New Special Passport for Qualified Investors in Panama

As of October 29, 2025, Law 493 of 2025 has come into effect, expanding the immigration benefits available to foreigners who have obtained residency in Panama under the Qualified Investor Visa program.

This new law amends Law 32 of 2013 and now authorizes the issuance of a Special Passport for:

• Qualified Investors who are permanent residents of Panama, and

• Their dependents (spouse and minor or dependent children).

Key highlights:

• The Special Passport does not replace the investor’s national passport.

• It remains valid only while the residence permit is in force.

• It does not grant Panamanian nationality.

• The implementing regulations are expected within the next six months.

Purpose of the reform: To facilitate the international mobility of foreign investors residing in Panama and to further strengthen Panama’s attractiveness as an investment destination.