Panama - retirement
Panama Pensionado Permanent ResidencePermiso de Residente Permanente por Jubilado o Pensionado
One of the most generous retirement visas in the world, granting immediate permanent residency to foreigners with a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000 per month. The status also unlocks the famous Panama Pensionado discount program.
Who this visa is for
- Retirees with a guaranteed lifetime pension
- Military, civil service, and corporate pensioners
- Couples combining pensions to meet the threshold
- Seniors who want permanent residency from day one
- Retirees seeking discounts on travel, medical, and entertainment expenses
Requirements
- Lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000 per month
Plus USD 250 for each dependent, with the option to cover the top-up with a local pension or bank reference.
- Certification from the pension-paying entity
Government body, international organization, or private company.
- Apostilled and Spanish-translated pension letter
- Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
- Three recent passport-size photographs
- Apostilled police clearance for adult applicants
- Marriage and birth certificates for dependents
- Power of attorney granted to a Panamanian lawyer
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Migration application fee | USD 250 | |
| National Treasury fee | USD 800 | |
| Residency card issuance | approx. USD 50 |
Application steps
- Retain a Panamanian immigration attorney
Panama requires a local lawyer to file the application.
- Gather apostilled documents
Pension letter, police clearance, marriage and birth certificates.
- Translate documents to Spanish
Use an authorized public translator in Panama.
- Submit file to Servicio Nacional de Migracion
The attorney files in person in Panama City or David.
- Receive provisional card and passport stamp
Issued while the application is pending.
- Collect final permanent residency card
Issued after approval, plus cedula E application at the Electoral Tribunal.
Official government source
Always verify the current fees, requirements and forms at the official source before applying:
Ask about the Pensionado VisaPermiso de Residente Permanente por Jubilado o Pensionado
Grounded on this page. Answers are informational, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What pension amount is required?
At least USD 1,000 per month for life, plus USD 250 for each dependent.
Is it really permanent residency right away?
Yes, unlike most countries, Panama's Pensionado visa grants permanent residency on approval.
What discounts do Pensionados get?
Panama's senior-discount law applies, including 50% off entertainment, 25% off flights, and 20% off medical bills.
Can I work in Panama?
You cannot take local employment under this category, but you may own and manage a company.
Can my spouse qualify too?
Yes, either as a co-applicant combining pensions or as a dependent with an extra USD 250 per month of income.