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The Elite Golden Visa

Qualified Investor
Visa 2026

Permanent residency in 30 days. The panama qualified investor visa is the fastest and most prestigious residency program in the Americas, designed for the high-net-worth individual who values speed, efficiency, and ROI.

The VIP Lane

In 2026, time is the scarcest resource. While the friendly nations visa takes 2-3 years to reach permanent status, the **Qualified Investor path** grants you a permanent resident card (E-Cedula) almost immediately after your initial filing.

Established under Executive Decree 722, this "Golden Visa" was created to attract elite capital. By investing $300,000 into Panama's burgeoning real estate market, you are not just buying a property; you are securing a **sovereign exit strategy** that is protected by law.

30 Days

Processing Window

$300k

Min. Investment

Luxury Panama City Real Estate representing Qualified Investor Visa

Global Benchmark

Why Panama Beats Portugal, Greece, and Dubai.

Portugal

Minimum: Residency only

PR Timeline: 5-6 Years for PR

High taxes unless NHR applied.

Greece

Minimum: €250k - €800k

PR Timeline: 5 Years Renewal

No clear path to citizenship for most.

Panama

Minimum: $300,000

PR Timeline: 30 Days for PR

Golden standard, 0% foreign tax.

The Big Investment Three

There are three ways to qualify for the VIP path.

Min: $300,000

Real Estate

Purchase one or more properties with a total value of $300k. Must be free of debt. In 2026, this is the most popular path for rental hunters.

Min: $500,000

Stock Market

Invest in the Panama Stock Exchange (BVP) through a certified broker. Must be held for at least 5 years.

Min: $750,000

Fixed Deposit

The 'Cash' path. Place a fixed deposit in a local bank for 5 years. This allows you to earn interest while securing residency.

The Rockstar
ROI Strategy

Buying property for the panama qualified investor visa shouldn't just be a legal checkbox—it should be an asset play. In 2026, our investment team focuses on high-yield zones like **Costa del Este** and **Avenida Balboa**, or short-term vacation rentals in **Coronado**.

Expect net rental yields between 6% and 8% in Panama City, with a property tax exemption for the first several years on new builds. When you combine this with the tax benefits of the visa, your "Golden Residency" effectively pays for itself.

"We find that Qualified Investors who purchase in 'Short Term Rental' permitted buildings in Casco Viejo see the fastest path to recouping their legal and relocation costs."

Appreciation

3-5% Est. Annual Property Value growth.

Yield

6-8% Net Rental Returns in City Hubs.

Liquidity

US Dollar assets are easy to resell globally.

Protection

Investment backed by rigid civil-law ownership.

The VIP
Timeline

Day 1-5

Document Pre-Audit

Gathering your FBI check and proof of funds. We pre-clear everything with Immigration via our lawyer network.

Day 10

Scouting & Signature

You visit Panama to view properties and sign the purchase contract. We open your 'Investment' bank account.

Day 20

IMR Filing

The application is filed at the 'Ventanilla Unica'. You receive your temporary permanent card immediately.

Day 30

Final E-Cedula

The government issues the final decree. You are now a permanent resident of Panama for life.

Crucial Warning

The $300,000 investment *must* be registered in the **Public Registry** and the funds must come from a foreign bank account directly to the escrow or developer in Panama. DIY investors who pay with local cashier's checks without an audit trail are often rejected.

Learn About Escrow Security

Investment Hotspots

Where to park $300k+ in 2026.

Avenida Balboa
PROJECTED YIELD: 7.2% Net

Avenida Balboa

The 'Manhattan' of Panama. High demand for executive rentals and ocean views.

Costa del Este
PROJECTED YIELD: 6.5% Net

Costa del Este

The multinational hub. Safe, high-end, and always in demand for family rentals.

Qualified
Exposed FAQ

The Final Word on Golden Residency.

Is the 30-day timeline guaranteed?
Under Law 189, the Ministry of Immigration is mandated to provide a response within 30 business days for Qualified Investor applications. This is why it's known as the 'VIP' path.
Can I use a mortgage for the $300,000 investment?
No. The first $300,000 must be paid in liquid cash and free of any liens or encumbrances. Any amount *above* $300,000 can be financed through a local Panamanian bank if desired.
What happens if I sell the property?
To maintain your permanent residency card, you must hold the investment for a minimum of five (5) years. If you sell before then, your residency may be revoked unless you immediately purchase another qualifying property.
Can I invest through a corporation?
Yes. You can purchase the property through a Panamanian corporation or a Private Interest Foundation, provided you are the ultimate beneficial owner of the shares or the founder.
Do I need to live in Panama?
No. There is no physical stay requirement to keep your Qualified Investor PR status. You only need to visit once every two years to keep the card active.

Become a
Resident Today

The panama qualified investor visa is only for those who are ready for the ultimate upgrade. Let the Rockstar legal and real estate teams handle every detail.

Request Golden Visa Itinerary