admin23Through Executive Decree 16 of August 31, 2026, Panama added Ecuador to its “friendly nations” list, the roster of countries whose citizens can access a simplified immigration process under the Friendly Nations Visa program. The move came days before a presidential meeting between José Raúl Mulino and Daniel Noboa in Guayaquil, focused on strengthening trade, immigration, and security cooperation between the two countries.
What is the Friendly Nations Visa
The Friendly Nations Visa program allows citizens of listed countries to apply for permanent residency in Panama through an economic pathway. It is one of the most widely used immigration mechanisms for foreigners settling in the country, precisely because of its faster process compared to other immigration categories. The options available include the following.
Corporate route
Incorporating a company in Panama.
Employment route
Taking up employment with a Panamanian company.
Real estate route
Purchasing real estate in the country.
Banking route
Making a fixed-term deposit at a local bank.
What changes for Ecuadorian citizens
With this addition, Ecuadorian citizens looking to settle, invest, or work in Panama can now access this simplified process instead of relying on more restrictive immigration categories with heavier evidentiary requirements.
The measure builds on a broader bilateral rapprochement: in 2025, a tax information exchange agreement between Ecuador’s Internal Revenue Service (SRI) and Panama’s General Revenue Directorate (DGI) had already led Ecuador to remove Panama from its list of tax havens.
What interested parties should do
If you are an Ecuadorian citizen considering settling in Panama, inclusion on the friendly nations list opens a more direct immigration pathway, though each option within the program has specific documentary requirements depending on the route chosen (corporate, employment, real estate, or bank deposit). At EDTIJ we handle the full immigration process, from evaluating the most suitable option to filing the application with Panamanian authorities.