News

Panama’s legislature has approved a revision to Panama’s popular Qualified Investor Program that adds an important new benefit.

Law No. 493 of 2025 authorizes the issuance of a special passport to qualified foreign investors who have obtained permanent residence under Panama’s Qualified Investor Program. The passport will serve as a formal travel and identification, recognizing a new special status for resident investors.

There are limits to the new passport. It does not grant citizenship or voting rights, and holders will not receive all of the same diplomatic protections as a Panama citizen. But it will still reflect a significant step for the visa program, and reflects the government’s continued efforts to make Panama hospitable for international property buyers.

“This initiative creates a new tier of recognition, a bridge between residency and citizenship intended to reward investors who have demonstrated long-term commitment to the country through tangible economic participation,” Guiraud Law noted in a recent article.

The new passport also increases Panama competitiveness on the global stage at a time when many countries are pulling back on their investor visa program. The Qualified Investor Program is already one of the friendliest in the world, with  a residency visa obtainable for as little as $300,000 in a qualified investment, such as property. Adding the ability to travel as a Panama resident is recognition of the contribution of investors to the Panama economy and shows the government solidly supports the program.

“The introduction of a special passport adds a new layer of appeal,” Guiraud wrote in its overview. “It signals to global investors that Panama recognizes their economic contribution as something deserving of elevated legal and administrative status. In a global environment where mobility and documentation carry tangible value, this gesture of recognition matters greatly.”

The new passport won’t be available immediately. The government still needs to develop a regulatory framework for implementing the law.

Meanwhile, Mercan Group, an investment and immigration consulting firm, recently announced that it is partnering with the government to support the international promotion and rework of the program, to emphasize transparency, efficiency and consistency.

Mercan Group, leader in Investment, Immigration Consulting and Recruitment, with 35+ years of expertise, is pleased to announce its new chapter in the immigration investment area, as the main strategic partner of the Government of Panama to support the international promotion and revamp of the country’s Qualified Investor Program.

“Having Mercan on board strengthens our commitment to ensuring that every participant benefits from a program built on transparency, performance, and real investment in the country,” said Eduardo Arango, Vice Minister of Commerce and Industries of Panama.