The Panamanian Government has issued, through Executive Decree
No. 197 of May 7th, 2021, major changes to the Friendly Nations
Visa. The Decree was published on May 20th, 2021 and will come into
force in 90 days (August 20, 2021). The changes include the
elimination of the possibility to access permanent residence by
incorporating a business and opening a bank account and depositing
the sum of Five Thousand Dollars (US$5,000.00). The changes that
will be in effect starting August 20, 2021 are:
1. A temporary residence visa will be granted for a term of two
(2) years. You can apply and obtain a permanent residency by filing
a second application thirty (30) calendar days or less, prior to
the expiration of the initial two (2) year temporary residency.
