Mercan Group Launches Albor at Santa María, Its First Residential Project in Panama

The groundbreaking marks a new milestone in Mercan Group’s expansion in Panama and coincides with the latest evolution of the country’s Qualified Investor Program.

Panama City, September 23, 2026. Mercan Group celebrated the groundbreaking of Albor at Santa María, its first residential project in Panama. With 48 stories and 200 residences, the development marks a new chapter in the Group’s expansion strategy and reinforces its long-term commitment to Panama.

The milestone comes at a time when Panama continues to strengthen its strategy to attract foreign investment through new provisions under the Qualified Investor Program. In this context, real estate remains the leading investment route under the program, while developments such as Albor at Santa María demonstrate how international capital can translate into construction, employment, and broader economic activity.

Panama Strengthens Its Qualified Investor Program

Executive Decree No. 17 of September 8, 2026, which updates the Qualified Investor Program established in 2020, introduces a distinction between newly built real estate and properties acquired on the secondary market.

Under the updated framework, the minimum investment for newly built properties is USD 300,000, while real estate acquired on the secondary market requires a minimum investment of USD 500,000. The new regulations also introduce additional investment alternatives and establish clearer processes and timelines for handling applications.

The changes come amid continued growth in the program. Between July 2025 and June 2026, Panama’s Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI) granted 268 Qualified Investor certificates backed by USD 113.6 million in investments, compared with 193 certificates and more than USD 90.1 million during the previous period. According to official figures, 87.3% of certifications were linked to the real estate sector. 220926_NP_MERCAN_Group_lanza_Al…

This is one of the types of investment we want to continue promoting: long-term investment, new projects, and more jobs for Panamanians. From the National Government, we have strengthened the Qualified Investor Program so that Panama can achieve a stronger position within the international investment migration market,” said Julio Moltó, Minister of Commerce and Industries.

Albor at Santa María: Residential Investment in One of Panama City’s Most Exclusive Communities

Against this backdrop of growing international interest in Panama, Mercan Group celebrated the groundbreaking of Albor at Santa María, located in one of Panama City’s most exclusive residential communities.

The project will feature two- and three-bedroom residences, with units ranging from 81 to 85 m² and penthouses of 176 m². Residences will feature luxury finishes and views of the golf course, racetrack, and Panama City’s coastal skyline.

Its residential offering will be complemented by an extensive selection of amenities, including a swimming pool, fully equipped gym, cinema, social areas, and spaces dedicated to wellness and entertainment, designed to provide an integrated lifestyle combining comfort, sophistication, and quality of life.

Residences at Albor at Santa María start from USD 364,000, exceeding the minimum real estate investment threshold established for newly built properties under Panama’s Qualified Investor Program. The project is scheduled for delivery in 2028.

The strengthening of the Qualified Investor Program sends an important signal to the international market: Panama understands that competing for capital requires legal certainty, clear rules, and mechanisms capable of transforming investment into real economic activity. Albor at Santa María represents precisely that: international capital that finds confidence in Panama and is transformed into infrastructure, employment, and long-term value,” said Arturo Sáenz, President of Mercan Panama.

The groundbreaking of Albor at Santa María transforms an investment vision into a tangible development. Our responsibility does not end when we present a project. Our responsibility begins there. It begins with execution, with honoring our commitments, and with delivering a project that creates value for our investors, for those who will make Albor their home, and for the community it will become part of,” said Jordi Vilanova, Vice President of Mercan Group.

Mercan Group Expands Its Real Estate Presence in Panama

Albor at Santa María forms part of Mercan Group’s broader expansion strategy in Panama, where the company maintains an investment portfolio exceeding USD 200 million.

The Group’s presence in the country builds on more than three decades of international experience. Founded in Canada in 1989, Mercan Group has supported more than 4,300 investors and has a portfolio of 34 hotel and real estate projects.

With Albor at Santa María, Mercan Group opens a new chapter in its operations in Panama by expanding into the residential segment and reinforcing its long-term commitment to a market that continues to position itself as a destination for international investment.