Panama adds Ecuador to list of friendly countries, opening permanent residency pathway

Ecuador has officially joined Panama’s list of friendly countries, giving Ecuadorian citizens access to a potential permanent-residency route under Panama’s immigration framework.

The measure appears in Executive Decree No. 16, published in Panama’s Official Gazette. It does not grant residency automatically. Applicants must meet the requirements, follow the procedures and satisfy the conditions established by Panamanian law.

The Ecuadorian-Panamanian Business Council called Ecuador a priority strategic partner and said the decision strengthens cooperation and reciprocity between the two countries. It linked the new status to opportunities in bilateral trade, investment, logistics, maritime commerce and tourism.

The council said closer bilateral ties and new opportunities for businesses have remained part of its agenda. It described Ecuador’s inclusion on the list as the realization of work carried out by both countries and said it would continue promoting stronger economic and diplomatic relations.

The announcement comes as Panama’s President José Raúl Mulino prepares to visit Ecuador on September 4 for talks with President Daniel Noboa in Guayaquil. Ecuador’s Foreign Minister Roberto Kury said the meeting will focus on investment, trade and security cooperation, particularly against transnational organized crime. The two countries have also discussed an Economic Complementation Agreement and maintain cooperation arrangements on migration and information sharing.