The Qualified Investor Visa (often called the “Red Carpet Visa”) has been revised by a presidential decree signed on 16 September 2026. The changes tighten eligibility criteria, add documentation requirements, and introduce new investment sub‑categories while preserving the core benefits of permanent residence, a Panamanian ID card and a travel document.
Main investment routes and new thresholds
| Investment type | Previous minimum | New minimum (effective 16 Sep 2026) | Additional notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Real estate – primary market / pre‑construction | $300,000 | $300,000 | Must be a purchase directly from the developer of an unsold, pre‑construction project. |
| Real estate – secondary market | — | $500,000 | Applies to purchases from existing owners or investors (e.g., resale apartments). |
| Bank term deposit – private banks | $750,000 | $750,000 | No change; deposit must be with a licensed private bank. |
| Bank term deposit – government‑owned banks | — | $500,000 | Eligible banks include Banco Nacional de Panamá and Caja de Ahorros. |
| Securities | $500,000 | $500,000 | Amount unchanged, but the law now explicitly allows a broader range of qualifying assets, such as private‑equity funds, venture‑capital funds, Panamanian sovereign debt, and certain corporate debt instruments. |
Real‑estate specifics
- Primary market / pre‑construction – Investment of at least $300,000 in a new development that has not yet been sold. The property must be purchased directly from the developer.
- Secondary market – If the property is bought from a current owner or another investor, the minimum investment rises to $500,000.
- The decree adds stricter appraisal and documentation requirements to verify the true market value of the property.
Bank‑deposit options
- Private banks – Remain at $750,000. Private institutions typically offer more extensive online services and credit‑card options.
- Government‑owned banks – New option at $500,000, available at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros. These deposits are also tax‑free term deposits.
Securities route
- The $500,000 threshold is unchanged.
- Qualifying securities now explicitly include:
- Private‑equity funds registered in Panama
- Venture‑capital funds
- Panamanian sovereign bonds
- Selected corporate debt instruments (as defined by the decree)
Tax regime
- The territorial tax system remains intact: foreign‑source income, capital gains, dividends and business profits are not subject to Panamanian tax.
- The visa continues to grant immediate permanent residence, a Panamanian ID card, and a travel document (a special passport for permanent residents).
Transitional “grandfather” provision
- Investments completed before 16 September 2026 are eligible for a six‑month grace period.
- Applicants must have a binding contract (e.g., a signed promise‑to‑purchase) that ties them to the investment.
- Prompt filing of the visa application is essential to benefit from the grandfather clause.
Practical considerations
- Documentation – The decree introduces more rigorous proof of source of funds, property valuation reports, and compliance checks.
- Professional assistance – Navigating the new requirements and preparing the necessary paperwork typically requires a qualified immigration lawyer or a certified relocation specialist familiar with Panamanian law.
- Decision criteria – Choose the route that aligns with your asset profile:
- If you prefer real‑estate development projects, the $300,000 primary‑market option may be most cost‑effective.
- If you have liquid cash and value banking services, the $500,000 government‑bank deposit offers a lower threshold than private banks.
- If you already hold or plan to acquire qualifying securities, the $500,000 securities route remains unchanged but now offers greater flexibility in asset selection.
Overall, the Qualified Investor Visa remains a fast track to Panamanian permanent residence and eventual citizenship, but applicants must now meet tighter valuation standards, provide more detailed documentation, and may benefit from the expanded investment options introduced by the September 2026 decree.
