.

The areas international buyers and expats most consistently describe as safest are Boquete in the Chiriquí highlands; the gated high-rise districts of Punta Pacífica and Costa del Este in Panama City; mid-city districts like El Cangrejo, Obarrio, San Francisco, and Santa María; Coronado on the Pacific coast; Pedasí on the Azuero Peninsula; and the Clayton and Albrook (former Canal Zone) areas. Panama's overall crime rate is moderate, and the most common day-to-day risk is petty theft and pickpocketing rather than violent crime, especially in tourist-heavy spots. Violent crime is concentrated in a few places, notably parts of Colón city and the Darién province, which most expat guides advise against as residential choices. Safety depends on the specific street, building security, and daily habits as much as the neighborhood, so verify current local conditions before choosing. (Last verified: October 6, 2026.)

Expat communities concentrate in five areas. Panama City has the country's largest foreign population, centered on San Francisco, El Cangrejo, Costa del Este, Punta Pacífica, Casco Viejo, Obarrio, and Clayton. Boquete in the Chiriquí highlands is the best-known highland community, long popular with North American and European retirees. Coronado and the Pacific beach corridor host a strong part-time and full-time beach community with a large Canadian share. Volcán offers a quieter, smaller highland alternative, Pedasí on the Azuero Peninsula is a growing small-town community, and Bocas del Toro attracts a younger mix of retirees, remote workers, and island buyers. Which area suits you depends on climate, healthcare access, community, and budget, which is why we compare markets against your lifestyle before recommending anywhere. (Last verified: October 6, 2026.)

Panama is consistently ranked among the top retirement destinations in the world. It offers a favorable Pensionado visa program, a low cost of living, modern healthcare, tropical and mountain climates, and a large international expat community. Whether it is the right place for you depends on your lifestyle priorities and willingness to adapt to a new culture.

For a couple, a comfortable retirement lifestyle in Panama typically costs about $2,000 to $3,500 a month in interior towns such as Boquete and Volcán, and roughly $2,500 to $3,500 a month in Panama City, with premium city and beachfront districts running $3,500 to $5,500. Frugal couples can live on less than $2,000 in smaller towns, and a luxury city lifestyle can exceed the top of those ranges. Rent is the biggest variable: a two-bedroom in Panama City typically rents for about $1,200 to $1,700 in mid-range central districts such as San Francisco and El Cangrejo, premium waterfront and eastern-district towers run roughly $1,900 to $3,500, and a standard two-bedroom in Boquete runs about $500 to $800, with gated-community homes from about $1,200. Groceries, healthcare, dining, and domestic help are all significantly less expensive than in North America or Europe. (Last verified: October 6, 2026.)

Pros include a low cost of living, tropical climate, foreigner-friendly property laws, modern healthcare in major cities, a large expat community, and the Pensionado visa program. Cons include a bureaucratic legal system, traffic in Panama City, inconsistent infrastructure outside major areas, a language barrier for non-Spanish speakers, and the adjustment period that comes with any international move. The balance is personal and depends on your priorities.

Healthcare in Panama is genuinely good in Panama City, where several private hospitals meet international accreditation standards, and it is much more limited outside the capital and a few regional hubs. Hospital Punta Pacífica (Pacífica Salud) is JCI-accredited and affiliated with Johns Hopkins Medicine International, and Clínica Hospital San Fernando is also JCI-accredited, receiving its sixth JCI accreditation in August 2026; Hospital Paitilla and The Panama Clinic are additional private hospitals popular with expats. Neither the Pensionado nor the Friendly Nations residency visa requires you to buy private health insurance; what those programs ask for is a medical certificate from a licensed Panamanian physician obtained in-country, while the digital nomad (remote worker) visa does require valid health insurance. Private coverage typically costs roughly $50 to $150 per month for a healthy adult on a local Panamanian plan, and roughly $100 to $300 per month for international plans. Public care through the CSS system is low-cost for residents, but wait times can be long, which is why most expats use private hospitals or carry private insurance. (Last verified: October 16, 2026.)

U.S. and Canadian citizens can stay up to 180 days per tourist entry under current rules, while most other visa-exempt nationalities, including most EU countries, the UK, and Australia, receive a shorter stay, commonly around 90 days. The exact allowance depends on your nationality and the entry stamp you receive, so confirm it at the border. If you stay past your allowed period, Panama's National Immigration Service charges an overstay fine of about B/.50 (US$50) per month or fraction of a month expired, roughly B/.100 (US$100) per month if you are married to a Panamanian national or have a Panamanian child, payable at an immigration office before you leave. An overstay can also trigger a re-entry ban of several years, and Panama enforces rules against repeatedly exiting and re-entering to extend a tourist stay. A tourist stay never substitutes for a residency application. (Last verified: October 23, 2026.)

In Panama City, $500,000 typically buys a quality two- to three-bedroom condominium in a premium building. At the beach, it can buy an ocean-view home or beachfront condo. In Boquete, it accesses some of the best mountain properties. In Bocas del Toro, it can buy waterfront property that would cost several times more elsewhere. The right answer depends on the lifestyle you are looking for.

