Strategic residency and relocation in Panama for U.S. citizens
A dollarized economy, the same time as the U.S. East Coast in winter (one hour behind during Daylight Saving Time) and a favorable immigration system. We guide you with expert allied law firms at every stage: residency, investment and legal structure.
Message us on WhatsAppThe Panama advantage
Dollarized economy
The U.S. dollar is legal tender: no currency risk for your income, savings or pension.
Close to home
Panama runs on UTC-5 year-round (same time as the U.S. East Coast in winter, one hour behind during Daylight Saving Time), with direct flights to Miami, Houston, Atlanta and New York, with established expat communities.
Quality of life
World-class healthcare infrastructure, a modern city and beach or mountain options such as Coronado or Boquete.
Main residency routes
Minimum amounts required by current Panamanian regulations. Every case is assessed individually.
Friendly Nations
- Real estate investment or fixed-term deposit from B/. 200,000
- Alternative through employment with a Panamanian company
- Temporary residency with transition to permanent
Pensionado Visa
- Lifetime pension from B/. 1,000 per month
- B/. 750 per month when purchasing property in your own name worth more than B/. 100,000
- Benefits and discounts provided by law for retirees
Qualified Investor
- New first-sale property from B/. 300,000
- Secondary market or securities from B/. 500,000
- Fixed-term deposit: B/. 500,000 in state banks or B/. 750,000 in private banks
- Investment held for at least 5 years
As a U.S. citizen, you may also qualify for the Friendly Nations program. See Friendly Nations, Retirees and Investors
Integrated legal services
Residency is only one part. Through our expert allied law firms, we support the legal structure of your life and investment in Panama.
- Incorporation of corporations and private interest foundations
- Real estate due diligence: Public Registry, liens and purchase agreements
- Review of investment, lease and service contracts
- Support with bank account opening and document compliance
- Powers of attorney, estates and local asset planning
Paperwork from the United States
FBI background check
Federal criminal history record check (Identity History Summary), requested with fingerprints.
Federal apostille
Federal documents are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State; state documents by the corresponding Secretary of State.
Official translation
English documents are translated into Spanish by an Authorized Public Translator (Traductor Público Autorizado) in Panama.
Steps in Panama
Health certificate, photographs and filing with the National Immigration Service.
Tax clarity
- Panama applies a territorial system: income generated outside Panamanian territory is generally exempt from local taxation.
- The United States taxes its citizens on worldwide income, wherever they live.
- Obligations such as FBAR (FinCEN 114) and Form 8938 (FATCA) may apply.
Informational only. We recommend coordinating your planning with your U.S. accountant.
How we work
A clear process, from start to finish.
Assessment of your case
You tell us your situation on WhatsApp and we advise which immigration route fits you.
Plan and documents
You receive the exact document list and we prepare your complete file.
Filing the application
We handle Immigration, notaries and the remaining procedures. You simply sign.
Receiving your residency
We stay with you until your resident card is in your hands.
Questions from U.S. citizens
Other immigration procedures and legal services
Panama residency
Every immigration route to obtain Panamanian residency, based on your nationality and profile.
Work permit
Work permit categories before the Ministry of Labour and ongoing renewal tracking.
Friendly Nations, Pensioners and Investors
The three most requested residency programmes, with requirements and benefits explained.
Panama for Spanish nationals
Residency, investment and a business presence for those living in Spain who want a second option.
Procedures, documents and apostilles
Preparation, apostille, legalisation and translation of every document your file requires.
Legal services in Panama
Companies, tax compliance, trademarks, property and family matters for foreigners and businesses.
Other services by Nawa Group S.A.
Tell us about your case
Initial assessment at no cost. We reply promptly and tell you which route applies to you.
Message on WhatsAppLegal notice: the information on this page is general and informative in nature and does not constitute definitive legal advice. Eligibility for any programme depends on your particular case and Panamanian regulations may change. We recommend a personalized consultation to assess your situation.