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Permanent Residency for Retirees and Pensioners in Panama
Panama Legal Group guides you step by step through the process of obtaining Permanent Residency as a Retiree in Panama — one of the most attractive programs in the world for individuals looking to retire in a stable country with generous benefits and an affordable cost of living.
Now you can track your application online through our digital platform LEGIX.net, receiving continuous updates by email, phone, or chat throughout the entire process.
What Is the Retiree (Pensionado) Visa in Panama?
The Retiree or Pensionado Visa grants permanent residency to foreign nationals who receive a lifetime pension of at least USD $1,000 per month, from either a government or private source.
It is considered one of the most advantageous residency programs in Latin America because it:
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Grants permanent residency for life, with the right to obtain a Panamanian ID card (Cédula).
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Does not require a repatriation deposit or payment to the National Treasury.
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Offers broad discounts and tax exemptions for retirees on services, purchases, and government fees.
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Allows you to apply for Panamanian citizenship after meeting the required years of residency based on your nationality. (For information about naturalization, click here.)
Requirements to Apply for the Retiree Residency in Panama
To qualify for the Retiree Visa, you must provide the following documents:
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Pension or retirement certificate, issued by your government or private institution, duly apostilled or legalized.
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Police record or criminal background check, apostilled or legalized.
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Proof of minimum monthly income of USD $1,000 (a spouse’s pension may be combined if applicable).
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Copy of your valid, complete passport.
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Passport-size photos.
If including dependents, you must also provide:
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Marriage or birth certificate (as applicable).
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Apostilled or legalized supporting documents.
The Visa allows you to include dependents, but does not grant a work permit unless they apply to any category for Work Permits.
Step by Step of the Immigration Process
2. If the client is not in Panama, we initiate with the verification of documents to have them ready once the client travels to Panama.
3. We help the client with the coordination of the visit to Panama.
4. Once the client is in Panama, we proceed with the meetings required, and sign the original documents.
5. We proceed to file the documents, and confirm to the client the date and time he/she should be at the immigration offices, avoiding any waiting lines. We can coordinate transportation.
6. The client proceeds to obtain a temporary ID, and can travel at any time.
7. Once the resolution of the approval is ready, the clients flights back to Panama, and will have the new definite ID.
Benefits for Retirees and Pensioners in Panama
Panama’s Retiree Program is internationally recognized for its generosity and the extensive benefits it provides to those who obtain this residency.
Key benefits include:
Entertainment and Recreation Discounts
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50% off movie theaters, theaters, concerts, and public shows.
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30% off hotel stays on weekends and 50% off on weekdays.
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25% off individual meals in restaurants (15% off at fast-food chains).
Transportation Discounts
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30% off intercity buses, trains, ferries, and boats.
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25% off national and international airline tickets.
Health and Medical Discounts
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15% off hospital and clinic services.
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10% off prescription medicines.
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20% off medical consultation and surgical fees.
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15% off dental and optometry services.
Financial and Legal Discounts
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50% off closing costs for personal or commercial loans.
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Exemption from the Special Interest Compensation Fund (FECI).
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1% reduction on mortgage interest rates for a primary residence.
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20% off professional and technical service fees.
Real Estate and Utilities Benefits
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Freeze on property tax for your principal residence.
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Exemption from property value appreciation tax.
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25% off residential electricity consumption (up to 500 kWh).
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25% off water and residential phone bills.
Estimated Processing Time
The full Retiree Residency process usually takes 30 to 60 business days, depending on how quickly documents are submitted and the workload at Panama’s National Immigration Service.
Once the application is filed, Immigration first issues a provisional residency card while the final permanent residency resolution is being processed.
Why Choose Panama Legal Group for Your Residency Process?
Choosing Panama Legal Group gives you the peace of mind of working with a team of specialized immigration attorneys with proven experience handling residency applications for retirees from around the world.
We stand out for our hybrid and digital service model, combining personalized legal support with modern online tracking technology through our platform LEGIX.net.
Comprehensive Assistance
We guide you from the initial document review all the way to obtaining your residency and Panamanian ID card (Cédula).
In addition:
We handle lines and waiting times on behalf of our clients.
We coordinate transportation when needed.
We do not charge for calls, emails, or follow-up meetings.
We are always available — without bureaucracy or delays.
Continuous Communication
Throughout the entire process, you’ll receive updates and notifications via email, phone, or chat so that you always know exactly which stage your application is in.
Online Tracking with LEGIX — Our Digital Legal Platform
Our LEGIX.net platform allows you to:
Securely view your documents online.
Check the real-time status of your application.
Receive automatic notifications about progress or document updates.
Communicate directly with your assigned attorney without the need for in-person visits.