Panama offers several factors that support real estate investment: stable economy, foreigner-friendly ownership laws, a growing economy, and strong rental demand in certain markets. However, returns vary significantly by location, property type, and market conditions. We give clients an honest assessment of the investment potential for specific properties and areas, including the risks.

It can be profitable in the right market, with realistic seasonal expectations: short-term rental income in Panama is seasonal, occupancy varies widely by area, and the District of Panama restricts short stays. In Panama City, Law 80 of 2012 prohibits renting a residential unit for fewer than 45 days unless the property holds a tourism accommodation permit (permiso de alojamiento turístico), with documented fines of about $5,000 and penalties cited as high as $50,000. The District of Panama has a specific rule under Law 80 restricting residential rentals under 45 days without the required public-tourist-lodging permit. Outside that district, requirements vary by location, property type, permitted use and PH/community rules, and operators should confirm whether ATP registration or tourism permits, municipal requirements, and condominium or HOA rules apply to the specific property and intended use. Reported gross rental yields run roughly 8% to 12% in Bocas del Toro, 6.5% to 9% in Panama City, and 5% to 7% in Coronado on a seasonal basis. 2025-2026 Airbnb data for Bocas town showed average nightly rates around $160 at roughly 32% occupancy, and Coronado around $185 per night at roughly 26% occupancy, so net returns depend heavily on HOA fees, management, taxes, and vacancy. Verify the building's own short-term rental rules before underwriting any Airbnb income. One development to watch: a bill now before the National Assembly (Proyecto de Ley 31-26, filed as Bill 713 in September 2026, alongside a separate package, Project 553, approved in August 2026, which added tourism-investment provisions to Law 80 without repealing the 45-day rule) would repeal Law 80 of 2012 and replace it with a new tourism-incentive regime that includes a 15% ITBMS on short-stay tourist rentals (hotels would pay 10%). As of early October 2026 the bill had not been enacted and the 45-day rule remains in force, but if it passes the legal and tax framework for short-term rentals in Panama City would change, so confirm the current law before relying on these figures. (Last verified: October 20, 2026.)

Yes, long-term rentals can produce solid income in the right location, but the numbers are achievable rather than automatic: reported gross rental yields run roughly 6.5% to 9% on residential condominiums in Panama City, with net yields after HOA fees, insurance, taxes, vacancy, and management typically 3.5% to 6%. Panama uses a territorial tax system, so only Panama-source income is taxed here: rental income from a Panamanian property is taxable, with progressive individual rates of 0% up to $11,000, 15% from $11,001 to $50,000, and 25% above $50,000, while your foreign-source income stays untaxed in Panama. Landlords can deduct municipal and national taxes, maintenance, and repairs, and holding property through a Panama corporation changes the tax treatment. One 2026 change to flag before choosing a corporate structure: Law 526 of May 2026 introduces economic substance rules for Panamanian companies that are part of a multinational group and receive foreign-source passive income, including real estate income; from fiscal year 2027 those entities must demonstrate genuine local substance in Panama or face a 15% tax on that income, so have any corporate structure reviewed by a qualified Panamanian accountant. Real returns depend on location, purchase price, and whether you use a professional manager; we give property-by-property estimates rather than promises. (Last verified: October 16, 2026.)

The best agent for you depends on your specific needs, the location you are targeting, and the type of property you are seeking. We recommend looking for an agent with deep local knowledge, strong client references, a no-pressure approach, and a willingness to tell you the truth about properties and areas. Chad Ratcliffe and Panama Property Experts bring over a decade of nationwide experience and a commitment to client-first guidance.

Not anymore. Panama was on the European Union's list of non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes, the so-called tax-haven blacklist, from February 2020 until October 9, 2026, when EU finance ministers (ECOFIN) removed it and moved it to Annex II, the list of jurisdictions with pending commitments. The removal follows Panama's Law 526 of 2026, which applies a 15 percent tax to untaxed passive foreign income lacking economic substance, and an overhaul of the beneficial-ownership registry. The change removes EU defensive measures and a layer of reputational friction for Panamanian structures in cross-border transactions; it does not change any tax, fee, or step of the property buying process. (Last verified: October 9, 2026.)

The Pensionado visa requires a guaranteed lifetime pension or annuity of at least $1,000 per month, plus $250 per month for each dependent. If you personally own Panamanian residential real estate worth more than $100,000, the pension requirement drops to $750 per month. The program grants permanent residency from the start with no minimum age and includes discounts on flights, restaurants, medical services, and medications. Income from investments or rentals generally does not qualify; the source must be a government or corporate pension, Social Security, or an approved lifetime annuity, documented with an official letter from the paying agency confirming the monthly amount and that it is payable for life. U.S. Social Security income and Canada's Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) all count toward the requirement, and Canadians can combine CPP and OAS to reach the $1,000 threshold. Rules change from time to time and each application differs, so confirm current requirements with a qualified Panama immigration attorney before acting. (Last verified: October 26, 2026.)

