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Peaceful living and lush retirement in Panama

Immigration, Residency & Pensionado Visas

Live legally and comfortably in Panama, enjoying the world’s most generous retiree incentive program, duty-free imports, and tropical lifestyle.

Welcome to a Rewarding New Chapter in Panama!

If you have decided to move or retire to Panama, congratulations on a brilliant choice. Panama offers countless statutory incentives for foreign nationals wishing to invest in real estate or relocate permanently to enjoy superior healthcare and low living costs.

The Panama Pensionado (Retiree) Visa, codified under Law 6 of 1987, is universally acknowledged as the gold standard of expat retirement programs. By verifying a lifetime monthly pension, you and your family are granted permanent legal residency with no expiration date.

Statutory Perks

Official Panama Retiree Discount Schedule

Mandated by Law 6 of 1987 throughout the Republic of Panama upon presenting your Pensionado ID.

Movie theaters, theater, cultural and sporting events50% Off
Hotels and resorts (Monday through Thursday)50% Off
Hotels and resorts (Friday through Sunday)30% Off
Individual dining at restaurants25% Off
Monthly electric utility and telephone service bills25% Off
Medical and surgical consultations20% Off
Dental and optometry services15% Off
Hospital and private healthcare clinic services15% Off
Fast food restaurant franchise establishments15% Off
Prescription medicines at pharmacies10% Off
Import duty exemption on household goodsUp to $10,000
Duty-free import or local purchase of a motor vehicleEvery 2 Years
Alternative Pathways

Friendly Nations & Qualified Investor Visas

If you are not yet retired or do not receive a pension, rapid residency pathways exist.

Friendly Nations Visa

Tailored for citizens of designated allied countries (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, EU, etc.). Grants a 2-year provisional permit followed by permanent residency via an official employment contract or a US$200,000 titled real estate investment.

Qualified Investor Visa

The fastest track to permanent residency in Panama, granting permanent status in under 30 days via a minimum US$300,000 unencumbered real estate purchase or a US$750,000 bank certificate of deposit.

Immigration FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions on Relocation

Everything you need to know about documentation, police records, and family dependents.

01.What are the financial requirements for the Panama Pensionado Visa?

Panamanian law requires evidencing a guaranteed, lifetime monthly pension of at least US$1,000 from a government entity (such as US Social Security, Canadian CPP/OAS, military pensions) or private corporate plan (plus US$250 for each dependent spouse/child). If you purchase titled real estate in Panama valued at US$100,000 or more, the minimum required monthly pension is reduced to US$750.

02.What is the Panama Friendly Nations Visa and who qualifies?

Panama maintains a fast-track residency framework for citizens of approximately 50 allied nations (including USA, Canada, UK, Australia, EU member states). Applicants can qualify for a 2-year temporary permit leading directly to permanent residency either through an employment contract with a Panamanian company or by purchasing titled real estate valued at US$200,000 or more.

03.Does the Pensionado Visa allow me to earn income or operate a business in Panama?

The Pensionado Visa grants permanent legal residency with no expiration date. While it is designed for individuals retired from active payroll employment, you are entirely free to establish Panamanian corporations, acquire income-producing real estate, collect dividends, and run your own independent investments without restriction.

Begin Your Relocation

Start Your Panama Residency Application

Contact our legal team to review your eligibility and assemble your official filing before the Immigration National Service.

We maintain strict attorney-client privilege and confidentiality for all communications.