Friendly Nations Program 2026

Panama Visa for New Zealand Citizens: 2026 Guide

Kiwis looking for a tropical lifestyle and excellent business opportunities find Panama to be an ideal destination. The Friendly Nations program offers a straightforward path to permanent residency.

Eligibility Confirmed

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

3 Ways to Qualify

As a citizen of New Zealand, 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.

Reference Costs

Government Fees (SNM & Treasury)~$1,020 USD
Legal FeesVary by case

Government fees are per main applicant. Dependents have different fees. Specialist lawyer fees are quoted individually.

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 New Zealand Citizens

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

Valid New Zealand passport.
Ministry of Justice criminal record check with Apostille.
Financial and corporate documents duly apostilled.

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

Why do New Zealand citizens choose Panama?

Tropical climate and beautiful natural landscapes.

Strategic location for business in the Americas.

Dollarized economy and strong banking sector.

Last updated: July 2026

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