Italy has its own route
Italy is not on the Friendly Nations list. Italian citizens apply under the Panama–Italy treaty instead, which has its own requirements.
Panama–Italy treaty residency (iurispa)Is your country on the Friendly Nations list?
Panama currently recognizes 51 Friendly Nations. If your passport is from one of them, you can apply, provided you also meet one of the three economic routes.
The 51 Friendly Nations on a map
Each highlighted country is on the current list set by Executive Decree 16 of 2026. Select a country to check it, or use the search box. The full list is also written out below the map.
The decree speaks of nationals of the listed countries. If you hold two nationalities, you apply as a national of the listed one, with that passport.
Andorra
Argentina
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
Chile
Costa Rica
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Ecuador
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong (SAR of China)
Hungary
Ireland
Israel
Japan
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Mexico
Monaco
Montenegro
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
San Marino
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
United States
Uruguay
Ecuador joined in 2026
Executive Decree 16 of August 31, 2026 added Ecuador to the list. It has been in force since September 1, 2026. Ecuadorians follow the same procedure, costs, deposits and two-year provisional stage.
Being on the list is not a work permit
The recitals of Executive Decree 16 of 2026 recall that this residency does not replace the work permit from the Ministry of Labor. It also does not let you practice a profession that Panamanian law reserves to nationals.
If your country is not listed
Other residencies do not depend on nationality: the Pensionado visa for people with a lifetime pension, and the investor and solvency routes. We compare them for you in the consultation.
Compare Panama residency permits (iurispa)
Not sure where to start?
Book a free 15-minute call. We will confirm your eligibility and the route that fits you best.