In other words, you can manage your retirement residency in Panama from anywhere in the world, with full legal support and real-time digital tracking.
Important Considerations
All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized, depending on the country of origin. We can assist you with the apostille process if needed.
The applicant must enter Panama with a valid visa or entry stamp before starting the residency process.
It is recommended to prepare your documents at least one month in advance of submission. Our team typically reviews all documentation before your trip to ensure accuracy and compliance.
Dependents are not allowed to work under this immigration category unless they qualify for one of Panama’s authorized work permit types. (You can view the available categories here.)
Start Your Process with Confidence
At Panama Legal Group, we combine immigration expertise, personalized service, and digital technology to make your residency process fast, transparent, and secure.
Contact us here to receive a personalized proposal based on your specific case, or to coordinate a meeting or conference call.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Panama Retiree (Pensionado) Residency
You must have a lifetime pension of at least USD $1,000 per month, issued by a government or private institution.
If you plan to include dependents, you must show an additional USD $250 per month for each dependent.
Yes. The Panama Retiree Residency allows you to include:
Your spouse or legally recognized partner, and
Children under 18 years old, or
Children up to 25 years old who are full-time students and financially dependent on you.
Pension or retirement certificate, apostilled or legalized.
Police record or background check, apostilled or legalized.
Proof of minimum monthly income of USD $1,000 (bank statements or payment slips).
Copy of your valid, complete passport.
Two passport-size photos.
If applying with dependents: marriage or birth certificates, also apostilled or legalized.
All foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized according to the country of origin.
Yes. Once you have received your provisional resident card, you can enter and exit Panama freely while your permanent residency is being processed.
Your attorney will advise you if any specific travel limitations apply during the review period.
Once you are granted permanent residency, you may leave the country, but you should not remain abroad for more than two consecutive years, or your residency status could be canceled.
You may travel in and out of Panama as often as you wish during the year.
Through LEGIX.net, you can:
Monitor your application in real time.
View your uploaded documents securely.
Receive automatic email and chat notifications for updates or document requests.
Communicate directly with your assigned attorney without needing to visit our offices.
That’s not a problem. Panama Legal Group can review your documents digitally before your trip and guide you on how and where to get them apostilled or legalized.
We also collaborate with international partners who can assist you in obtaining apostilles or certified translations if needed.
Yes. Once your permanent residency is approved, you will receive a Carta de Cédula from Immigration, allowing you to apply for your Panamanian Resident ID (Cédula E) at the Electoral Tribunal.
This document officially identifies you as a permanent resident in Panama.
Yes. Permanent residents are eligible to open personal bank accounts in Panama.
Most banks require your Cédula E, proof of address, reference letters, and proof of income.
Our team assists clients with bank introductions and document preparation for smooth onboarding.
Absolutely. Foreigners and residents have the same property rights as Panamanian citizens, except in restricted border areas.
Many retirees purchase homes or condos in popular destinations like Panama City, Boquete, Coronado, and Pedasí.
As a retiree resident, you also enjoy property tax exemptions and utility discounts.
The Retiree Residency in Panama is permanent — it does not require periodic renewal.
You only need to update your personal information if your passport number, address, or marital status changes.
I would like to see some pricing for these services. Do I need to engage the services of an attorney?
Good afternoon Mr. Bolles,
Yes, you need an attorney for this process, we have contacted you for further details.
Regards.
I also would appreciate some information on fees for your legal services, as well as the costs of filing fees. Thank you and gracias!
Good afternoon Mr. Underwood,
We will be contacting you for details.
Dear Madam, Dear Sir,
I am French , I live in Thailand since 3 years with my wife .
We would like to live in Panama next year.
Is it easy to get the Visa Pensionado (I am retired French Navy ).
But my wife would like to work in Panama in freelance ( Network Marketing ; Direct sell) ;
Which visa she need to get the work permit ? Is it easy ? Does she need to set up a Company to get her Work Permit ?
How much is the cost of your services to give advices ?
Do we need to consult an attorney to get the Visas ?
Thanks for your answer,
Kind Regards,
Eric
We have sent and email concerning your inquiry, we will be waiting for your response.
Hello, I am a retired person with a Government pension and interested in applying for the Pensionado Visa.
Ms. Todd, we have sent you an email concerning your inquiry.
Does the $1000 a month cover me and my wife?
If your wife is not retired and she will apply with you as a dependent then the minimum of your retirement should be of US$1250.00. If your wife is also retired, the total amount of both retirements can be of US$1000.00. Please let us know if yo have any inquiries and we will be happy to assist in your process, do not hesitate on writing us to info@panamaimmigration.net.