Glossary · Acronym FNV
Friendly Nations Visa (FNV)
Panamanian residency programme established in 2012 (Executive Decree 343/2012) for nationals of countries considered "friendly" by the government of Panama. Significantly reformed in 2021 (Executive Decree 197/2021), becoming more demanding in economic requirements and restricting pathways to obtain it.
Definition. Migratory category of provisional residency (with a path to permanent) reserved for nationals of countries listed as "friends" of Panama. After the 2021 reform, it requires one of three bases: (a) minimum real estate investment, (b) fixed-term deposit in a Panamanian bank, or (c) employment contract with a Panamanian company.
Key differences vs Forestry Visa and QIV
- FNV ≠ Forestry Visa. A USD 100K forestry investment does not automatically qualify for FNV — the reformed FNV requires real estate, deposit, or employment, not a forestry plantation. Forestry Visa (Decree 199/2021) is a separate, specific category.
- FNV ≠ QIV. QIV (Decree 722) has higher thresholds (USD 300K → USD 500K on Oct 15, 2026) but is open to nationals of any country, not just "friendly" ones.
- Nationality restriction. FNV only applies if your country is on the official list published by the Panamanian government. Forestry Visa and QIV have no such restriction.
Relevance in the forestry context
Watch out for marketing materials. Some minor (non-Tier 1) forestry operator sites suggest their product qualifies for FNV. Verify with a Panamanian immigration attorney — the reformed 2021 FNV does not accept forestry investment as a direct basis. For plantation-based residency, the correct pathway is Forestry Visa (Decree 199/2021) or QIV (Decree 722).
Typically included countries
The official list is published by Panama's National Migration Service and may change. Historically it includes most EU countries, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, UK, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, several Latin American countries (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Uruguay, etc.) among others. Always verify the current list before planning any FNV pathway.