Visa Applications

Get approved for the Panama friendly nations visa.

Are you looking for a simple way to obtain permanent residency in Panama? The Friendly Nations Visa is exactly what you need. This updated 2025 guide shows how, with our legal support, you can secure your visa in as little as 3 days. Let’s explore the process together.

What Is the Friendly Nations
Visa in Panama?

The Friendly Nations Visa in Panama is a residency-by-connection program that allows citizens of eligible countries to apply for Panamanian residency through professional or economic ties. Originally offering immediate permanent residency, Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa was modified in 2021. Currently, applicants are granted a two-year provisional residency, and after that provisional period, they become eligible to apply for permanent residency in the country.
Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa Program underwent significant changes in 2021. Therefore, if you’re considering this path, it’s essential to understand the updated 2025 requirements, the application process, and the most efficient way to obtain it.

Why the Panama Friendly
Nations Visa Is a Smart Move

The Friendly Nations Visa in Panama is a residency-by-connection program that allows citizens of eligible countries to apply for Panamanian residency through professional or economic ties. Originally offering immediate permanent residency, Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa was modified in 2021. Currently, applicants are granted a two-year provisional residency, and after that provisional period, they become eligible to apply for permanent residency in the country.
Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa Program underwent significant changes in 2021. Therefore, if you’re considering this path, it’s essential to understand the updated 2025 requirements, the application process, and the most efficient way to obtain it.

Panama Friendly Nations Visa
Countries

The most important requirement for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa is to be a citizen of one of the countries eligible for this immigration program. As of 2025, more than 50 countries qualify for the FNV, including the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Below is the full Panama Friendly Nations Visa list in detail.

If your country is not on the list, you may not qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa, but you can explore other visa options on our Panama Visa page. On the other hand, if you are from one of the eligible countries, congratulations, you may already be just one step away from starting a new life in Panama, provided you meet the new requirements set by the government.

Are You Aware of the New
Panama Friendly Nations Visa
Changes?

Since the changes to the Friendly Nations Visa in August 2021, many expats remain unsure about what exactly has changed with Panama’s program. To make it clear, we’ve prepared a simple overview for you:
  • Before 2021: Instant permanent residency upon approval
  • After 2021: 2-year provisional residency, then application for permanent residency
  • Before 2021: Easy documentation, like a basic company registration certificate, was enough.
  • After 2021: Real proof of a professional (job offer) or economic (investment) connection to the country is now mandatory.

As a result, these changes were introduced to reduce abuse of the system and ensure applicants are genuinely integrating into Panama’s economy.

Requirements for the Panama
Friendly Nations Visa (Updated 2025)

After the 2021 reforms, the requirements for the Panama friendly nations visa, also known as the friendly visa panama, became stricter and applicants must now prove genuine ties to the country. Today, applicants for the Friendly Nations Visa must demonstrate a real connection to Panama, which generally falls into one of three categories:
Job offer from a Panamanian company: You can qualify if a Panamanian company with real operations in the country offers you employment. The company must be legally established, registered with the Social Security system, and employ at least 10 Panamanian workers as required by labor law.
Fixed-term deposit: Place a $200,000 Certificate of Deposit (CD) in a Panamanian bank for a minimum of 3 years. The funds must remain untouched during this period.

Real estate investment: Make a real estate investment of at least $200,000 (bank financing is allowed). After 2 years, you must demonstrate that the property is still in your name in order to apply for permanent residency.

Warning
Certain “immigration attorneys” still recommend creating a company in your own name and applying as its employee to obtain the Friendly Nations Visa. This practice was abolished in August 2021, and many applicants who pursue it face rejection or are deemed ineligible for permanent residency. If the sponsoring company lacks genuine substance, a physical office, and registered Panamanian employees, it may even result in penalties. The Immigration Office clearly establishes only three valid pathways to qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa (sometimes written as the friendly nation visa panama), which can be verified on the official website of Migracion. For this reason, it’s crucial to work with a qualified panama friendly nations visa lawyer who will safeguard your application and ensure your residency is approved without complications.

