From Barcelona to Paris: Mundo visits the IMI Connect and the IMF and introduces the Panama Qualified Investor Visa

Introduction: The Fastest Route to Permanent Residency in Panama

Deeply committed to second residency and citizenship, Mundo doesn't miss the chance of attending important events related to the industry. This June, our CEO visited Barcelona and Paris to introduce the Panama qualified investor visa, as well as many other programs in the country of the canal. 

Why the Qualified Investor Program Stands Out in 2026

At conferences, expos, and lectures, it’s not unusual for people to enquire about the Qualified Investor Program. Every investor in the world is drawn to the possibility of acquiring permanent residency through a relatively low investment. While the thresholds for the stock market and the fixed-term deposit are slightly larger ($500,000 and $750,000, respectively), the real estate entry is only through $300,000.

This positions Panama residency by investment as one of the most cost-effective and flexible alternatives of its kind.

Who Can Mostly Benefit from This Program

The fact that it grants permanent residency leads us to think that Qualified Investor was geared with expats in mind. That is, people looking for permanent relocation in the country of the canal. Nevertheless, (and this is excellent news) its flexible minimum stay makes it ideal for perpetual travelers or those who want a second residency with freedom of movement.

Different ways in which QI can benefit applicants

• It opens the doors to permanent stay in the country
• Grants immediate permanent residency
• Access to a vibrant cosmopolitan environment and naturally rich country
• Home to the Panama Canal
• World-class business environment and key maritime route
• Free zones and special economic zones grant benefits to businesses
• Home to the second-largest free economic zone in the world and the largest free economic zone in the western hemisphere
• Possibility of choosing three routes and three investment thresholds
• Minimum investment starts at $300,000
• No minimum stay requirements
• No obligation to maintain ownership after 5 years
• Territorial taxation system
• US dollar is the legal tender
• Stable economy, free from inflation issues or volatility
• Ample array of residency programs to complement QI
• Outstanding real estate offer at convenient prices
• Real estate projects don't have to be pre-approved by the government

Program Requirements in Detail

The $300,000 Real Estate Investment Threshold

If everyone talks about the Qualified Investor Visa is because of its $300,000 threshold. In a way, the real estate route is the most accessible one, and hence, the most popular. Yet, there are two other ways to obtain this residency, which, despite being more expensive, are simpler because they don't require a property certification issued by the registry.

Alternative Routes: Securities and Fixed-Term Deposits

Obtaining Panama residency through the stock market

Applicants can obtain all the benefits of Qualified Investor by allocating $500,000 in the local stock market. According to Executive Decree N 193 of 2024, the investment can be made in one or many securities, as long as they are approved by the Securities Commission. The vehicles must be related to businesses whose activities have an impact in Panama, holding them at least for five years.

Obtaining Panama residency through a fixed-term deposit 

A USD-750,000 deposit must be made in a local bank, free of encumbrances and must be maintained for 5 years. In all cases, the funds must come from foreign sources whose legit character must be proven and verified by the immigration office.

More information about the Qualified Investor Visa

Application Process and Timeline

Remote Filing: Starting the Application Without Visiting Panama

With the help of local experts like the Mundo team, you can start the process from your home country, undergoing all the initial steps fully remotely. In this instance, it's vital to have the help of a lawyer who knows his or her way around the programs.

You want your lawyer to set up all the documents while you are away and have everything fully optimized when your physical presence is required in Panama. 

Required Documents, Apostilles, and Translations

All documents must be submitted in the country's official language, Spanish, which means all foreign documents must be fully translated and legalized. Citizens from countries under the Hague-Convention must submit apostilled documents, while others must provide duly legalized copies.

Documents needed for Panama’s investor visa

• Copy of the passport
• Second ID
• Proof of address
• Proof of funds
• Certificate from the registry showing that the title is under the applicant's name
• Certification that shows the value of the property
• Duly legalized copy of the promise of purchase contract (for preconstruction units)
• Original or legalized copy of the trust contract, which establishes the amount that the trust will pay (for preconstruction units)
• Bank collateral in favor of the applicant for projects in preconstruction, which must be valid until the real estate is constructed and duly registered in the public registry
• Certification issued by the investment firm, which must be duly licensed by the Securities Commission, stating the name of the investor, the investment sum, and the details of all vehicles
• Authenticated copy of the document that grants the said firm the due license to operate in Panama
• Certification by the Securities Committee showing the registration of the securities
• Certified copy issued by the bank, proving a deposit under the applicant’s name, the investment sum, and the term
• Certification from the bank that proves the existence of the deposit, the name of the owner, the term, and the amount, proving that it's free from encumbrances and that it comes from foreign sources

Disclaimer: All the information provided here about conditions, requirements, costs, and documents may be outdated at the time of reading. Up-to-date and tailored information is only provided through formal consultations. This article doesn't constitute legal advice.

