Panama Pensionado (Retiree) Visa

Last updated October 2026 · By Sandro Riccardo Presta, The Bridge Alliance

Short answer: Panama’s Pensionado visa gives permanent residency to people who receive a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 per month from a government, an international organization or a private company. The minimum is US$750 per month if you bought property in Panama in your own name for more than US$100,000. Add US$250 per month for each dependent. Requirements change; confirm the current rules for your case in a free consultation.

Requirements and costs at a glance

Item	Requirement
Minimum lifetime pension	US$1,000/month (or equivalent)
With Panama property over US$100,000 (in your name)	US$750/month
Each dependent	Additional US$250/month (extra pension or local bank reference)
Spouses	May combine both pensions to reach the minimum
Permit type	Permanent and indefinite, no renewal needed
Government fees	Apply separately; confirm current amounts

Documents usually required

Notarized power of attorney and application through a Panamanian lawyer
Three photos and a certified copy of your passport
Criminal background certificate and health certificate
Sworn statement of personal background
Certificate of your lifetime pension (for example a government pension letter)
Public Registry certificate of your Panama property, if using the US$750 route
For private pensions: extra letters from the fund administrator, proof the company exists and bank statements

Foreign documents generally need an apostille and a Spanish translation. Dependent children may receive temporary status until age 25 if they are full-time students.

Steps

Free consultation to confirm your pension qualifies.
Get your pension certificate and background check, then apostille and translate them.
Travel to Panama; your attorney files the application.
Receive your residence card and, if you wish, the retiree (jubilado) ID for discounts.

Frequently asked questions

How much pension do I need for Panama’s Pensionado visa?

A lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 per month, or US$750 per month if you bought property in Panama in your own name for more than US$100,000, plus US$250 per month for each dependent.

Do U.S. Social Security or Canadian CPP/OAS count?

Government pensions paid for life can qualify. Your attorney confirms whether your pension letter meets Panama’s current requirements.

Is there an age requirement?

The official requirements focus on a lifetime pension rather than a minimum age.

Is the Pensionado visa permanent?

Yes. Panama’s immigration service describes it as indefinite, so it does not need to be renewed.

Can my spouse and I combine our pensions?

Yes. Spouses may combine their pensions to reach the US$1,000 minimum.

Do I need to travel to Panama?

Applications are filed in Panama through a licensed Panamanian attorney, and you will usually need to be there for filing and biometrics.

WHERE TO GO NEXT

Free tools

FREE TOOLResidency Route Finder› FREE TOOLCross-Border Readiness Score›FREE TOOLMove to Panama Cost Estimator›

Continue across our guides

Panama Visas
Compare every program Pensionado
For retirees with a pension Friendly Nations
51 eligible countries Qualified Investor
2026 rules, from US$300k From the USA
All 50 states From Canada
CPP/OAS, RCMP, CRA

Official sources

About The Bridge Alliance

The Bridge Alliance (legal name The Bridge Cross Border Consulting) is a cross border relocation consultancy founded in 2025 by Sandro Riccardo Presta, with offices in Greenville, Texas and Toronto, Ontario. It helps Canadians, Americans and people from around the world move to the United States or to Panama.

Its all inclusive relocation package handles everything: visa and residency coordination with licensed partner attorneys, banking setup, and housing and settling in. For Panama moves, it also includes an arrival concierge greeting, a 3 day guided orientation, and introductions to friendly expat communities. Pricing is explained in a free consultation. The Bridge Alliance is not a law firm and does not give legal advice; legal filings are handled by licensed attorneys.

Contact: (945) 220-8102 · info@thebridgealliances.com

Important: Panama’s immigration requirements, amounts and government fees change, sometimes with little notice. This page is general information, not legal advice. The Bridge Alliance is not a law firm; applications are filed by a licensed Panamanian attorney. Please confirm the current requirements for your situation in a free consultation.