Moving to Panama: taxes, residence and life
How to become tax resident in Panama: personal, dividend and corporate tax, 8 residence programmes, days needed, climate, safety and economy — compared with 194 countries.
Taxes
In Panama the top income tax rate is 25%, dividends are taxed at up to 10% and companies pay 25% corporate tax. Newcomers may use a special regime (0%): Territorial: foreign-source income exempt; friendly-nations visa.
How to move and become tax resident
You can become tax resident in Panama from arrival once you take up residence (Permanent home established in Panama, or >183 days in fiscal year (or prior year)). The typical route is Friendly Nations visa (US$200k property/deposit) or Qualified Investor PR: FN: US$200k real estate or 3-yr deposit (Swiss eligible); QI (Decree 17/2026): US$300k new property, US$500k resale/securities, US$750k deposit; hold 5 yrs There are 8 open residence programmes in Panama — see the list below.
Living there
Panama City has a tropical savanna (wet/dry) climate with winter highs around 30.5 °C and summer highs around 32.5 °C. The economy grew +4% in 2025; the IMF forecasts 4% for 2026. Its passport opens about 125 countries without a visa in advance. Security: No conflict; Darién jungle crime/trafficking.
Key facts
| Top income tax | 25% |
|---|---|
| Dividend tax | 10% |
| Corporate tax | 25% |
| Special regime for newcomers | 0% — Territorial: foreign-source income exempt; friendly-nations visa. |
| Residencia fiscal | desde la llegada — Permanent home established in Panama, or >183 days in fiscal year (or prior year) |
| Vía de residencia típica | Friendly Nations visa (US$200k property/deposit) or Qualified Investor PR — FN: US$200k real estate or 3-yr deposit (Swiss eligible); QI (Decree 17/2026): US$300k new property, US$500k resale/securities, US$750k deposit; hold 5 yrs |
| Pasaporte | sin visado o a la llegada a 125 países |
| Economic growth | +4% (2025), forecast 4% (2026) |
| Tipo de clima | tropical savanna (wet/dry) · 30.5° / 32.5° (Panama City) |
| Guerra y conflicto | none — No conflict; Darién jungle crime/trafficking |
| Todos los riesgos naturales | 5.4/10 |
| Solidez bancaria | 5.5/10 · BBB- |
| Protección de la propiedad | 5/10 |
| Viviendas cálidas en invierno | 8.5/10 |
Residence programmes in Panama
- Permanent Residence for Qualified Investors — Inversión CHF 240'000 · changing · 2026-10
- Friendly Nations Visa (Permanent Residence for nationals of friendly countries) — Inversión CHF 160'000 · open · 2026-10
- Self Economic Solvency Visa — Inversión CHF 240'000 · open · 2026-10
- Pensioner Visa (Pensionado) — Ingresos / año CHF 9'600 · open · 2026-10
- Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers — Ingresos / año CHF 28'800 · open · 2026-10
- Small Business Investor Visa — Inversión CHF 128'000 · open · 2026-10
- Work permit / employment-based residence — employment · open · 2026-10
- Family reunification (spouse/dependants of Panamanian or resident) — family · open · 2026-10
Plan your residence route
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need to spend in Panama to become tax resident?
desde la llegada. Permanent home established in Panama, or >183 days in fiscal year (or prior year) Territorial: foreign income untaxed; tax residence separate from immigration status
How much tax will I pay in Panama?
In Panama the top income tax rate is 25%, dividends are taxed at up to 10% and companies pay 25% corporate tax.
Which residence programmes does Panama offer?
Permanent Residence for Qualified Investors (CHF 240'000); Friendly Nations Visa (Permanent Residence for nationals of friendly countries) (CHF 160'000); Self Economic Solvency Visa (CHF 240'000); Pensioner Visa (Pensionado); Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers
What is the usual way to move to Panama?
Friendly Nations visa (US$200k property/deposit) or Qualified Investor PR. FN: US$200k real estate or 3-yr deposit (Swiss eligible); QI (Decree 17/2026): US$300k new property, US$500k resale/securities, US$750k deposit; hold 5 yrs
Compare with nearby countries
Argentina · Belize · Bolivia · Brazil · Canada · Chile · Colombia · Costa Rica · Cuba · Dominican Rep. · Ecuador · El Salvador
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