Panama’s QIPR and Independent Means Visa programs are on track for a record-breaking year. These visas, aimed at attracting foreign investors and financially independent individuals, have become incredibly popular. With more people choosing Panama as their new home, the country is setting records for welcoming international residents. The easy application process and appealing incentives make Panama an even more attractive place to invest or settle in a vibrant, diverse environment.
Recent numbers show that Panama’s residence-by-investment programs are seeing record interest in 2024. The Independent Means Visa and Qualified Investor Permanent Residency programs are both set to hit all-time highs this year. On the other hand, approvals for the Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) are leveling off after a big surge in applications when the price jumped from $5,000 to $200,000. With 1,312 FNV approvals so far this year, it’s clear that while interest remains strong, it’s no longer skyrocketing like it did right after the price increase.
In the first five months of 2024, the Qualified Investor Permanent Residency (QIPR) program has seen 105 applications, putting it on track to potentially reach 252 approvals by the year’s end—up from 187 in 2023. The anticipated rise in the minimum investment threshold from $300,000 to $500,000 in October could lead to a rush of applications before the new requirement kicks in.
Panama’s Independent Visa for Jubilados and Pensionados is maintaining its impressive performance from last year, with 819 approvals in the first five months of 2024. If this momentum keeps up, the program is likely to surpass the previous year’s record of 1,627 approvals.
In 2024, Panama’s approval rates for investor and independent means visas are still impressively high, continuing a trend of exceeding 95% in recent years. This year, the average approval rate has risen to 98%, up from 96% in 2022 and 2023. The Fixed Deposit Investor Visa even achieved a perfect 100% approval rate. The only slight dip was seen with the Qualified Investor Permanent Residency (QIPR), which dropped from 99% to 98%.
After peaking at 4,318 approvals in 2021 due to a price increase, the number of Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) approvals has been steadily decreasing, with 2,554 in 2022 and 2,120 in 2023. So far in 2024, there have been 1,312 approvals, showing that while interest in the FNV is holding steady, it hasn’t reached the highs of 2021. Additionally, investor immigrants make up 15% of all approved immigrants this year, which aligns with Panama’s long-term average over the past seven years.
In 2024, 15% of all approved immigrants in Panama have been investor immigrants. This percentage aligns with the country’s long-term average over the last seven years.
In short, 2024 is turning out to be a big year for Panama’s residence-by-investment programs. The Qualified Investor Permanent Residency (QIPR) and Independent Means Visa programs are seeing record numbers, showing that more people than ever are choosing Panama as their new home. The country’s streamlined application process and attractive incentives are clearly paying off. Although the Friendly Nations Visa (FNV) approvals have slowed since the price increase, overall interest in Panama remains strong. With high approval rates and a potential surge in QIPR applications before the threshold rises, Panama is clearly a top choice for investors and those seeking a dynamic, welcoming place to settle.
Founder and Managing Director at Panama Equity Real Estate
Meet Kent Davis – Founder and Visionary Behind Panama Equity Real Estate
Kent Davis, founder of Panama Equity Real Estate, is one of the most trusted voices in Panama’s competitive real estate market. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Kent’s journey to becoming a renowned expert in Panama’s real estate industry is as dynamic and inspiring as the properties he represents.
With a degree in Marketing Information Systems from James Madison University in Virginia, Kent’s early career was defined by success in the United States. He spent five years with Hajoca Corporation, one of the largest wholesale distributors of construction materials globally, managing multimillion-dollar inventories and leading teams in Cleveland, Richmond, and Atlanta. Despite his thriving career in the corporate world, Kent couldn’t shake his dream of living abroad and building something extraordinary.
In 2007, that dream brought him to Panama, a rising star in global real estate. Guided by his entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for opportunity, Kent established Panama Equity Real Estate to connect buyers, sellers, and investors with Panama’s most sought-after properties, from luxury beachfront condos to lucrative commercial opportunities. His decision to move to Panama wasn’t just about business—it was about building a life in a country that captivated him with its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and boundless potential.
Kent’s deep understanding of the Panama real estate market, coupled with his dedication to ethical business practices, has earned him a reputation for transparency, reliability, and expertise. Fluent in Spanish and armed with years of hands-on experience, he has been instrumental in helping hundreds of clients navigate the complexities of buying, selling, and investing in Panama.
Kent’s love for Panama goes beyond real estate. He is passionate about sharing the country’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming communities with others. As a thought leader in the industry, he frequently publishes market reports and insights, empowering his clients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
When he’s not helping clients find their dream properties, Kent enjoys surfing Panama’s world-class beaches, exploring the country’s vibrant culinary scene, and spending time in its lush rainforests. His personal and professional journey is a testament to his adventurous spirit, commitment to excellence, and unwavering belief in the opportunities Panama has to offer.
Kent has 3 boys and a wonderful wife, all of whom are from Panama.
Kent Davis, founder of Panama Equity Real Estate, is one of the most trusted voices in Panama’s competitive real estate market. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Kent’s journey to becoming a renowned expert in Panama’s real estate industry is as dynamic and inspiring as the properties he represents.
With a degree in Marketing Information Systems from James Madison University in Virginia, Kent’s early career was defined by success in the United States. He spent five years with Hajoca Corporation, one of the largest wholesale distributors of construction materials globally, managing multimillion-dollar inventories and leading teams in Cleveland, Richmond, and Atlanta. Despite his thriving career in the corporate world, Kent couldn’t shake his dream of living abroad and building something extraordinary.
In 2007, that dream brought him to Panama, a rising star in global real estate. Guided by his entrepreneurial spirit and a keen eye for opportunity, Kent established Panama Equity Real Estate to connect buyers, sellers, and investors with Panama’s most sought-after properties, from luxury beachfront condos to lucrative commercial opportunities. His decision to move to Panama wasn’t just about business—it was about building a life in a country that captivated him with its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and boundless potential.
Kent’s deep understanding of the Panama real estate market, coupled with his dedication to ethical business practices, has earned him a reputation for transparency, reliability, and expertise. Fluent in Spanish and armed with years of hands-on experience, he has been instrumental in helping hundreds of clients navigate the complexities of buying, selling, and investing in Panama.
Kent’s love for Panama goes beyond real estate. He is passionate about sharing the country’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming communities with others. As a thought leader in the industry, he frequently publishes market reports and insights, empowering his clients with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions.
When he’s not helping clients find their dream properties, Kent enjoys surfing Panama’s world-class beaches, exploring the country’s vibrant culinary scene, and spending time in its lush rainforests. His personal and professional journey is a testament to his adventurous spirit, commitment to excellence, and unwavering belief in the opportunities Panama has to offer.
Kent has 3 boys and a wonderful wife, all of whom are from Panama.
Latest posts by Kent Davis (see all)
- English Speaking Churches in Panama - February 19, 2025
- Panama to China: Don’t Let the Door Hit You On the Way Out - February 6, 2025
- Panama, China, and the U.S.: What’s The Next Move For Panama? - January 30, 2025
