Qualified Investor vs Pensionado — requirements, real differences, and when holding both makes sense.
Two residency programs cover 90% of foreign applications in Panama: the Qualified Investor Visa and the Pensionado Visa. Different requirements, different fits — and sometimes worth combining.
Executive Decree 722 of 2020: a registered real estate investment of $300,000+ free of mortgages grants permanent residency from approval day. Spouse and minor children included. Requirements: registered deed, tax clearances, apostilled police record, valid passport, a $100,000 life policy from a Panamanian insurer, and proof of economic capacity. The threshold is under review for a possible increase — buyers who close before any new decree retain eligibility at the current level.
Law 6 of 1987: a permanent pension of $1,000+/month qualifies — no property purchase required. Benefits include 20% off private healthcare, 25% off flights, 50% off weekday hotels, and a one-time duty exemption on household goods. Permanent residency from approval.
A retiree with a qualifying pension who also buys property can hold Pensionado for the discounts and process Qualified Investor for the strength it adds to long-term residence and structuring. Whether that's worth it for you is the first question a consulting session answers. Every application requires a licensed immigration attorney — we coordinate with specialists who do this daily.