Panama Pensionado Visa (Permanent Residency)
for Retirees with $1000+ Monthly Pension
Get your Panama Pensionado Visa and permanent residency in less than 6 months.
Our licensed immigration lawyers in Panama guide you through every step, from document preparation to approval.
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With a lifetime pension of $1,000 or more, you can apply for the Panama Pensionado Visa and obtain permanent residency in less than 6 months. Our licensed immigration lawyers in Panama will handle the process from start to approval.
Requirements for the Pensionado Visa in Panama
To qualify for the Pensionado Visa in Panama, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Proof of lifetime pension of at least USD 1000 per month.
- Authenticated and apostilled pension certificate.
- Valid passport
- Police record (apostilled).
- Marriage certificate and dependents’ documents (apostilled) (if applicable).
Panama Pensionado Visa Benefits and Requirements – Document Checklist
Before applying for your Panama Pensionado Visa, make sure you have all the required documents ready and properly apostilled. Each document must be issued within the last 90 days and apostilled or legalized in your country of origin. Download the complete document checklist here (PDF)The Panama Pensionado Visa grants permanent residency and several privileges for retirees who receive a lifetime pension of $1,000 or more. Here are the main benefits:
- ✅ Permanent residency valid for life (no renewals needed).
- ✅ Right to live, invest, and open bank accounts in Panama.
- ✅ Option to include spouse and dependents with additional documentation.
- ✅ Tax-friendly system – foreign income is tax-exempt under Panama’s territorial tax law.
- ✅ Access to public and private healthcare as a resident.
- ✅ Eligibility to obtain the Panamanian “E” ID card (cedula for foreigners).
- ✅ Ability to purchase property or vehicles in your name as a resident.
- ✅ Easy re-entry to Panama without needing to reapply for a visa.
- ✅ Possibility to apply for naturalization after five years of residency (optional).
These benefits make Panama one of the most attractive destinations for retirees looking for a stable, safe, and affordable lifestyle in Latin America.
The Panama Pensionado Program offers some of the most generous discounts in the world for retirees. These discounts are established by Law 6 of 1987 and apply to both Panamanian and foreign residents with a Pensionado Visa.
Below is the official list of discounts granted to retirees in Panama:
- 💰 50% discount on recreation and entertainment (movies, theaters, concerts, sporting events).
- 🍽️ 15% discount at fast food establishments and 25% discount at regular restaurants.
- 🏨 50% discount at hotels from Monday to Thursday and 30% on weekends.
- ✈️ 25% discount on airline tickets for both national and international flights.
- 🚌 30% discount on intercity bus, boat, and train fares.
- 🏠 15% discount on home loan interest rates for personal housing.
- 🏥 15% discount on hospital bills when services are not covered by insurance.
- 💊 10% discount on prescribed medicines purchased in pharmacies.
- 🩺 20% discount on medical consultations and 15% on dental and eye exams.
- 🧾 25% discount on electricity bills (up to 600 kWh per month).
- 🚰 25% discount on water and telephone bills (when in retiree’s name).
- 🏛️ 50% discount on passports, driver’s license renewals, and government processing fees.
- ⚰️ 20% discount on funeral and burial services.
- 📦 Tax exemptions on importing household goods (up to $10,000) and a vehicle every two years duty-free.
All discounts apply upon presentation of the official Retiree Resident ID card (“Jubilado/Pensionado ID”).
These benefits are protected by Panamanian law and remain among the best retirement incentives in the region.
Why Choose Our Immigration Law Firm?
- Over 10 years helping retirees relocate to Panama.
- Transparent fees and fast government processing.
- Personalized guidance from start to approval.
Attorney Julissa Ortega de Rivers
Specialist in Immigration, Real Estate, and Commercial Law
Leader of a dedicated team of Panamanian immigration lawyers who have helped hundreds of retirees and professionals from the U.S., Canada, and Europe obtain permanent residency in Panama — quickly, safely, and legally.
Our immigration law firm in Panama has assisted hundreds of retirees from the U.S., Canada, and Europe to obtain permanent residency with a panama retiree and pensioner visa quickly and safely.
We are specialist lawyers in immigration procedures in Panama.
