Panama is positioning itself as a hub for international investment, business, tourism, and residency, leveraging its strategic location, dollar‑based economy, and a permanent‑residency program tied to qualifying investments.
Economic Overview
- Growth: In 2025 the economy expanded by an estimated 4.4 %, driven by services, logistics, and construction.
- Panama Canal: Recorded 13,404 transits, a 19 % year‑on‑year increase, generating roughly USD 5.7 billion in revenue and a net profit exceeding USD 4 billion.
- Inflation: Remained below 1 % throughout the year.
- Tourism: Over 3 million international visitors in 2025, an 8.2 % rise from the previous year, with visitor spending of about USD 6.6 billion (preliminary, excluding international transport).
These indicators highlight Panama’s services‑driven economy and its role as a regional hub for logistics, aviation, financial services, and corporate activity.
Qualified Investor Program
- Investment thresholds:
- USD 300,000 for first‑sale real‑estate.
- USD 500,000 for secondary‑market property.
- Residency: Qualifying investments may lead to permanent residency, subject to legal requirements and approval.
- Processing: Streamlined application with limited physical‑presence obligations.
- Recent activity: Between July 2025 and June 2026, 268 Qualified Investor Certificates were issued—a 38 % increase over the prior year—representing USD 113.6 million in investment, with 87.3 % in real estate.
Prospective investors should assess legal, tax, and financial implications before proceeding.
Mercan Group’s Entry into Panama
- Partnership: In October 2025, Mercan Group, a Canadian‑founded developer active in Portugal and Greece, entered a strategic partnership with Panama to promote the Qualified Investor Program.
- Background: Founded in 1989, Mercan Group has experience in investment migration, hospitality, and real‑estate development, collaborating with international investors and global hotel brands.
Direct Investment Projects
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Pullman Panama City Hotel (Vía España):
- Development value: over USD 135 million.
- Composition: 126 hotel residences and 180 hotel rooms operating under the Pullman brand (Accor Group).
- Amenities: Restaurants, leisure areas, rooftop infinity pool, casino; located near the banking district.
- Residence price: Starting at approximately USD 319,500 (subject to change). Eligible units can meet the first‑sale investment threshold for residency, pending approval.
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Santa Maria Residential Tower: A planned 44‑storey tower in a well‑established area of Panama City, expanding Mercan Group’s portfolio beyond hospitality‑linked projects.
These projects illustrate Mercan Group’s long‑term commitment to diversifying its holdings in Panama.
The information provided is for general reference and does not constitute legal, tax, investment, or immigration advice. Program requirements, prices, and project details may change; prospective applicants should seek independent professional advice.
Source article: www.imidaily.com
