--- title: "Panama Qualified Investor · Deposit 2026: from PAB 500k needed" url: https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/qualified-investor-fixed-deposit/ lang: en updated: 2026-10-12 --- Panama · Investing # Panama Qualified Investor · Deposit **Investment needed:** from PAB 500k ≈ $500k Programa de Inversionista Calificado — depósito a plazo fijo (Decreto Ejecutivo 17 of 2026) Checked against official sources on 12 Oct 2026 [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) - **Investment needed:** from PAB 500k ≈ $500k (An investment of at least PAB 500,000 (≈ $500,000) · Minimum fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros under Decreto Ejecutivo 17 of 8 September 2026. An investment of at least PAB 750,000 (≈ $750,000) · Alternative: fixed-term deposit of at least B/.750,000 in any other licensed private bank, held free of liens for five calendar years with funds transferred from abroad (Decreto art. 9). A fee of PAB 5,000 (≈ $5,000) · Application payment to the National Treasury (Decreto art. 11). A fee of PAB 5,000 (≈ $5,000) · Repatriation deposit paid to the Servicio Nacional de Migración with the application (Decreto art. 11). A fee of PAB 1,000 (≈ $1,000) · Per dependant: application payment to the National Treasury (Decreto art. 11). A fee of PAB 1,000 (≈ $1,000) · Per dependant: repatriation deposit paid to the Servicio Nacional de Migración (Decreto art. 11).) - **Who can apply:** Any passport - **Tax angle:** Tax relief (Panama territorial income tax (foreign-source income outside the tax base): Panama taxes income produced inside Panama only; the taxable base of a taxpayer is gross income less foreign-source income, exempt income and deductible costs, and the DGI personal return has a separate line for foreign-source income.) ## Key facts Qualified Investor · Deposit is an investing route for Panama. Applicants need an investment from PAB 500k ≈ $500k. Checked 2026-10-12 against the official source. - **Money needed:** from PAB 500k ≈ $500k - **Government fees:** PAB 5,000 ≈ $5,000 · +3 more ## Cost, time and long term To apply: government fees PAB 10k ≈ $10k in total (2 fees); investment from PAB 500k ≈ $500k. No lawyer or agent fee is included. **Government fees: PAB 5,000 ≈ $5,000 · +3 more** - PAB 5,000 (≈ $5,000) Application payment to the National Treasury (Decreto art. 11). - PAB 5,000 (≈ $5,000) Repatriation deposit paid to the Servicio Nacional de Migración with the application (Decreto art. 11). - PAB 1,000 (≈ $1,000) Per dependant: application payment to the National Treasury (Decreto art. 11). - PAB 1,000 (≈ $1,000) Per dependant: repatriation deposit paid to the Servicio Nacional de Migración (Decreto art. 11). **Invested and held: PAB 500k+ ≈ $500k · PAB 750k+ ≈ $750k** - PAB 500,000 (≈ $500,000) Minimum fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros under Decreto Ejecutivo 17 of 8 September 2026. - PAB 750,000 (≈ $750,000) Alternative: fixed-term deposit of at least B/.750,000 in any other licensed private bank, held free of liens for five calendar years with funds transferred from abroad (Decreto art. 9). **Renewal: Renewal rules** Permanent residence has no fixed term, but the investment must be kept for 5 years with proof each year. [Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias](https://mici.gob.pa/inversionista-calificado/) **Citizenship: General rule: 5 years of residence** Naturalisation needs 5 consecutive years of residence in Panama, plus Spanish and basic knowledge of Panamanian history, geography and politics. [Asamblea Nacional de Panamá](https://www.asamblea.gob.pa/Uploads/DocumentosCompartidos/137/Documento_Constitucion_1972.pdf) **Where to apply: Abroad or in-country** The application can be started through an attorney even before you enter Panama. [Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias](https://mici.gob.pa/inversionista-calificado/) **Presence rules: Stay rule** The investor must visit Panama at least once every 2 years to keep permanent residence. [Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias](https://mici.gob.pa/inversionista-calificado/) ## Why this route may not fit Check this before you apply. - Can't be renewed ### What you'll need #### Who can apply - Applicants are foreign individuals whose deposit is funded by international transfer from abroad. #### What you must show - A fixed-term deposit of at least B/.500,000 at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros qualifies. - A deposit of at least B/.750,000 at any other licensed private bank also qualifies. - Fees are B/.5,000 to the National Treasury plus a B/.5,000 repatriation deposit, and B/.1,000 plus B/.1,000 per dependant. #### Documents - A bank certificate confirms the active deposit, its maturity date, ownership, foreign origin and that it is free of liens. - Foreign origin of funds is shown by a bank letter, a bank statement or a notarised letter with a bank certification. #### Steps 1. The Ministry of Commerce and Industries issues an investment certification, valid three months, before filing with Migración. 