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Programme guides · Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residency

What Is Panama’s Territorial Tax System? The Tax Advantage of Qualified Investor Residency

Written by Global Immigrate consultants · Reviewed by Fergus Wu, Co-founder & Chief Immigration Consultant

Summary

Panama taxes on a territorial basis, only on income sourced in Panama. The Qualified Investor programme grants permanent residency directly, from a USD 300,000 new-build home. Territorial tax, the investment routes, residence benefits and tax planning tips.

What is territorial taxation?

Panama only taxes income sourced in Panama; foreign income is generally not taxed there. It is one reason many investors choose Panama.

Qualified Investor routes (new rules from September 2026)

Route Minimum investment
New-build property USD 300,000
Resale property USD 500,000
Securities USD 500,000
Fixed deposit USD 750,000

The investment must be held for at least five years and funded from abroad.

Residence benefits

  • Permanent residency directly, with no temporary stage
  • Generally one visit every two years keeps your status
  • The US dollar is legal tender
  • After five years as a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship if eligible

Tax planning tips

  1. Territorial taxation doesn’t mean no filing at all — assess your own situation.
  2. Panamanian residence doesn’t automatically change your tax residence elsewhere.
  3. Review your arrangements with a tax adviser before moving.

The new rules

They distinguish new-build from resale property and tighten checks on the source of funds and investment structures. Confirm the latest threshold before choosing a property.

FAQ

Do I need to live in Panama?

No — generally a visit every two years maintains your status.

Is foreign income taxed in Panama?

Panama taxes on a territorial basis; seek tax advice for your situation.

How long does approval take?

Statutory processing is about 30–90 working days.

Sources

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