Panama runs two well known residency paths. The Friendly Nations route is limited to citizens of a published list of countries, and the Qualified Investor route is open to any nationality. Vietnam is not on the friendly nations list, so this page focuses on the Qualified Investor route for Vietnamese nationals.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
Vietnamese nationals are not eligible for the Friendly Nations route, because Vietnam is not on the Panama published list of friendly nations. This is a nationality based exclusion for that specific route, not a judgement on any applicant.
Vietnamese nationals are eligible for the Qualified Investor route, which is open to any nationality and rests on the size of the investment. Confirm the live eligibility rules with the National Migration Service.
The Qualified Investor route grants permanent residency on approval. Qualifying options include real estate held in your own name, a fixed term bank deposit, or a securities investment, each at a set minimum.
The reduced real estate figure is reported to apply only until a 2026 cut off, after which the minimum rises. Confirm the current figure, the cut off date and the holding period with the National Migration Service before committing any money.
The Qualified Investor route is designed to be fast and is reported to grant permanent residency after a review measured in weeks rather than the staged path used by the Friendly Nations route. Processing varies with volume. Confirm current scheduling with the official authority.
The figures below are indicative entry points for the Qualified Investor route. Treat them as a starting point only and confirm the current amounts, the cut off date and all fees with the National Migration Service.
| Item | Indicative amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Qualified Investor, real estate | From USD 300,000 until a 2026 cut off | Reported to rise to USD 500,000 after the cut off. Confirm the current figure and date |
| Qualified Investor, deposit or securities | From USD 500,000 | Fixed term bank deposit or qualifying securities. Confirm the current figure |
| Friendly Nations route | Not available to Vietnamese nationals | Vietnam is not on the published friendly nations list |
| Government and processing fees | Confirm the current figure with the official authority | Application and permit fees apply |
Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. National Migration Service of Panama (Servicio Nacional de Migracion) publishes the binding detail. Verify before you act.
No. Vietnam is not on the Panama published list of friendly nations, so that route is not open to Vietnamese citizens. The Qualified Investor route is open to any nationality.
The real estate option starts from a reported figure that applies until a 2026 cut off and then rises. Deposit and securities options sit higher. Confirm the current amounts and the cut off date with the official authority.
It is reported to grant permanent residency on approval, unlike the staged Friendly Nations path. Confirm the current process with the official authority.
Information, not advice. Figures are indicative and current as of June 2026. Always confirm the present rules with the official program authority and a licensed professional before you act.
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