Panama investor visa (economic solvency residence)

The SNM publishes separate requirement sheets for other investments: a macro-enterprise investor with share capital of at least B/.160,000 per applicant, forestry investment from B/.100,000, investors of at least B/.250,000 in the Panama Pacífico special economic area or in export processing zones, and film industry investors above B/.150,000. Each has its own documents; check the relevant SNM sheet before investing.

Under article 193 of the regulation, the investor puts at least B/.300,000 into real estate in their own name and shows that the funds came from abroad. The Public Registry certificate must show ownership with a value of at least B/.300,000 and that the property is free of liens. If the property is worth more, the B/.300,000 must be paid in cash and only the remainder can be financed by a local mortgage.

Article 194 allows the B/.300,000 to be placed in real estate, a fixed-term deposit or a combination, again with funds from abroad. Property may also be held through a private interest foundation where the investor or dependants are beneficiaries, or through a corporation with registered shares in their names; bearer shares are not accepted.

File a notarised power of attorney and application naming your parents and their nationality, three photos, a certified passport copy, a criminal record certificate, a health certificate, the sworn personal history form, a certified cheque of B/.250 to the National Treasury and a certified cheque of B/.800 to the SNM, plus the Public Registry certificate or bank certificate for the investment.

For dependants, add a responsibility letter, proof of kinship and proof of address; dependants over 18 add a certificate of single status and certified studies. Each dependant raises the required investment by B/.2,000, which can be shown with a local bank reference.

The provisional permit lasts two years. After that period the investor applies for definitive permanence with the same requirements, except that the criminal record certificate and the cheques are not required again. The investment must therefore still be in place when you file.