The Independent Means Visa in Panama (also known as Residency By Passive Income) offers permanent residency to qualified individuals who can demonstrate a stable passive income from foreign sources.
MOBILITY ASSSET SNAPSHOT
The Independent Means Visa program in Panama provides a pathway to permanent residency for individuals with stable foreign-sourced passive income. This program is designed to attract retirees, investors, and other individuals looking to establish residency in a tropical paradise with a favorable tax regime.
Visión general
A fast-track to permanent residency for qualified individuals with passive income in Panama
Requisitos
Personas físicas con rentas pasivas de fuente extranjera
Restricciones de anclaje
Meses para la ciudadanía
Duración del visado
Permanent residency
Meses para el visado
2-3 meses
Requisito de presencia física
At least one day per year
Disponibilidad
Alta
Subsidio familiar
Cónyuge e hijos
Visión general
Submit application through a licensed Panamanian attorney at the National Immigration Service.
¿Preguntas?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
¿Cuánto se tarda en tramitar una solicitud de visado de medios independientes?
El plazo de tramitación suele ser de 2 a 3 meses desde el momento de la presentación.
¿Puedo incluir a los miembros de mi familia en mi solicitud de visado de medios independientes?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your application, with an additional income requirement of US$250 per dependent.
¿Qué tipos de ingresos se consideran ingresos pasivos?
Passive income can include rental income, dividends, interest, pensions, and other forms of regular income not derived from employment.
¿Con qué frecuencia debo renovar mi permiso de residencia?
The permanent residency permit does not need to be renewed, but you must visit Panama at least once a year to maintain your status.
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Panamanian citizenship?
No, Independent Means Visa holders are not eligible for naturalization. However, they can maintain permanent residency indefinitely.
benefits
Independent Means Visa in Panama (Residency By Passive Income)
The program offers numerous advantages for individuals looking to establish their presence in Panama's tropical paradise.
Strategic location for international trade
Dollarized economy
Favorable tax regime
Option to renew the visa once it has expired
Path to citizenship allowed after 5 years of permanent residence
Low monthly income requirement
Países sin visado
125
Passport Validity
10 years, 5 years for minors
Visión general
Panama offers a tropical paradise, attractive tax regime, and welcoming environment for foreign residents.
Ventajas:
Ventajas:
¿Preguntas?
Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our services.
¿Cuánto se tarda en tramitar una solicitud de visado de medios independientes?
El plazo de tramitación suele ser de 2 a 3 meses desde el momento de la presentación.
¿Puedo incluir a los miembros de mi familia en mi solicitud de visado de medios independientes?
Yes, you can include your spouse and dependent children in your application, with an additional income requirement of US$250 per dependent.
¿Qué tipos de ingresos se consideran ingresos pasivos?
Passive income can include rental income, dividends, interest, pensions, and other forms of regular income not derived from employment.
¿Con qué frecuencia debo renovar mi permiso de residencia?
The permanent residency permit does not need to be renewed, but you must visit Panama at least once a year to maintain your status.
Can Independent Means Visa holders apply for Panamanian citizenship?
No, Independent Means Visa holders are not eligible for naturalization. However, they can maintain permanent residency indefinitely.
REQUIREMENTS
Check if you qualify based on your family history
Not applicable
Minimum Income or Savings: Pensions, Investments, Rental income+Regular Income Stream: Monthly pension payments, Annuities, Proof of Financial Independence
Not applicable
Criminal Record: A clean criminal record is required
REQUIREMENTS
Para optar al Visado de Medios Independientes, los solicitantes deben cumplir unos criterios específicos que demuestren sus ingresos pasivos estables.
PROCESS
Initial Assessment
• Verify passive income sources
• Confirm income thresholds
• Review healthcare requirements
• Complete financial documentation
Selection Phase
• Choose destination country
• Review residency requirements
• Assess tax implications
• Select optimal visa category
Application Preparation
• Gather proof of income
• Obtain health insurance
• Prepare bank statements
• Complete background verification
Submission
• Submit residency application
• Pay visa fees
• Schedule interview (if required)
• Provide biometric data
Residency Setup
• Receive residency permit
• Register with local authorities
• Set up banking/utilities
• Complete residency registration
PROCESS
DOCUMENTS
Passport+State Issued ID+Biometrics
Marriage certificate and birth certificates of dependents (if applicable)
Proof of property ownership in Panama or a long-term rental agreement
A clean criminal record is required, confirmed through a police clearance certificate from the applicant's country of origin
Applicants must provide documentation proving they have sufficient financial means to support themselves without working in Panama
DOCUMENTS
Birth certificates from government archives; Marriage certificates for family dependencies; Police clearance records from current and past residences
Certified translations into official language(s); Apostille certification; Government-issued document legalization
Diploma and transcript verification; Professional certification authentication; Credential evaluation services
Initial application submission fee; Processing and handling charges; Administrative review fees
Fingerprint collection fee; Digital photograph requirements; Biometric data processing
Required medical examinations; Vaccination verification; Health certificate processing
Document verification fees; Background check processing; Application status updates
Consulate visit expenses; Interview travel costs; Temporary accommodation (if required)
Language proficiency testing; Skills assessment fees; Additional document requests
Immigration lawyer consultation; Document review services; Legal representation fees
Tax planning consultation; Asset transfer advisory; Investment planning services
Relocation services; Property search assistance; Settlement support services
Residency card processing; Passport issuance fees; Registration certificates
Oath ceremony fees; Registration charges; Local authority fees
Renewal fees; Status maintenance costs; Annual reporting fees
Rankings
6
Clasificación general
Coste
Based on application fee
Requisitos de residencia
Based on residency requirements
Duración de los privilegios de residencia
Based on programs’s term
Processing Speed
Based on estimated processing time
Requisitos
Based on entry requirements
Estabilidad del programa
Based on years of activity
Time to Permanent Residency
Based on permanent residency timeline
Rankings
Safety
96
Coste de la vida
45
Quality of Life
71
Healthcare Quality
80
Internet Speed
33
Human Freedom
53
IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS
Explore alternative pathways to live and work
Learn about living costs, culture, healthcare, and other essential information about relocating to Ireland. Explore all available immigration pathways and find the best option for you.
View Country Guide