The Friendly Nations visa is open to citizens of 51 designated countries, including the United States, Canada, the UK, and most of the EU, plus Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and others. Ecuador was added as the 51st eligible country under Executive Decree 16 of August 31, 2026, effective September 1, 2026. Since the August 2021 reform you must show a genuine economic tie to Panama through one of: a real estate purchase of at least $200,000, a fixed-term bank deposit of at least $200,000 in a Panamanian bank, or formal employment with a registered Panamanian company. It starts as two-year provisional residency before you reapply for permanent status, and it leads to a citizenship path after a few years of residence. Since January 10, 2025 the temporary permit foreigners receive while completing residency is six months, under tighter 2024-2025 procedural rules. Eligible nationalities and program details can change, so confirm your nationality's eligibility and the exact current requirements with a qualified Panama immigration attorney. (Last verified: October 26, 2026.)

The real estate route of the Qualified Investor visa changed in September 2026. Under Executive Decree 17 of September 8, 2026, published in Panama's Official Gazette on September 16, 2026, the minimum property investment is now tiered: at least $300,000 for the purchase of a new, previously unoccupied property bought directly from the developer or promoter on a first sale, or at least $500,000 for a resale (secondary-market) property. In both cases the property must be free of liens, bought with funds from abroad, and registered in the Public Registry in the applicant's name, and the investment must normally be maintained for at least five years. Approval leads to permanent residency. Alternative routes under the same program: $500,000 in Panamanian securities, or a fixed-term bank deposit of $750,000 at a private bank ($500,000 if placed with a state bank such as Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros). A transition rule reported by Panamanian immigration law firms keeps the earlier amounts for filings made before September 16, 2026, with a six-month window, to about March 2027, for transactions already under contract. Requirements have changed repeatedly in recent years, so confirm the current published thresholds and your individual eligibility with a qualified Panama immigration attorney before structuring an application. (Last verified: October 26, 2026.)

Citizenship by naturalization in Panama generally requires five years of continuous, legal permanent residency before you can apply. The period drops to three years for permanent residents who are married to a Panamanian citizen or who are parents of Panamanian-born children with a Panamanian spouse. Applicants must show basic Spanish proficiency through an in-person interview and written exam, pass a civic-knowledge test on Panama's geography, history, and political organization organized by the Electoral Tribunal, prove financial solvency, and present a clean criminal record from their country of origin. Panama generally requires renouncing your prior citizenship as part of naturalization, and approval is discretionary, granted through the executive branch rather than guaranteed by meeting the checklist. In practice the path is: hold permanent residency for the required period, then have a qualified Panama immigration attorney file the application with the National Immigration Service. Rules and processing times change, so confirm the current requirements with a qualified Panama immigration attorney before planning around them. (Last verified: October 19, 2026.)

Yes. U.S. and Canadian citizens can retire in Panama under the same visa programs as other foreigners, and their home-country pensions count toward the key requirement. The Pensionado (retiree) visa requires a guaranteed lifetime pension of at least $1,000 per month, plus $250 per month for each dependent. U.S. Social Security and Canada's Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Old Age Security (OAS) all qualify, and Canadians can combine CPP and OAS to reach the threshold; the paying agency must issue an official letter confirming the monthly amount is payable for life. The requirement drops to $750 per month if the applicant personally owns Panamanian residential real estate worth more than $100,000. Americans and Canadians can also use the Friendly Nations visa (a $200,000 real estate purchase, bank deposit, or employment route), which starts as provisional residency. Confirm current requirements with a qualified Panama immigration attorney before applying. (Last verified: October 26, 2026.)

Not a citizenship passport, but Panama has created a special passport for investors who already hold permanent residency under the Qualified Investor visa. Law 493 of October 28, 2025 authorizes Panama's Passport Authority to issue a special passport to foreigners with permanent residency under the Qualified Investor (Inversionista Calificado) category and to their dependents. The passport is tied to that residency status: it stays valid only while the residence permit is valid, it does not replace your existing national passport, and it does not confer Panamanian citizenship or nationality. A common online claim that a $200,000 purchase unlocks a Panama passport is inaccurate: that figure belongs to the Friendly Nations economic-tie threshold, not this program, which follows the Qualified Investor route and requires permanent residency first. The current Qualified Investor property thresholds under Executive Decree 17 of 2026 are $300,000 for a new, previously unoccupied first-sale property bought directly from the developer, or $500,000 for a resale; the other routes are $500,000 in Panamanian securities through a licensed broker, or a fixed-term bank deposit of $750,000 at a private bank ($500,000 at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros). Fees, procedures, and formats were to be set by an implementing regulation due roughly by late April 2026, so confirm current availability and requirements with the Passport Authority and a qualified Panama immigration attorney before planning around it. (Last verified: October 26, 2026.)