2. Applications can be filed before entering Panama through a special attorney, with biometric registration before any card. #### After you arrive - The deposit stays free of liens for five calendar years, with annual proof to the Ministry of Commerce and Industries. ## When you become tax resident How Panama decides tax residence and treats foreign-source income, from its tax records. - **Foreign-source income:** **Territorial** Panama taxes income produced inside Panama only; the taxable base of a taxpayer is gross income less foreign-source income, exempt income and deductible costs, and the DGI personal return has a separate line for foreign-source income. - **Special regime:** **Panama territorial income tax** · Tax relief [All tax rules for Panama](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/tax/) Tax records checked 10 Oct 2026 **Full official text** Permanent residence for foreigners who place a fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros, or a larger one at another licensed bank. (sources 1, 2, 3) #### What you must show and pay - An investment of at least PAB 500,000 (≈ $500,000) · Minimum fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros under Decreto Ejecutivo 17 of 8 September 2026. (source 1) - An investment of at least PAB 750,000 (≈ $750,000) · Alternative: fixed-term deposit of at least B/.750,000 in any other licensed private bank, held free of liens for five calendar years with funds transferred from abroad (Decreto art. 9). (source 3) - A fee of PAB 5,000 (≈ $5,000) · Application payment to the National Treasury (Decreto art. 11). (source 3) - A fee of PAB 5,000 (≈ $5,000) · Repatriation deposit paid to the Servicio Nacional de Migración with the application (Decreto art. 11). (source 3) - A fee of PAB 1,000 (≈ $1,000) · Per dependant: application payment to the National Treasury (Decreto art. 11). (source 3) - A fee of PAB 1,000 (≈ $1,000) · Per dependant: repatriation deposit paid to the Servicio Nacional de Migración (Decreto art. 11). (source 3) #### Requirements - Applicants are foreign individuals whose deposit is funded by international transfer from abroad. (source 3) - A fixed-term deposit of at least B/.500,000 at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros qualifies. (sources 1, 3) - A deposit of at least B/.750,000 at any other licensed private bank also qualifies. (source 3) - Fees are B/.5,000 to the National Treasury plus a B/.5,000 repatriation deposit, and B/.1,000 plus B/.1,000 per dependant. (source 3) - A bank certificate confirms the active deposit, its maturity date, ownership, foreign origin and that it is free of liens. (source 3) - Foreign origin of funds is shown by a bank letter, a bank statement or a notarised letter with a bank certification. (source 3) - The Ministry of Commerce and Industries issues an investment certification, valid three months, before filing with Migración. (source 3) - Applications can be filed before entering Panama through a special attorney, with biometric registration before any card. (source 3) - The deposit stays free of liens for five calendar years, with annual proof to the Ministry of Commerce and Industries. (sources 3, 2) #### Stay - Permanent residence is granted directly, without a prior temporary residence, and has no fixed term. The investment must be kept for five years with annual proof, the investor must visit Panama at least once every two years, and naturalisation can be requested after five consecutive years of residence. - Not renewable according to our source. #### Family The investment can extend the benefits to the spouse, children and qualifying parents. Checked 2026-10-12 ## Official sources 1. [Panamá apuesta por más inversión y empleo con nuevo decreto de Inversionista Calificado (Decreto Ejecutivo 17 of 8 Sept 