Define what you are buying first
An investment may be land, a completed property, company shares, business assets or development rights. Each structure changes the review and responsibility for prior obligations.
The thesis should explain where returns come from, what additional capital is required, who will operate and how the investment can exit.
Four risks that change the result
- Asset: title, access, boundaries, improvements, occupants and restrictions.
- Seller: identity, capacity, representation and authorizations.
- Operation: permits, contracts, people, suppliers and demand.
- Closing: taxes, holdbacks, conditions, warranties and payment traceability.
Company, foundation or personal name
There is no universally superior structure. The choice depends on the asset, partners, financing, succession, taxation and the investor’s home country.
If the investment is also intended to support residence under the Qualified Investor category, review the immigration requirements before committing funds. Executive Decree 17 of 8 September 2026, effective from 16 September, distinguishes minimum property investments of B/.300,000 for a first sale and B/.500,000 for the secondary market. The net value that can be counted is the lower of the price actually paid and the reasonably substantiated market value, less the outstanding balance of any charges secured against the property. The investment type, value and foreign origin of the funds must be documented; the advertised price alone is insufficient. Earlier transactions may qualify for transitional rules.
Source: Executive Decree 17 of 2026, articles 4, 5, 6, 19 and 21 (official text in Spanish).
Promise-to-purchase agreement: from B/.300,000, through a trust administered by a bank or trustee licensed in Panama, or payment of 100% to the developer or seller. Under the latter route, the entire investment must be secured by an irrevocable, unconditional bank instrument payable on first demand, issued by an institution licensed in Panama, valid until the property is built, separately titled and registered in the investor’s name. This instrument must be renewed and submitted annually to MICI until those conditions are met. The cumulative period of residency supported solely by promise-to-purchase agreements cannot exceed three years. Actual payment, investment value and foreign origin of funds must be evidenced, alongside the other Article 7 requirements.
Fixed-term deposits: at least B/.750,000 in a privately owned bank with a general licence, or B/.500,000 when placed directly and exclusively with Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros. Deposits must remain in place for five uninterrupted years, free of liens, pledges or restrictions securing third-party financing, with documented foreign origin of funds. A bank certification and a bank-authenticated copy of the deposit certificate are required.
The investment must be retained for at least five years and evidenced annually before MICI. Meeting the minimum amount does not guarantee immigration approval. This summary does not replace a review of all applicable requirements and documents.
Before signing or paying
- Define the asset and acquisition vehicle.
- Obtain registry, corporate, tax and operating documents.
- Confirm permits, utilities and access.
- Model costs without unverified incentives.
- Turn findings into closing conditions or price adjustments.