Residency through company formation with zero tax on foreign income and a minimal physical presence threshold.
Flexible residency: Maintain your status with 1-2 short trips per year. No need to live in Panama full-time.
Zero tax on foreign income: Panama operates a territorial tax system. If your income comes from outside Panama, you pay nothing.
Company = residency: The Friendly Nations Visa requires company formation. That company becomes your operational base for international business.
Clear path forward: Temporary residency for 2 years, then permanent residency, then citizenship eligibility at year 7.
50+ qualifying nationalities: Citizens of the US, UK, Canada, most of Europe, Australia, and 40+ other countries qualify.
Step 1: Company Formation + Application
We register your Panamanian company (S.A.) and submit your residency application to immigration. You provide documents from home: passport, apostilled criminal background check, proof of funds. Timeline: 2-3 weeks.
Step 2: First Trip to Panama (5-7 days)
You travel to Panama for biometrics, legal signatures, and immigration processing. You’ll leave with your provisional ID card and proof of residency in progress. We handle logistics, translations, and accompany you to all appointments.
Step 3: Temporary Residency ID (6+ months later)
After approximately 6 months, your full Temporary Residency card is ready. A second short trip is required to collect it. You’re now a legal Panama resident for 2 years.
After that:
Year 2: Apply for Permanent Residency
Year 7+: Eligible for Citizenship (optional)
Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with one blank page
Criminal Background Check: From your country of residence, apostilled
Qualifying Nationality: Citizens of 50+ “Friendly Nations” including US, UK, Canada, Germany, Australia, and most of Europe
Company Formation: Included in our service; the company must remain active throughout your residency
Full legal representation: Our Panama attorneys handle the entire process
Company registration: S.A. formation, registered agent, and nominee directors for full privacy of ownership.
Government fees: Application fees included
Document preparation: We review, translate, and organize everything
Concierge support: Appointment accompaniment, local coordination
Ongoing compliance: Annual company filings and residency maintenance guidance
Milestone | Timeframe |
|---|---|
Document prep + company formation | 2-3 weeks |
First trip to Panama | 5-7 days |
Provisional ID issued | During first trip |
Temporary Residency ID ready | ~6 months |
Second trip to collect ID | 1-2 days |
Permanent Residency eligible | Year 2 |
Citizenship eligible | Year 7 |
Company compliance: Your Panamanian company must remain active and file annual tax reports. We provide compliance support.
Physical presence: There’s no strict minimum stay, but you should visit Panama at least once every 3 years after receiving permanent residence to maintain status.
Renewals: Temporary residency is valid for 2 years. Permanent residency has no expiration.