2026)](https://mici.gob.pa/2026/09/28/panama-apuesta-por-mas-inversion-y-empleo-con-nuevo-decreto-de-inversionista-calificado/) · Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias · checked 2026-10-12 · published 2026-09-28 2. [Programa de Inversionista Calificado (obligations: keep investment 5 years, visit once every 2 years)](https://mici.gob.pa/inversionista-calificado/) · Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias · checked 2026-10-12 3. [Decreto Ejecutivo que subroga el Decreto Ejecutivo 722 de 2020 (Residente Permanente en calidad de Inversionista Calificado), Gaceta Oficial Digital 30613, 16 September 2026](https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/storage/gacetas/2026/09/30613/105241.pdf) · Gaceta Oficial de Panamá · checked 2026-10-11 4. [Constitución Política de la República de Panamá, art. 10](https://www.asamblea.gob.pa/Uploads/DocumentosCompartidos/137/Documento_Constitucion_1972.pdf) · Asamblea Nacional de Panamá · checked 2026-10-11 ## Qualified Investor · Deposit and its alternatives | Route | Money needed | Stay | Work | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Qualified Investor · Deposit | Needs an investment from PAB 500k ≈ $500k | – | – | | [Qualified Investor · Property](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/qualified-investor-new-real-estate/) | Needs an investment of PAB 300k+ ≈ $300k | – | – | | [Qualified Investor · Securities](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/qualified-investor-securities/) | Needs an investment of PAB 500k+ ≈ $500k | – | – | | [Investor residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/mexico/temporary-resident-investor/) Mexico | Needs an investment of MXN 5.4M+ ≈ $294k | 4 yr | With a permit | | [Investor M · Property](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/colombia/m-investor-real-estate/) Colombia | Needs an investment of COP 612.8M+ ≈ $192k | 3 yr | Limited | ## Questions people ask ### How much money do I need for the Qualified Investor · Deposit? An investment of at least PAB 500,000 (≈ $500,000). Minimum fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros under Decreto Ejecutivo 17 of 8 September 2026. An investment of at least PAB 750,000 (≈ $750,000). Alternative: fixed-term deposit of at least B/.750,000 in any other licensed private bank, held free of liens for five calendar years with funds transferred from abroad (Decreto art. A fee of PAB 5,000 (≈ $5,000). Application payment to the National Treasury (Decreto art. A fee of PAB 5,000 (≈ $5,000). Repatriation deposit paid to the Servicio Nacional de Migración with the application (Decreto art. ### How long can I stay on the Qualified Investor · Deposit? Permanent residence is granted directly, without a prior temporary residence, and has no fixed term. ### Can I bring my family on the Qualified Investor · Deposit? The investment can extend the benefits to the spouse, children and qualifying parents. ### Is there a tax break for Qualified Investor · Deposit holders in Panama? Panama territorial income tax (foreign-source income outside the tax base): Panama taxes income produced inside Panama only; the taxable base of a taxpayer is gross income less foreign-source income, exempt income and deductible costs, and the DGI personal return has a separate line for foreign-source income. It's separate from the visa and has its own conditions. ## Tax Special regime ### [Panama territorial income tax (foreign-source income outside the tax base)](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/tax/#tax-pa-territorial-income-tax) Tax relief Foreign-source income: Territorial **Details** - Who: Applies to every taxpayer, natural or legal, national or foreign Panama taxes income produced inside Panama only; the taxable base of a taxpayer is gross income less foreign-source income, exempt income and deductible costs, and the DGI personal return has a separate line for foreign-source income. #### Taxed on Taxable income = gross income minus foreign-source income, exempt/non-taxable income and deductible costs and expenses (Código Fiscal art. 695 as amended by Ley 8 of 2010); art. 694 par. 2 lists activities whose income is not treated as produced in Panama (invoicing from a Panama office for goods moving only abroad, directing from Panama transactions that are completed abroad, distributing dividends out of income not produced in Panama). #### Who it applies to - Applies to every taxpayer, natural or legal, national or foreign (art. 694 definition of contribuyente); no application, visa status or registration is needed to have foreign-source income left out of the base. - Foreign-source income is reported on line 18 of the DGI natural-person return, citing par. 2 of art. 694 of the Código Fiscal and special laws. #### Exclusions - Income from work or services performed in Panama, Panama-located assets and Panama business activity is Panama-source and taxable. - Persons domiciled abroad who receive payments for services that benefit persons in Panama and affect Panama-source income are subject to withholding on 50% of the amount remitted under art. 694 lit. e as amended by Ley 8 of 2010, unless they register as taxpayers. - Costs and expenses attributable to foreign-source income are not deductible against taxable income. #### Tax residence no residency test is recorded. #### Visas The territorial base applies regardless of visa or residence permit type; it is a feature of the income tax, not of an immigration route. #### Other taxes Social security (CSS) and educational insurance are charged on salary by separate tariffs set out in the DGI instructivo (educational insurance tariff 2.75% of the base for employees per the instructivo). Checked against official sources on 10 Oct 2026, some details partly verified [Change log](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/) [Full page →](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/tax/) ## More in Panama [Remote worker visa](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/remote-worker-visa/) [Retired rentista](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/rentista-retirado/) [Pensionado residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/pensionado-residence/) [Friendly Nations residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/panama/friendly-nations-permanent/) ## Investment visas elsewhere [🇨🇷 Investor residence · $200k](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/costa-rica/temporary-investor/) [🇧🇷 Investor · R$500k in a company](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/brazil/investor-company/) [🇺🇸 E-2 Treaty Investor](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/united-states/e2-treaty-investor/) [🇨🇱 Investor · US$500k](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/chile/investor/) [🇪🇨 Investor · $48k shares](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/ecuador/temporary-investor-shares/) [🇵🇪 Investor residence](https://settleanywhere.com/countries/peru/investor-resident/) ≈ USD figures are approximate: daily reference rates from ExchangeRate-API, dated 12 Oct 2026, refreshed when the site is updated. ## How this was checked **Checked on 2026-10-12 against 4 official sources.** Status: verified against the official sources. Every figure on this page comes from the official source it links to. The record was researched against these sources, then reviewed separately, with special attention to effective dates and amendments. Where a source does not state something, the page leaves it out. 1. [Panamá apuesta por más inversión y empleo con nuevo decreto de Inversionista Calificado (Decreto Ejecutivo 17 of 8 Sept 2026)](https://mici.gob.pa/2026/09/28/panama-apuesta-por-mas-inversion-y-empleo-con-nuevo-decreto-de-inversionista-calificado/) · Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias · checked 2026-10-12 2. [Programa de Inversionista Calificado (obligations: keep investment 5 years, visit once every 2 years)](https://mici.gob.pa/inversionista-calificado/) · Ministerio de Comercio e Industrias · checked 2026-10-12 3. [Decreto Ejecutivo que subroga el Decreto Ejecutivo 722 de 2020 (Residente Permanente en calidad de Inversionista Calificado), Gaceta Oficial Digital 30613, 16 September 2026](https://www.gacetaoficial.gob.pa/storage/gacetas/2026/09/30613/105241.pdf) · Gaceta Oficial de Panamá · checked 2026-10-11 4. [Constitución Política de la República de Panamá, art. 10](https://www.asamblea.gob.pa/Uploads/DocumentosCompartidos/137/Documento_Constitucion_1972.pdf) · Asamblea Nacional de Panamá · checked 2026-10-11 Tracked since 2026-10-10. Rule changes and corrections are listed on the [changes page](https://settleanywhere.com/changes/), and the [methodology page](https://settleanywhere.com/methodology/) explains how facts are checked. Found something out of date? Email [contact@stayglobe.app](mailto:contact@stayglobe.app?subject=Correction) with a link to the official source.