LATAM Hub | Country file
Panama
The dollarized hub of the region. FDI bounced back in 2026, and the investor residency rules changed in September. Last updated 25 October 2026.
| Indicator | Value | As of / source |
|---|---|---|
| FDI, first half 2026 | US$792.4M, after a net divestment of US$141.8M in H1 2025 | MEF, Coyuntura Económica, Oct 2026 |
| Reinvested earnings share of FDI | 73% (US$578.5M) | Same |
| Currency | Balboa, pegged 1:1 to the US dollar, which circulates | No independent monetary policy rate |
| Qualified Investor residency, real estate | US$300,000 for first-sale (new) property; US$500,000 for resale | Executive Decree 17 of 8 Sep 2026, in force 16 Sep 2026 |
| Qualified Investor, bank deposit | US$500,000 at a state-owned bank; US$750,000 at a private bank | Same |
What changed for investors
The 2026 decree splits property into new and resale for the first time. A buyer of a resale apartment now needs US$500,000 to qualify, while new developments keep the US$300,000 entry point. Rules for proving the source of funds and entity ownership also got stricter. The 2025 FDI drop came mainly from one bank’s corporate reorganization rather than a broad pullback, according to the MEF.
How foreigners own property
Foreigners can generally hold titled property directly or through a company. Land near the national borders and some coastal and island land carry restrictions, so title review comes first.
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