Panama Qualified Investor Program Expanded Through New Government Partnership

By De Puy & Asociados

The Government of Panama, through its Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI), has formalized a partnership with Mercan Group to support and promote the country’s Qualified Investor Program, according to a joint announcement. 

Under this program, foreign investors can obtain permanent residency in Panama via three main investment routes: (1) a real estate investment of US$300,000, (2) a US$500,000 investment in Panamanian listed securities, or (3) a US$750,000 fixed-term bank deposit — all to be held for at least five years. 

These investment thresholds are established under Executive Decree 193, which took effect on October 15, 2024, amending the earlier framework (Decree 722) and permanently lowering the real estate requirement from US$500,000 to US$300,000. 

MICI officials said that, since July 2024, the program has drawn over US$79 million in direct investment, indicating growing interest from global investors. 

In the agreement with Mercan, Panama emphasized its goal of making the Qualified Investor Program more “transparent, efficient, and consistent.” 

As part of the changes introduced by Decree 193, investors may now directly pay developers for pre-construction real estate under a promise-of-sale contract — including via a trust — and co-ownership arrangements between spouses or dependents are permitted.

In addition, Law No. 493 of 2025 introduces a “special passport” for qualified investors. While this travel document does not grant Panamanian citizenship or full diplomatic privileges, it formalizes a distinct status for these residents. 

According to MICI’s investor relations office, the program also offers flexibility in residency: after five years, qualifying investors may be eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship, without a strict physical residency requirem.