Friendly Nations Program 2026

Panama Visa for United States Citizens: 2026 Guide

Every year, thousands of US citizens choose Panama as their ideal destination to relocate, retire, or expand their businesses. The Friendly Nations program offers a fast and accessible pathway to obtain permanent residency in Panama.

United States is one of the 50 countries eligible for Panama's Friendly Nations Visa. Citizens of United States can obtain permanent residency within 3 to 6 months through real estate investment, an employment contract, or a fixed-term bank deposit, with no minimum stay requirement in Panama.

Eligibility Confirmed

Citizens of United States are fully eligible to apply for the Friendly Nations Permanent Residency program in Panama.

3 Ways to Qualify

As a citizen of United States, you can obtain your permanent residency through one of these three main options:

Real Estate Investment

Investment in a property free of liens, in the applicant's name.

Min. $200,000 USD

Employment Contract

Be hired by a duly registered Panamanian company in good standing.

Subject to salary

Fixed Term Deposit

Fixed bank deposit in a general license bank in Panama.

Min. $200,000 USD

Important Note: Investment amounts and government fees are subject to change according to current Panamanian immigration law. Verify the exact figure with a specialist before starting your process.

How Much Does It Cost?

Costs vary depending on your country of origin, individual situation, and the complexity of your case. Government fees are set by Panama's National Immigration Service and are subject to change. For an accurate cost estimate tailored to your specific situation, request a free consultation with one of our verified specialists.

Process Timeline

Provisional Residency

Typically approved in 72 business hours after submitting the complete application in Panama.

Permanent Residency

Granted 2 years after receiving provisional residency.

Citizenship

Eligibility to apply for Panamanian citizenship after 5 years as a permanent resident.

Required Documents for United States Citizens

Before traveling to Panama, citizens of United States must prepare and apostille (or legalize) the following key documents:

Valid US passport (with at least 6 months validity).
FBI background check apostilled by the Department of State in Washington D.C.
Proof of economic solvency or investment apostilled if from the US.

Note: All documents issued in a language other than Spanish must be translated by an Authorized Public Translator in Panama.

Why do United States citizens choose Panama?

Use of the US Dollar (USD) as legal tender, eliminating exchange rate risk.

Short direct flights (2-5 hours) to major US cities.

Shared time zone with US East/Central coast, ideal for digital nomads and entrepreneurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

It depends on your nationality and passport type. Many citizens of United States can enter Panama as tourists without a prior visa for up to 90 days, but rules change. Verify the current requirement with the nearest Panamanian consulate or the National Immigration Service before traveling.

Government fees from the National Immigration Service are approximately $1,020 USD per main applicant, but the total cost depends on specialist fees, apostille and translation of your documents in United States, and the qualifying route you choose. Request a free quote for a personalized estimate.

Panama maintains diplomatic representations in many countries. If a consulate or embassy of Panama exists in United States, you can legalize documents and check updated requirements there. Verify the current address and services with Panama's Ministry of Foreign Affairs before starting your process.

Last updated: July 2026

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