Panama updates Qualified Investor Program rules

Panama has updated its Qualified Investor Program through Executive Decree No. 17 to attract more foreign capital and stimulate the construction sector. The changes specifically target real estate investment requirements for those seeking permanent residency.

Under the new regulations, the minimum investment for new, unoccupied property purchased from a developer remains at $300,000. However, the threshold for resale properties has increased to $500,000. This adjustment is intended to steer investment toward new construction projects, which generate more local employment.

Other updates include higher requirements for fixed-term deposits: $750,000 at private banks or $500,000 at state-owned institutions like Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros. Investors must also complete annual check-ins with the Ministry of Commerce and Industries for five years to maintain their status. For pre-construction purchases, new protections require irrevocable bank guarantees or escrow accounts to secure funds.