Not ready to invest $200,000
for the Friendly Nations Visa? We
have the solution.

While opening a company in your own name is no longer a valid way to obtain the Friendly Nations Visa without the $200,000 investment, there is still a proven and fully legal alternative. Agroup Consulting was the first firm to implement this solution, and today we are ready to share it with you. 

The Friendly Nations Visa Visa Process with Agroup Consulting

Successful Cases
Denials

Hire one of our qualified immigration attorneys

You’ll be matched with an experienced lawyer who specializes in the Friendly Nations Visa.

Gather all required documents.

We help you prepare everything you need, including your passport, background check, photos, and proof of income or employment.

Identify your route to residency.

Whether it’s a job offer or a qualifying investment, we assist you in meeting the legal requirements.

Arrive in Panama and start the process.

We’ll pick you up from the airport, take you to your hotel, and guide you to the immigration office on the day of your appointment.

Get your 2-year provisional residency

Our lawyer will be right there with you at Immigration, guiding you through the final step and handing you your residency card

Apply for permanent residency after 2 years

Once your 2-year provisional residency is complete, we’ll reach out to schedule your next appointment and guide you through the process of obtaining permanent residency in Panama

In fact, our visa process takes just 3 days from the moment we pick you up at the airport to the moment you receive your provisional residency. All services are provided in fluent English, and we’re with you at every step professionally, legally, and efficiently.

What’s Your Next Step Toward
Residency in Panama?

Ultimately, the Friendly Nations Visa Panama is still one of the most straightforward and affordable ways to gain legal residency in Latin America. Despite the friendly nations visa panama changes, the program remains attractive for expats, investors, and professionals looking to relocate to a dynamic, low-tax country.
If you’re from one of the Friendly Nations Visa countries and ready to start your journey, then this is the visa for you. Furthermore, With the right guidance, your transition to Panama can be smooth, fast, and successful. As a result, you can focus on building your new life without stress.

Talk to a Friendly Nations Visa
Lawyer Today

At Agroup Consulting, we work with top immigration attorneys specialized in
the Friendly Nations Visa — with a 0% denial rate.
 
germany
Spain
US

Branly Agudelo

Founder

Panama immigration
US
Spain

Branly Agudelo

Immigration Attorney

US
Spain

Branly Agudelo

Immigration Attorney

Is the Friendly Nations Visa the
Right Fit for You?

The Panama residency Friendly Nations program ideal for:
  • Remote workers with international income
  • Entrepreneurs looking to launch a business in Panama
  • Real estate investors seeking long-term residency
  • Employees of Panamanian companies
With low taxes, warm weather, and a strategic location, Panama continues to attract foreigners who want a better life in Latin America. The Panama friendly nations visa program is your legal door in.
Client Testimonials
Google Review
Digital Nomad in Panama Review
John

Panama Digital Nomad Visa

I’m big on travel and honestly, Panama just felt right. Agroup helped me get the nomad visa and made the whole thing pretty easy. Didn’t feel like I was dealing with a bunch of red tape, which I really appreciated.

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Emily

Panama/US tax return

I’m living in Panama and was overwhelmed with the US tax stuff. Agroup made it simple and took care of everything. Super helpful, thanks guys!

Panama-Pensionado-visa-3.png (1)
Robert

Pensionado visa

I’m 60 and moved to Boquete after feeling worn out by life in the U.S. It’s peaceful here, the weather’s perfect, and the community is welcoming. Getting the retirement visa was easier than I expected thanks to this amazing team. Living here has been one of the best choices I’ve made.

What’s Your Next Step Toward
Residency in Panama?

Ultimately, the Friendly Nations Visa Panama is still one of the most straightforward and affordable ways to gain legal residency in Latin America. Despite the friendly nations visa panama changes, the program remains attractive for expats, investors, and professionals looking to relocate to a dynamic, low-tax country.
If you’re from one of the Friendly Nations Visa countries and ready to start your journey, then this is the visa for you. Furthermore, With the right guidance, your transition to Panama can be smooth, fast, and successful. As a result, you can focus on building your new life without stress.
1. Can I still qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa without investing $200,000?

