How to Move to Panama from Canada

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

Short answer: Canadians can move to Panama through the Friendly Nations visa (Canada is one of the 51 listed countries), the Pensionado visa if they receive a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 per month, or the Qualified Investor visa. You prepare Canadian documents, travel to Panama, and a licensed Panamanian attorney files for you. Requirements change; confirm the current rules for your case in a free consultation.

Which program fits most Canadians

Program	Best for	Headline requirement
Friendly Nations	Working-age movers	Panama job, US$200k property or US$200k 3-year deposit
Pensionado	Retirees with CPP/OAS or other pensions	Lifetime pension of US$1,000/month (US$750 with US$100k+ property)
Qualified Investor	Investors	From US$300k (new property) to US$750k (private-bank deposit)

Steps

Free consultation to choose your program.
Get an RCMP criminal record check and have it apostilled (Canada joined the Apostille Convention in January 2024; confirm the current process with Global Affairs Canada).
Get your pension letters (for example from Service Canada for CPP/OAS) or proof of investment, and Spanish translations.
Travel to Panama; your attorney files your application.
Arrange health insurance: provincial health plans have limits on coverage while you live abroad.
Review your tax residency: the CRA has rules for people leaving Canada. Get advice from a tax professional.

Frequently asked questions

Is Canada on Panama’s Friendly Nations list?

Yes. Canada is one of the 51 countries on the list.

Do CPP and OAS count for the Pensionado visa?

Government pensions paid for life can qualify if they reach the minimum. Your attorney confirms your pension letters meet current requirements.

Can I receive CPP and OAS while living in Panama?

According to the Government of Canada, the CPP retirement pension can be paid outside Canada, and OAS can be paid abroad if you lived in Canada for at least 20 years after age 18. GIS is generally not payable abroad beyond 6 months. Check its guidance for your situation.

Will I keep my provincial health coverage?

Provincial plans usually limit coverage when you live outside Canada, so most movers buy private health insurance.

Do I need to tell the CRA I’m leaving Canada?

The CRA has specific rules for people who become non-residents. Speak with a qualified tax professional.

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.