Foreign Investment in Panama Grows With The Qualified Investor Program

Foreign investor interest in establishing themselves in Panama through the Permanent Residency Program for Qualified Investors continues to rise. Between July 2025 and June 2026, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) issued 268 certifications - a 38% increase over the previous period - supporting investments totaling $113.6 million.

These figures reflect an increase in both the number of certificates issued and the capital attracted. Compared to the cycle spanning July 2024 to June 2025, 75 additional certifications were granted, and declared investments rose by $23.4 million. According to MICE, this growth has been driven by the digitalization of procedures, which streamlined processes and significantly increased the capacity to handle applications.

The real estate market remains the primary destination for these investments, according for 87.3% of approved certifications. Fixed-term deposits and securities investments follow, representing 7.5$ and 5.2% of the total, respectively. Applications came from investors in countries such as the United States, Canada, Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, and China, demonstrating interest from markets across the Americas, Europe, and Asia in investing in Panama through this program, which was established by Executive Decree No. 722 of 2020.