Cost and Processing Time
Panama Pensionado Visa – Transparent Fees
Below you’ll find an itemized overview of typical costs for the Panama Pensionado Visa. Final amounts can vary depending on your documents (translations/apostilles), dependents, and case complexity.| Concept | Applicant | Each Dependent |
|---|---|---|
| Government fees (ID cards, stamps, filings) | Included* | Included* |
| Legal fees (preparation, filing, representation) | Included* | Included* |
| Other services (translations, apostilles, courier) | Variable** | Variable** |
| Total package | US$ 1,950 – 2,200 | US$ 900 – 1,200 |
* Our standard package includes government and legal fees for typical cases (one applicant). ** Translations/apostilles depend on the country issuing your documents. We provide a document checklist document checklist to minimize extra costs.
Processing Timeline
Step-by-Step Panama Pensionado Visa Process
*Updated October 2025 — Estimated based on current government processing times.*
| Stage | What happens | Typical timing |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-filing | Step 1: Eligibility check, document checklist, translations/apostilles | 1–4 weeks (depends on documents) |
| In-person filing in Panama | Step 2: We file your case and you complete biometrics | 5 business days in Panama |
| Provisional ID (Temporary card) | Step 3: Issued on filing day; valid for 6 months | Same week |
| Resolution & Permanent Residency | Step 4: Background checks, resolution, and permanent card | ~5–6 months after filing |
Times may vary depending on government workload and your document readiness. We’ll provide you an accurate schedule after the eligibility review.
Need an exact number? Send us your pension letter and dependent details and we’ll provide a fixed quote before you travel.
What Our Clients Say About Us
“Julissa and her team made my residency process simple and stress-free.”
– Jaime Restrepo, Retired in Panama
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)
When you apply for a retiree visa with us, generally the legal fees including government fees and attorney’s fees are between 1950 and 2200 U.S. dollars for one person.
In case you add a dependent an additional $900 to $1200 for each one.
The day we apply you will receive your first temporary residency card valid for 6 months which you will have to renew after 6 months, that day is when you will get your permanent residency card if you decide to apply with us.
Yes, you need to come to Panama to apply and you will have to stay in the country for at least 5 working days, then you can leave and enter Panama whenever you want but you should not stay more than 23 months out of the country because you will lose your permanent residency.
Yes, Panama is the safest country in Central America and possibly in all of Latin America, it is very rare to see a robbery with violence or acts of violence against citizens, there is a very low rate of crimes against personal safety.
Yes. You can include your spouse and dependent children under your Panama Pensionado Visa as long as you can show additional income to support them.
The main applicant must demonstrate a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD per month, and an extra $250 USD for each dependent.
Each dependent will be granted the same permanent resident status once the main applicant’s visa is approved.
All documents such as marriage and birth certificates must be apostilled and issued within 90 days before filing.
👉 Example: If your pension is $1,500, you can include your spouse and one child.
Yes, there is an alternative route for applicants who don’t have a monthly pension.
If you own property in Panama valued at $100,000 USD or more and have a lifetime income of at least $750 USD per month, you can still qualify for the Pensionado Visa under the economic solvency category of the same program.
The property must be titled in your name, free of major liens, and you’ll need to provide the public deed, registry certificate, and property appraisal.
👉 Note: This alternative still requires proof that your income is permanent or lifetime, such as a private annuity, pension fund, or retirement plan.
If your pension is just under the minimum (for example, $900–$950 per month), there are a few solutions:
Add other verifiable income (such as rental income, dividends, or annuity payments) to reach the $1,000 threshold.
Deposit the shortfall in a Panamanian bank account and provide proof of recurring availability.
In special cases, an affidavit of support or supplementary documentation may be accepted by immigration authorities, but this is evaluated case by case.
Our firm can help you combine pension and secondary income to meet the legal requirement and avoid rejection during the residency process.
Our Professional Memberships
For official and updated information about the Panama Pensionado Visa, the National Immigration Service of Panama publishes the current regulations and application forms.
You can review the official requirements directly on the Government of Panama’s website at www.migracion.gob.pa
Panama Immigration Lawyers Office Map
Our law firm is located in the heart of Panama City, inside The Century Tower, on Via Ricardo J. Alfaro.
If you wish to visit us in person or get precise directions, please go to our location page where you’ll find the interactive map, parking information, and nearby landmarks:
👉 See how to get to our office
We receive clients by appointment only, so we recommend scheduling your consultation in advance through WhatsApp or our contact form.
If you wish to visit us in person or get precise directions, please go to our location page where you’ll find the interactive map, parking information, and nearby landmarks:
Panama City, via Ricardo J. Alfaro, Century Tower building, 16th floor, office 16-09. Republic of Panama.
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