Panama Residency &
Relocation Services

The Panama Pensionado Visa is a residency program for retirees who receive a minimum lifetime pension of $1,000 USD per month. It grants permanent residency and includes significant discounts on healthcare, restaurants, entertainment, and more across Panama. It is available to applicants from any country and has no minimum age, so you can qualify at 18 if you receive a qualifying pension. After five years of permanent residency, Pensionado holders can apply for Panama citizenship.

You need a minimum lifetime pension of $1,000 USD per month from a government pension, private pension, or qualifying retirement fund. This must be a guaranteed lifetime income. Investment income or savings do not qualify on their own. We can help you assess whether your income source qualifies.

The Panama Friendly Nations Visa is a residency program for citizens of over 50 countries who can show an economic tie to Panama, through employment, a real estate investment, or a bank deposit. It leads to permanent residency and allows work with a work permit. It is one of the most flexible and widely used Panama residency options for professionals and entrepreneurs.

The Friendly Nations Visa is available to citizens of over 50 countries that Panama has declared to have friendly relations with. These include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and many more. We can confirm whether your nationality qualifies during a consultation.

The Panama Qualified Investor Visa is for high net worth individuals who invest at least $300,000 USD in Panama. Under Executive Decree 17, a real estate investment must be a first sale of at least $300,000 or a resale of at least $500,000. The investment can also be made in Panamanian securities or a fixed term bank deposit. It offers fast track permanent residency with no employment requirement.

Processing times vary by visa type and individual circumstances. The Friendly Nations Visa and Pensionado Visa typically take 3 to 6 months from the time all documents are submitted. The Qualified Investor Visa can be faster because of its expedited processing. We guide clients through document preparation to minimize delays.

Panama residency does not require you to live in Panama full time. However, you should generally enter Panama at least once every two years to maintain your residency status. Requirements can vary slightly by visa type, and we advise clients on maintaining their status correctly to avoid complications.

It depends on the visa type. The Pensionado Visa does not permit employment in Panama. The Friendly Nations Visa allows work with a separate work permit. The Qualified Investor Visa does not come with automatic work authorization. Remote work for foreign clients is generally not restricted.

Costs vary by visa type and individual circumstances. Government fees, legal fees, document preparation, apostilles, and translations all contribute to the total. For most Pensionado and Friendly Nations Visa applications, total costs typically range from $3,000 to $6,000 USD including legal representation. The Qualified Investor Visa requires the minimum investment plus professional fees. We provide transparent pricing during your initial consultation.

Panama has a territorial tax system, which means only income earned within Panama is subject to Panamanian income tax. Income earned outside Panama, including foreign pensions, overseas business income, and foreign investments, is generally not taxed in Panama. This makes Panama attractive for international investors, retirees, and entrepreneurs.

Panama is increasingly considered by Bitcoin holders and digital asset investors because of its territorial tax system, international financial infrastructure, and multiple residency pathways. Since Panama generally does not tax foreign source income, investors whose Bitcoin gains are realized outside Panama may benefit from careful residency and structuring planning. We specialize in helping digital asset investors set up their residency and international arrangements correctly.

Yes, foreign residents can open bank accounts in Panama, though the process has become more thorough in recent years because of international compliance requirements. Banks typically ask for proof of income, source of funds, residency documents, and references. Preparation is key. We help clients understand which documents to prepare and which banks suit their profile.

Once your residency visa is approved and your carnet (residency card) is issued, you can apply for your Panama Cédula, the national identification card for foreign residents. The cédula is issued by the Electoral Tribunal and requires biometric data, immigration documents, and an in person appointment. We guide clients through the full process.

Yes. Once you have Panama residency and your Cédula, you can apply for a Panama driver's license. In many cases, licenses from qualifying countries can be exchanged without a driving test. The process is handled through SERTRACEN, and we provide step by step guidance to make it straightforward.

Yes. After holding Panama permanent residency for 5 years and meeting the other requirements, including basic Spanish language ability and continuous residency, you may apply for Panama citizenship and a Panamanian passport. Panama permits dual citizenship, so you do not need to give up your current passport. We can help you plan your path to citizenship from the start of your residency.

The best location depends on your lifestyle. Panama City, particularly neighborhoods like El Cangrejo, San Francisco, and Costa del Este, suits professionals and entrepreneurs who want walkability, international banking, and city convenience. Boquete offers a cooler mountain climate popular with retirees. Coronado and the Pacific beaches offer a relaxed coastal lifestyle. We give honest, on the ground guidance on choosing the right area for you.