Last updated: September 2026 · Reviewed by Panama Visa Expert
Thinking about escaping the cold this Thanksgiving or Christmas? Why not come to Panama?
If you are already planning a holiday trip, you can do more than enjoy the beaches, sunshine and warm weather. You can also take the next step toward making Panama your retirement home.
Panama's Pensionado Residency is easier than you think.
And the best part? You don't spend your vacation sitting in immigration offices. Your Pensionado application is prepared in advance, so your time in Panama is yours to enjoy.
Go to the beach. Explore Panama City. Enjoy the restaurants. Visit nearby islands. Spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with family and friends.
You enjoy Panama. We take care of the residency.
Quick answer
Can I combine a Thanksgiving or Christmas trip with my Panama Pensionado Visa?
Yes. We prepare your application before you travel. You receive your Temporary Residency Card on your first visit to Panama in 5 business days. To qualify, you need a guaranteed lifetime pension of at least $1,000 USD per month, or $1,250 USD per month for a couple. Learn more about the Panama Pensionado Visa.
One trip
Why Make a Separate Trip to Panama for Your Residency?
If you are already flying to Panama for the holidays, a second trip just for residency paperwork makes little sense. Your first required visit to Panama and your holiday can be the same trip.
One trip. Two purposes.
Come for Thanksgiving or Christmas, and use the same trip to start your Panama residency. While your residency process is being handled, you can:
- Enjoy Panama
- Go to the beach
- Explore Panama City
- Visit nearby islands by boat
- Enjoy the restaurants
- Spend time with family and friends
- Relax by the pool
The idea
You Enjoy Panama. We Take Care of the Residency.
While you're sipping piña coladas by the pool, we're taking care of your Pensionado residency process.
Your application is prepared before you arrive. You don't spend your Panama vacation running around dealing with paperwork and government offices.
When it's time for Immigration, we go with you. Then it's back to the pool, the beach, Panama City, nearby islands and dinner in Casco Viejo. Do whatever you came to Panama to do.
Preparation
Your Pensionado Residency Starts Before Your Vacation
Before you travel, we prepare your Pensionado application and provide you with the documentation checklist you need to complete. Your documents must be prepared and ready before your trip so that we can complete the residency process during your first visit.
The full Panama Pensionado Visa Guide covers the complete requirements and documentation.
Read the Full Panama Pensionado Visa Guide →Holiday one
Thanksgiving in Panama
Trade the cold for warm weather, beaches and sunshine this Thanksgiving. Spend your days in Panama City, explore the sights, linger over long restaurant dinners, and simply relax. It is also the best way to experience the country you are thinking of calling home.
Then fold your first Immigration visit into the trip. We arrange it around your travel dates, so your holiday stays your holiday.
Holiday two
Christmas in Panama
Sunshine instead of snow. Panama City lights up for the holidays, the restaurants fill with celebration, and the beaches are a short trip away. Spend a day on the coast, take a boat out to a nearby island, or simply relax.
Take care of your Immigration visit with us, and get back to Christmas.
How it works
Your Immigration Visit, Then You're Free to Enjoy Panama
- We prepare your application. Our team, including our licensed Panamanian immigration attorneys, organizes your Pensionado application and documentation before you travel.
- We go with you to Immigration. You register your passport, and your photo and fingerprints are taken. Our attorney handles the submission.
- You receive your Temporary Residency Card. It's yours on your first visit to Panama in 5 business days. The card includes a QR code that serves as your Multiple Entry and Exit Visa, allowing you to leave Panama legally while your Permanent Residency is being processed.
- You're free to enjoy Panama. The rest of your trip is yours.
- Your Permanent Residency Card comes next. Once your permanent residency is approved, you return to Panama for 2 business days to receive your card.
Now go enjoy Panama.
The fun part
What Can You Do With the Rest of Your Vacation?
Almost everything. Your time in Panama is full of options:
- Beaches
- Panama City
- Casco Viejo
- Restaurants
- Shopping
- Nearby islands by boat
- Boat trips along the coast
- Pool or resort time
- Family and friends
Try it first
Why Visit Panama Before You Retire Here?
A holiday trip gives you something a brochure never will: a real feel for daily life here. If you are still deciding whether Panama is right for you, the best answer is to spend time on the ground. On this trip you can:
- See different neighborhoods
- Experience Panama City
- Visit the beaches
- Try the restaurants
- See how you feel about the climate
- Begin imagining your retirement here
Eligibility
Is the Panama Pensionado Visa Right for You?
The Pensionado Visa is designed for retirees receiving a guaranteed lifetime pension. No property purchase or investment is required.
To see the income requirements and complete eligibility details, read our Panama Pensionado Visa Guide or use our Pensionado Eligibility Check.
Check Your Pensionado Visa Eligibility →