Reviewed by Jane Katkova, Founder & Licensed CICC ConsultantKey points
- The resolution granting permanent residence issues about 30 days after filing.
- Document collection and the investment take one to two months before filing.
- One trip of three to five days covers registration and biometrics.
- The status is permanent from day one, with no annual renewal.
Qualified Investor Visa processing time
Panama's Qualified Investor Visa, created by Executive Decree 722 of 2020, grants permanent residence directly. The Servicio Nacional de Migración issues the resolution about 30 days from filing. Before filing, collecting apostilled police certificates and completing the investment takes one to two months, so two to three months end to end is realistic.
- Preparation and investment: one to two months.
- Decision: about 30 days from filing.
- Travel: one trip of three to five days for registration and biometrics.
Each stage is described in our guide to the Panama residency application process.
Qualifying investments
The investment is US$300,000 in new-build real estate, US$500,000 in resale property or Panamanian securities, or a US$750,000 fixed-term bank deposit, each held for five years. Government fees are about US$5,000 per applicant plus Panamanian legal fees.
Keeping the status after approval
The status is permanent from day one, with no annual renewal and no days-per-year test. It is cancelled only if you are absent from Panama for more than two consecutive years or dispose of the qualifying investment inside the five-year holding period. One visit every two years maintains it.
The alternative Friendly Nations Visa costs less, at US$200,000 in property or a deposit, but is slower and provisional: two years on a temporary permit, then a second application for permanence. Both are compared on our Panama residence by investment page. To schedule your filing and trip, book a consultation with our team.
People also ask
Do you pay tax on foreign income as a Panama resident?
No. Panama taxes Panamanian-source income only. Its territorial system does not tax foreign salaries, pensions, dividends or capital gains, even for full-time residents. Rental income from a Panamanian apartment and interest on a Panamanian deposit are local-source and taxable. US citizens continue to file US returns on worldwide income regardless.
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.