Yes, you can still qualify for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa without making a $200,000 investment in real estate or a bank deposit. Through our Job-Offer option, eligible applicants can obtain residency under a valid Panamanian employment offer. This pathway does not require you to buy property or open a local bank account with a large deposit. Instead, we handle the process by registering your employment, coordinating with Panama’s immigration authorities, and ensuring full legal compliance. It’s a faster, more affordable alternative for professionals seeking residency without upfront investment. 

Yes, you can still qualify for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa without making a $200,000 investment in real estate or a bank deposit. Through our Job-Offer option, eligible applicants can obtain residency under a valid Panamanian employment offer. This pathway does not require you to buy property or open a local bank account with a large deposit. Instead, we handle the process by registering your employment, coordinating with Panama’s immigration authorities, and ensuring full legal compliance. It’s a faster, more affordable alternative for professionals seeking residency without upfront investment. 

Yes, you can still qualify for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa without making a $200,000 investment in real estate or a bank deposit. Through our Job-Offer option, eligible applicants can obtain residency under a valid Panamanian employment offer. This pathway does not require you to buy property or open a local bank account with a large deposit. Instead, we handle the process by registering your employment, coordinating with Panama’s immigration authorities, and ensuring full legal compliance. It’s a faster, more affordable alternative for professionals seeking residency without upfront investment. 

Yes, you can still qualify for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa without making a $200,000 investment in real estate or a bank deposit. Through our Job-Offer option, eligible applicants can obtain residency under a valid Panamanian employment offer. This pathway does not require you to buy property or open a local bank account with a large deposit. Instead, we handle the process by registering your employment, coordinating with Panama’s immigration authorities, and ensuring full legal compliance. It’s a faster, more affordable alternative for professionals seeking residency without upfront investment. 

5. Can I include family members (spouse or children)?

Yes, you can still qualify for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa without making a $200,000 investment in real estate or a bank deposit. Through our Job-Offer option, eligible applicants can obtain residency under a valid Panamanian employment offer. This pathway does not require you to buy property or open a local bank account with a large deposit. Instead, we handle the process by registering your employment, coordinating with Panama’s immigration authorities, and ensuring full legal compliance. It’s a faster, more affordable alternative for professionals seeking residency without upfront investment. 

Yes, you can still qualify for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa without making a $200,000 investment in real estate or a bank deposit. Through our Job-Offer option, eligible applicants can obtain residency under a valid Panamanian employment offer. This pathway does not require you to buy property or open a local bank account with a large deposit. Instead, we handle the process by registering your employment, coordinating with Panama’s immigration authorities, and ensuring full legal compliance. It’s a faster, more affordable alternative for professionals seeking residency without upfront investment. 

Yes, you can still qualify for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa without making a $200,000 investment in real estate or a bank deposit. Through our Job-Offer option, eligible applicants can obtain residency under a valid Panamanian employment offer. This pathway does not require you to buy property or open a local bank account with a large deposit. Instead, we handle the process by registering your employment, coordinating with Panama’s immigration authorities, and ensuring full legal compliance. It’s a faster, more affordable alternative for professionals seeking residency without upfront investment. 

Yes, you can still qualify for the Panama Friendly Nations Visa without making a $200,000 investment in real estate or a bank deposit. Through our Job-Offer option, eligible applicants can obtain residency under a valid Panamanian employment offer. This pathway does not require you to buy property or open a local bank account with a large deposit. Instead, we handle the process by registering your employment, coordinating with Panama’s immigration authorities, and ensuring full legal compliance. It’s a faster, more affordable alternative for professionals seeking residency without upfront investment. 

Ready to Start your
Visa Process?

At Agroup Consulting, we’ve helped hundreds of clients through the friendly nations visa process, from the first consultation to final residency approval.
Let our team guide you through the legal steps, costs, and requirements so you can focus on building your future in Pana