Reviewed by Jane Katkova, Founder & Licensed CICC ConsultantKey points
- Panama's territorial system taxes Panamanian-source income only, not foreign income.
- Foreign salaries, pensions, dividends and capital gains are not taxed in Panama.
- Rent from a Panamanian apartment and interest on a Panamanian deposit are taxable.
- US citizens keep filing US returns on worldwide income wherever they live.
Territorial taxation in Panama
Panama taxes on a territorial basis: only Panamanian-source income is taxed. Foreign salaries, pensions, dividends and capital gains are not taxed in Panama, even for people who live there full-time.
Income that is taxable in Panama
The qualifying investment for residence can itself produce local-source income:
- rental income from a Panamanian apartment; and
- interest on a Panamanian bank deposit.
Both are taxable in Panama, so an investor who buys a US$300,000 new-build apartment and lets it should budget for local tax on the rent.
Panamanian residence does not replace your home-country obligations. US citizens continue to file US returns on worldwide income regardless of where they live. The permit also does not change your right to enter the US or Canada, and it carries no Schengen rights.
Residence conditions behind the tax position
The Qualified Investor Visa grants permanent residence for US$300,000 in new-build real estate, US$500,000 in resale property or securities, or a US$750,000 deposit, each held five years. One visit every two years maintains the status. After five years of residence you may apply to naturalise, which requires exams in Spanish and Panamanian civics; the decision is discretionary, and Panama's constitution asks naturalised citizens to renounce their prior nationality.
Eligibility and documents are covered in our guide to Panama residency requirements, and the investment routes are on our Panama Qualified Investor Visa page. To review how Panamanian residence would interact with your US or Canadian tax position, book a consultation with us.
People also ask
How long does it take to get permanent residency in Panama?
About 30 days from filing to the resolution granting permanent residence under the Qualified Investor Visa. Collecting apostilled police certificates and completing the investment takes another one to two months before filing, so two to three months end to end is realistic. One trip to Panama of three to five days is needed.
How long does it take to get Portuguese citizenship through residence?
Ten years of legal residence, counted from your first residence card, under the Nationality Law in force since 19 May 2026. EU and CPLP nationals qualify after seven years. You also need A2 Portuguese and a clean record. Applications lodged before 19 May 2026 follow the old five-year rule.
Can you still get a Portugal golden visa by buying property?
No. Real estate and real-estate funds were removed from the Portugal golden visa on 7 October 2023. The routes in 2026 are a €500,000 CMVM-registered fund, €500,000 in research, a €250,000 cultural donation (€200,000 in low-density areas) and company or job-creation routes. You may buy a home, but it will not count.
How much does the Greece golden visa cost in 2026?
From €250,000 for an approved commercial-to-residential conversion or listed-building restoration, €400,000 for a standard home in most of Greece, and €800,000 in Attica, Thessaloniki, Mykonos, Santorini and islands with more than 3,100 residents. Add about 3.09% transfer tax, 3–4% notary and legal fees, and about €2,000 state fee per adult.
Can you rent out a Greece golden visa property on Airbnb?
No. Long-term lets are allowed, but short-term rental on Airbnb-style platforms is banned for Greece golden visa property. The fine is €50,000 and the residence permit can be revoked. Plan your yield on annual tenancies, not tourist lets, and expect a Greek property tax bill (ENFIA) plus tax on any Greek rental income.