Panama Qualified Investor certificates hit 268, up 39%

Between July 2025 and June 2026, Panama's Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) issued 268 Qualified Investor residency certificates backed by B/.113.6 million (US$113.6 million, as of October 2026), up 38.9% from 193 certificates worth just over B/.90 million (US$90.1 million, as of October 2026) a year earlier, MICI reported on 23 October and Infobae on 25 October. Under Executive Decree 17, in force since 16 September 2026 (amending Executive Decree 722 of 2020), Panama's direct permanent residency requires US$300,000 in new-build property bought first-hand from a developer or US$500,000 in resale property or state-bank fixed deposits (as of October 2026).

Commerce and Industries Minister Julio Moltó presented the figures at a World Economic Forum session in Panama City alongside B/.792.4 million (US$792.4 million, as of October 2026) in first-half 2026 foreign direct investment. According to Infobae, 87.3% of the 268 certificates were for real estate purchases, led by investors from Colombia and the United States.

The July 2025 to June 2026 certifications preceded the 16 September 2026 rule change under Executive Decree 17. As of October 2026, qualifying routes are US$300,000 for new-build residential or commercial units bought directly from a developer or promoter (including pre-construction promissory contracts backed by a licensed Panamanian bank or trust), US$500,000 for completed resale property or licensed Panamanian brokerage securities, or US$500,000 in a five-year fixed deposit at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros (US$750,000 at private banks), all funded from abroad and held for five years.