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.

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New Zealand is one of the 51 countries eligible for Panama's Friendly Nations Visa. Its citizens can qualify through a real estate investment or a fixed-term deposit of at least USD 200,000, or with an employment contract in Panama. Applicants first receive a 2-year provisional residency and then apply for 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

Property worth at least USD 200,000 in your name, your company's or your private foundation's; it can be financed by a local bank.

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.

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Process Timeline

Provisional Residency

Granted for a period of 2 years.

Permanent Residency

Granted 2 years after receiving provisional residency.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a tourist visa to enter Panama if I'm from New Zealand?

It depends on your nationality and passport type. Many citizens of New Zealand 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.

How much does the process cost from New Zealand?

Government fees from the National Immigration Service are approximately $1,050 USD per main applicant, but the total cost depends on specialist fees, apostille and translation of your documents in New Zealand, and the qualifying route you choose. Request a free quote for a personalized estimate.

Is there a Panamanian consulate in New Zealand?

Panama maintains diplomatic representations in many countries. If a consulate or embassy of Panama exists in New Zealand, 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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