Panama Pensionado Visa

The applicant can prove any pension income: a pension based on years of service or age, from a public or private fund. If the applicant does not yet receive a pension, payments can be arranged through a trust fund, the fund becomes a guarantor to the migration authorities that the foreign national will receive regular lifetime payments.

Under the law, a foreign national can prove only pension payments, other sources of passive income do not qualify. If the applicant does not receive a pension, they can arrange payments through a trust fund. It guarantees regular lifetime payments to the migration authorities.

Yes. If a foreign national owns property in Panama worth at least $100,000, they can prove income of $750 per month instead of $1,000.

A spouse, children, and parents obtain permanent residence in Panama together with the main applicant. An additional income of $250 per month must be shown for each family member, while spouses are allowed to combine their income.

Adult children obtain residence through family reunification. Their status is extended only until the age of 25, but after two years of living in Panama, they can apply for permanent residence.

The process takes 3+ months. The timeframe depends on how quickly the applicant collects the documents and can travel to Panama, as well as how long the migration authorities take to review the application.

Foreigners obtain permanent residence, which is valid indefinitely. However, the residence card must be renewed every 10 years.

No. A foreign national does not need to stay in the country permanently to maintain resident status. It is enough to visit Panama once every two years and stay in the country for at least two weeks.

Yes. A foreign national with permanent residence in Panama can apply for citizenship by naturalisation. They need to:

• live in the country for at least 5 years;
• prove knowledge of Spanish;
• pass an exam on Panama’s history, geography, and political organisation;
• renounce citizenship of other countries.

A Panamanian passport allows visa-free travel to 162 countries. Popular destinations include Schengen Area countries, the UK, and Japan.

Panama taxes only income sourced in Panama. A foreign pension and other income from other countries are not subject to tax.

The choice depends on the foreign national’s preferences. Those who value developed infrastructure, proximity to an airport, and an active lifestyle choose Panama City. Those looking for a quieter atmosphere and proximity to the ocean move to Coronado. Mountain lovers choose Boquete.

On average, one person spends $800 per month excluding rent. Renting a one-bedroom apartment costs around $700 per month in the suburbs and $900 closer to city centres.

The main reason for refusal of residence under the Pensionado programme is failure to meet the eligibility requirements. For example, the applicant may fail to prove that they receive lifetime pension payments.