Free Eligibility Assessment
Panama Pensionado Visa:
Free Eligibility Check for US & Canadian Citizens
Do you qualify for Panama's retirement visa? Use our quick checklist for US & Canadian applicants.
Check Your Panama Pensionado Visa Eligibility
Wondering if your US Social Security, Canadian pension, or other retirement income qualifies you for permanent residency in Panama? Our simple checklist is tailored for applicants from the United States and Canada.
Complete it to get a free, confidential assessment from our Panama immigration specialists.
This is what "happily ever after" looks like in Panama.
Do You Meet the Basic Financial Criteria?
Lifetime Pension
$1,000 USD per Month
A guaranteed pension or annuity of at least $1,000 USD per month for life. This can be from Social Security, a government pension, or a qualifying private pension. For a couple, the requirement is $1,250 USD per month.
Property Owner Bonus
$750 USD per Month
If you purchase a home in Panama valued at $100,000 USD or more, the requirement drops to $750 USD per month.
For Families
+$250 USD per Dependent
Add $250 USD per month for each dependent (spouse, child under 18).
The requirements are refreshingly clear and accessible.
Check Your Eligibility Now
Answer 6 questions. Get your personalized result instantly — including your exact pension requirement.
Free Eligibility Check
Do You Qualify for the Panama Pensionado Visa?
Answer 6 quick questions. Get your personalized result instantly.
Document Checklist for a Smooth Application
Gathering the correct documents is the most critical step. Here is your tailored checklist:
Pension Proof
Requirement
An official letter stating your guaranteed lifetime monthly amount. Both require apostille/authentication.
Background Check
Police certificate from your country of residence.
USA: FBI report.
Canada: RCMP report.
Both require apostille/authentication.
Civil Documents
Birth & marriage certificates (if applying with family). Both require apostille/authentication.
Panama Specific Documents
Requirement
Health check by a Panamanian doctor. This is completed after arrival in Panama.
Passport
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
Passport Photos
6 passport size photographs per applicant, meeting Panama immigration specifications.
Unbeatable Benefits and More Than Just a Visa
The Pensionado Visa is renowned for offering permanent residency alongside a package of legally mandated discounts that significantly lower your cost of living.
Permanent Residency for Life
Upon approval, you and your family receive permanent resident status. To maintain it, you are required to visit Panama at least once every two years.
Path to Citizenship
After five years of permanent residency, you become eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship and a passport.
The Famous Pensionado Discounts
By law, retirees with this visa receive discounts like:
Tax Advantage
Panama has a territorial tax system — your foreign pension and retirement income are not taxed locally.
One Time Duty Exemption
Import your household goods (up to $10,000 USD) tax free.
Property Tax Discounts
Potential reductions on property taxes.
Vehicle Import
Import a car for personal use every two years.
The Standard Application Journey
The easy 4 step application process is fast.
Email Documents
Email us the required documents for approval.
Visit Panama And Apply for Residency
Have a mini vacation while you visit Panama to apply for your residency visa.
Receive Temporary Residency Visa
We accompany you to the Immigration office to get approval and receive your Temporary Visa.
Wait 3 to 6 Months for Processing
You do not need to stay in Panama while your Visa is being processed.
Your Seamless Path to Panama: We Handle the Complexity, You Enjoy the Journey
Navigating a new country's immigration system can feel overwhelming. We guide you through every single step.
Your Dedicated Guide
From your very first inquiry to the moment you receive your visa, you will have one personal advisor. This ensures continuity, deep understanding of your case, and a trusted point of contact for every question.
Hands Free Paperwork
Our expert lawyers handle all complex government filings and legal paperwork for you.
Your Personalized Roadmap
You receive a custom document checklist and clear timeline so you always know what's next, with no surprises.
Stress Free Document Prep
We give you step by step guidance to get your U.S./Canadian documents authenticated correctly the first time.
We Are Your Guide in Panama
We don't just give you directions. We pick you up, accompany you to all immigration appointments, and stay with you until your visa is in hand.
Efficient Process, Enjoyable Trip
We coordinate all steps to be processed swiftly, turning your required visit into a relaxing application vacation.
Your Scouting Partner
Want to explore neighborhoods or view properties? We help you arrange tours and visit potential new homes, turning visa paperwork into an exciting preview of your future.
Transparency on Costs
We provide a clear, upfront cost breakdown.
Post Visa Support
Our support continues after you get your visa, with advice on getting your cédula (ID card), opening a bank account, or obtaining your Panama driver's license.
Get Your Free Panama Pensionado Guide
Fill in your details below and get instant access to the guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my Family with me?
The Panama Retiree Visa allows you to bring your family with you. To bring your spouse or children 18 and under, you must increase your minimum monthly income by $250 USD per family member.
Documents for family members:
- Marriage Certificate (if applying with spouse)
- National Background Check for spouse
- Children's Birth Certificate/s (if applying with children)
- 6 photographs of each family member
- Health certificate for each family member issued in Panama
- Letter of responsibility (drafted by our team)
Can I work in Panama with this Visa?
If the objective is to get Citizenship and Passport, a work permit is necessary for Pensioners that are not operating their own Business or investing in Panama.
Visa holders can still obtain a work permit in two ways:
- Request a 3 year renewable work permit
- Request a permanent work permit after 10 years of residency
What documents need to be Apostilled?
The following documents must be apostilled at a Panamanian Consulate in your country before submission:
- Official pension or annuity letter confirming your guaranteed monthly amount
- Criminal background check (FBI report for US applicants, RCMP report for Canadian applicants)
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
Panama documents obtained locally — such as the health certificate from a Panamanian doctor — do not require apostille. We provide step by step guidance to make sure every document is authenticated correctly the first time.
Panama Residency Visa Quiz:
Find Your Best Option
Not sure if it's Pensionado, Friendly Nations, Digital Nomad, or Investor?
Which Residency Visa is Right For Me