Qualified investor vs other Panama programs

Mundo presents Panama at the IMI Connect in Barcelona

This year, the IMI celebrated the 9th edition of the IMI Connect, this time under delightful Mediterranean weather, in the unforgettable Barcelona. 

IMI Daily is a prestigious portal, fully focused on immigration programs of different kinds and around the globe. Through its content, it provides valuable insights to applicants, researchers, agents, journalists, and advisors who are interested in the fascinating world of global citizenship.

Their event stands out for its closed-door insights, offering a unique opportunity to meet partners, clients, providers, lawyers, and other professionals closely related to the industry. 

Our CEO represented Mundo at IMI Connect, where she enjoyed talking to peers and engaging in relevant debates about the current status of the sector and the global citizen in general. Meeting new players as well as people with decades of expertise was inspirational, and of course, she didn’t miss the chance to introduce Panama. 

Those who are looking at the Central American nation as a possible relocation place or second residency destination had the chance to see it with new eyes and make it part of their strategies.

Crossing over to the City of Light: IMF in Paris 

After spending a few lovely days in Barcelona, she traveled to the city of light for the IMF conference held from 9 to 12 June. Organized by the Investment Migration Council, this is one of the most reputable expert gatherings in the industry. Mundo is proud to have been a part of such an important concentration of law firms, corporate service providers, academics, developers, wealth managers, migration agents, due diligence specialists, and individual practitioners. 

She found the lectures particularly informative, as they covered a variety of subjects: latest updates, industry predictions, opportunities and risks, trends, and several panel discussions. 

Including Your Family

Spouses, Children, and Dependent Parents

One of the topics our CEO discussed with potential investors is family eligibility in the country of the Canal. Panama accepts the closest relatives, i.e., spouse, children, and parents who are dependent on the main applicant. 

From Permanent Residency to Citizenship

Cedula, E-Cedula, and Your Rights as a Permanent Resident

As a permanent resident, you will have the same rights as a Panamanian citizen except for suffrage. Furthermore, the immediate obtention of permanent residency represents a fast-track path to citizenship, although this path is optional. 

Naturalization is possible after five years of permanently living in the country (with a legal permanent residency) and passing an exam on Panama's history and the electoral tribunal. 

Ask our experts

Difference between the Panamanian Cedula and Resident Card

A Panamanian cedula is only available for permanent residents, who will be granted what is known as an E-cedula. Even though it has an “e” for extranjero (foreigner), this document becomes your local ID and can open literally every door. All legal procedures, bank account openings, corporate registration, and so on will be considerably easier with your cedula.

It's worth noting that it isn't automatically granted. Once approval is obtained, you'll receive a permanent resident card, and the cedula must be applied for separately. 

Physical Presence: How Much Time You Must Spend in Panama

One of the program's strongest points is that it allows you to maintain residency with a few visits every two years. Interestingly, your choices will depend on your objectives: for citizenship, physical presence needs to be stronger, as you need to have a real connection to the country. 

Conclusion: Is the Qualified Investor Visa Right for You?

This month, Mundo represented Panama both at the IMI Connect and the IMF, introducing it to everyone who sees investment residency in their near future. Our CEO was pleased to meet her peers, relevant voices in the industry, as well as experts in various aspects of this sector. 

Mundo represented Panama because we believe it's one of the best relocation places and investment destinations today. The Qualified Investor has demonstrated to be highly competitive even when going against other reputed visas. It offers unbeatable advantages, cost-effectiveness, and access to one of the most advanced business environments in Latin America. 

How Mundo Experts Can Help You

Mundo is a team of experts specializing in investment migration, corporate formation, trusts, and banking. We're particularly proud of our in-house lawyer, who has ample knowledge of Panamanian and international law. 

Thanks to her experience, she can be one step ahead, preventing issues or solving them as they appear. With her, applicants can navigate faster through processes that can be awfully bureaucratic and excessively challenging.

Also, reach out to our real estate team so that they can help you choose the right property to combine with this program.

Contact our experts