Retired/Pension Visa

Anyone over 18 years of age with a lifetime pension or annuity paying a minimum of USD $1,000 per month qualifies for this visa. The annuity or pension must pay an additional $250 per month for each dependent. The annuity or pension can be paid by a private company, the military, government agencies, corporations, a bank, an insurance company, or a trust. This visa also gives discounts from movie theatres, restaurants, hotels, pharmacies, concerts, and domestic airlines, along with many other products and services.

Retired/Pension Visa

Anyone over 18 years of age with a lifetime pension or annuity paying a minimum of USD $1,000 per month qualifies for this visa. The annuity or pension must pay an additional $250 per month for each dependent. The annuity or pension can be paid by a private company, the military, government agencies, corporations, a bank, an insurance company, or a trust. This visa also gives discounts from movie theatres, restaurants, hotels, pharmacies, concerts, and domestic airlines, along with many other products and services.

#1 Requirement

For anyone over the age of 18 years who can demonstrate a guaranteed minimum lifetime income of a minimum of USD $1,000 per month.

Income Source

The annuity or pension paid by a private company, military, government agency, corporation, bank,  insurance company, or trust.

Discounts

Discounts from movie theaters, restaurants, hotels, pharmacies,  and domestic airlines, along with many other products & services.

Real Estate + Income

Applicants who own real estate in Panama with a minimum value of $100,000, a monthly retirement or pension income of $750.00.

#1 Requirement

For anyone over the age of 18 years who can demonstrate a guaranteed minimum lifetime income of a minimum of USD $1,000 per month.

Income Source

The annuity or pension paid by a private company, military, government agency, corporation, bank,  insurance company, or trust.

Discounts

Discounts from movie theaters, restaurants, hotels, pharmacies,  and domestic airlines, along with many other products & services.

Real Estate + Income

Applicants who own real estate in Panama with a minimum value of $100,000, a monthly retirement or pension income of $750.00.

How To Apply For A Retiree / Pensioner Visa in Panama

The Retiree/Pensioner Visa program in Panama offers an attractive residency option for individuals with a guaranteed pension or lifetime annuity. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate a minimum monthly income of $1,000 from a government or private pension. This program is particularly popular due to Panama’s low cost of living, warm climate, and the various discounts retirees receive on goods and services, including healthcare, transportation, and entertainment. The visa grants permanent residency, with no requirement to invest in the country or maintain a minimum stay, making it a flexible option for retirees. Additionally, the application process is relatively straightforward, and successful applicants enjoy access to Panama’s modern healthcare system and a stable, peaceful environment. The Retiree/Pensioner Visa is one of the most accessible and beneficial retirement programs in Latin America.

A Panama flag gently waving in the breeze, symbolizing the welcoming environment for retirees under Panama's Pensionado Visa program.

Requirements to Obtain Panamanian Residency

To qualify for Panama’s Retiree/Pensioner Visa, applicants must meet a series of specific requirements. Click the requirerment to learn more.

Proof of Pension or Lifetime Annuity

Applicants must provide official documentation showing a guaranteed lifetime income of at least $1,000 per month. This income must come from a government pension (e.g., Social Security) or a private company’s pension plan. If a spouse is included in the application, an additional $250 per month is required.

A passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of application is required. The passport must have clear pages for visa stamps and any required entry/exit documentation.

A criminal background check is required from the applicant’s country of residence, covering the last five years. This document must be authenticated (apostilled) and demonstrate that the applicant has no criminal record.

Applicants must obtain a health certificate from a licensed physician in Panama, confirming that they are in good health and free from contagious diseases. This certificate must be issued within three months prior to the application.

A formal letter from the entity providing the pension is required. This letter should confirm the applicant’s monthly income, the source of the pension, and the lifetime guarantee. The letter must be authenticated (apostilled) by the relevant authorities in the applicant’s home country or at the Panamanian consulate.

Some applicants may be required to provide a bank reference letter from a reputable bank, showing a stable banking relationship. This letter must be on official bank letterhead and signed by a bank officer.

Marriage Certificate (if applicable)
If a spouse is included in the application, a certified copy of the marriage certificate is required. This document must be authenticated (apostilled) and translated into Spanish by an official translator, if not already in Spanish.

Dependent Documents (if applicable)
If the applicant is including dependents, such as children, additional documentation is required, including birth certificates and proof of financial support. These documents must be authenticated (apostilled) and translated into Spanish

Economic Solvency Requirement (if applicable)
For those whose pension does not meet the minimum requirement or who want to include additional dependents, proof of economic solvency may be required. This could involve showing additional sources of income, savings, or investments to demonstrate financial stability.

Retiree Visa Benefits:

  • Panama does not tax income earned outside of the country, allowing retirees to maintain more of their pension or annuity income without additional tax burdens.

  • The visa does not require a minimum number of days to be spent in Panama each year, offering retirees flexibility to travel or live part-time in other countries without risking their residency status.

  • Retirees enjoy a wide range of discounts on various goods and services, including up to 50% off entertainment, 25% off airline tickets, 20% off medical services, and 15% off hospital bills. These savings can significantly reduce the cost of living.

  • The visa grants immediate permanent residency, allowing retirees to live in Panama without the need for continuous renewals or additional immigration processes.