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With this residency-by-investment ( RBI ) permit , applicants can achieve permanent status within 30 days from the moment they submit their application . The best part is that it eliminates the need for multiple trips to Panama . Moreover , it ’ s the only residency category that allows a fully remote application as long as the applicant ensures a Panamanian Consulate properly authenticates all necessary documents or carries an apostille seal .
“ Its unique features , such as offering a swift path to permanent residency , enabling remote application , and providing multiple investment choices , make it a standout option for those seeking an RBI program .
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Applicants and dependents only need to make one visit to Panama , during which they receive permanent residency cards and Panamanian IDs , along with a local tax number .
The investment must be retained for at least five years to maintain this status . Once this period is fulfilled , one can apply for Panamanian citizenship , provided some other requirements are met , like demonstrating substance in the country , the time spent in Panama , and any other ties the applicant may have established .
This aspect has sparked considerable interest among individuals looking to invest in real estate projects at an early stage . The investment can be managed by a Trustee , ensuring that payments are made according to a specified schedule while allowing for the early submission of the residency application once the trust is funded with the required minimum amount .
AN ATTRACTIVE RBI PROGRAM FOR ALL
Over the past three years , the Qualified Investor ' s Permanent Residency program has gained immense popularity among individuals worldwide . Its unique features , such as offering a swift path to permanent residency , enabling remote application , and providing multiple investment choices , make it a standout option for those seeking an RBI program .
Interestingly , a significant number of applicants opting for this program come from specific countries that have access to alternative residency programs with lower investment requirements . Despite having the option to invest less and spend less on legal expenses , these applicants choose to invest a higher sum and incur additional costs . They do this because they value the opportunity to attain permanent residency at an expedited pace , involving considerably fewer visits to the country .
This decision speaks volumes about the program ' s appeal and efficiency . It clearly demonstrates its ability to draw more investors in the future , as it continues to provide a compelling and attractive pathway to permanent residency in Panama .
REQUIREMENTS TO APPLY FOR PANAMA ’ S INVESTOR VISA PROGRAM
To qualify for this specific residency program , applicants are required to make an investment of at least $ 500,000 in real estate or the Panamanian stock market through a licensed broker . Alternatively , they can invest $ 750,000 in a Certified Deposit with any bank licensed in Panama .
It ' s crucial to maintain this investment for a minimum of five years , and Panamanian immigration authorities will verify this annually . Residency permits are revoked for those who prematurely liquidate their investments .
For those interested in real estate investments , there ' s a temporary reduction in the investment threshold until October 2024 . It allows applicants to qualify for the residency
permit with a minimum investment of $ 300,000 . An additional advantage of this option is that investors can submit their application before obtaining the property title , provided they make the minimum required investment to the seller or developer in advance .
EMILIO CORNEJO VERNAZA
Emilio Cornejo Vernaza is an experienced corporate attorney with over two decades of practice . He is a founding partner at PGS Attorneys , where he has played a key role in the firm ' s growth in immigration law , real estate law , and corporate and commercial law . His experience in immigration law has helped numerous clients navigate complex immigration processes , and his deep knowledge of real estate law has led to successful real estate transactions . He also brings a unique perspective to real estate law as a licensed realtor . Cornejo Vernaza is a respected speaker , having presented at conferences worldwide . He has authored numerous articles on topics such as immigration and investment law , featured in reputable industry publications .