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.
Verify your pension, documents, and get a free expert assessment in minutes.
Check Your Panama Pensionado Visa Eligibility in 2 Minutes
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.
Do You Meet the Basic Financial Criteria?
Lifetime Pension:
A guaranteed pension or annuity of at least $1,000 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 per month.
Property Owner Bonus:
If you purchase a home in Panama valued at $100,000+,
the requirement drops to $750 USD per month.
For Families:
Add $250 USD per month for each dependent
(spouse, child under 18).
The requirements are refreshingly clear and accessible.
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.
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 spend at least 30 days in Panama each calendar year.
Path to Citizenship: After five years of permanent residency, you become eligible to apply for Panamanian citizenship and a passport.
The Famous “Pensionado Discounts”: This is a major highlight. By law, retirees with this visa receive discounts like:
50% off entertainment (movies, concerts, sports)
25-30% off bus, boat, and train fares
25% off domestic airline tickets
15-25% off restaurant meals (varies by day)
20% off medical consultations and 15% off hospital bills
25% off utility bills (electricity, water, phone)
Financial & Practical Perks:
Tax Advantage: Panama has a territorial tax system, meaning your foreign pension and retirement income are not taxed locally.
One-Time Duty Exemption: Import your household goods (up to $10,000) 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.
We make every step quick and easy while you enjoy a working vacation.
01.
Email Documents
Email us the required documents for approval.
02.
Visit Panama And Apply for Residency
Have a mini vacation while you visit Panama to apply for your residency visa.
03.
Receive Temporary Residency Visa
We accompany you to the Immigration office to get approval and receive your Temporary Visa.
04.
Wait 3 to 6 months for Processing Permanent Residence Visa
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.
With our dedicated Full-Service Concierge for the Pensionado Visa,
you don’t have to navigate it alone.
We guide you through every single step.
From your initial eligibility to holding your temporary
residency card, with precision and personal care.
Our expertise transforms a complex bureaucratic process into a
smooth, predictable, and even enjoyable transition to your new life.
How We Simplify Your Journey
- 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 and no hidden fees.
- Post-Visa Support: Our support continues after you get your visa, with advice on getting your cédula (ID card), opening a bank account, or connecting with expat communities.
Transparent Panama Pensionado Visa Costs & Fees
Navigating immigration costs can be confusing. We believe in full transparency, so you know exactly what you’re investing in. Unlike firms that only handle legal filings, our fee includes our unparalleled, end-to-end concierge service, from personalized guidance and document prep to being by your side at every appointment in Panama. Below is a clear breakdown of our professional service fee and the mandatory government costs.
Main Applicant $799
Our Expert Service & Legal Fee
Includes your dedicated guide, full application management, lawyer coordination, and concierge support in Panama.
Government Fees $400
For each Applicant
Paid directly to authorities. Includes application, repatriation deposit and residence card.
Dependent $399
Service and Legal Fee
Fee for each additional dependent. Example Spouse or Children.
Panama Fees $10
Notary and translations
Required for any non Spanish documents.
Notary Services: Required for authenticating certain documents.
Get Your Personalized Eligibility Assessment
We’ve helped over 500 families successfully obtain their residency.
Places to Visit while In Panama
Don’t let your required residency trip be all paperwork. Panama offers incredible experiences just minutes from the city. Explore the cobblestone streets and colonial charm of Casco Viejo, then escape to the tranquil beaches of Taboga Island. Witness the engineering marvel of the Panama Canal, find world-class shopping at Multiplaza Mall, and cruise to Monkey Island to see primates in the wild. Your Pensionado Visa process is the perfect opportunity to fall in love with your potential new home.
Discover Your Perfect Retirement in Panama
With the Pensionado Visa, choose your ideal lifestyle. Relax on pristine Pacific beaches, enjoy a cool
climate in lush mountain towns like Boquete, or experience vibrant city life in modern Panama City.
Your dream retirement home awaits.
Ask Us Anything
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
- National Background Check for spouse
- Children’s Birth Certificate/s
- 6 photographs of each family member
- Health certificate for each family member issued in Panama
- Letter of responsibility
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:
a) Request a 3-year renewable work permit
b) 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.
-National Background Check
-Pension letter
-Marriage Certificate (if applying with a spouse)
-Birth Certificate (if applying with children)
Panama Residency Visa Quiz: Find Your Best Option
Not sure if it’s Pensionado, Friendly Nations, or Investor? Our 60-second quiz matches you with the ideal Panama residency visa for your goals.
