PropertiesVisa
Key facts
- Who it's for
- Retirees with a lifetime pension from a government or private source, including US Social Security.
- Minimum income
- Current monthly amount to confirm with the immigration service
- Property option
- The rules have allowed a smaller pension combined with a property purchase [verify whether still available and amounts]
- Dependents
- Yes, with additional income per dependent [confirm amount]
- Perks
- Retiree discounts on a range of services under Panamanian law.
What the Pensionado visa is
It is one of Panama's best-known options for foreign retirees. You qualify by proving a stable lifetime pension, not an investment, so you are free to rent or buy as you prefer.
Requirements
- Certification of a lifetime pension from a government or private source, at or above the monthly amount set by the rules: amount to confirm. A US Social Security benefit letter is commonly used.
- Apostilled background check and identity documents.
- Health certificate and immigration forms.
Where property fits
Buying a home is not required for this route, but many retirees buy to put down roots. If the current rules still allow a smaller pension combined with a property purchase, the property value required must be confirmed: [verify current conditions]. Before buying, have the property reviewed through our due diligence service.
Documents
- A valid passport.
- Apostilled pension letter or certificate.
- Apostilled background check.
- Relationship documents for dependents.
Current list: confirm with the immigration service
Step by step
- We review your pension letter and confirm it qualifies.
- You gather and apostille documents in your home country.
- We file in Panama and you give biometrics.
- We follow up until approval and your ID card.
Living on investment income rather than a pension? Compare it with the Qualified Investor route.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a minimum age for the Pensionado visa?
Does a private pension or annuity count?
What retiree discounts are available?
Official sources and regulations
- Panama National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración) — official site (in Spanish)
- Official Gazette of Panama (Gaceta Oficial) — full text of decrees and laws (in Spanish)
- Panama Public Registry (Registro Público) — title and lien searches (in Spanish)
- Panama Tax Authority (DGI) — property taxes (in Spanish)
Key regulations (check current wording and amendments in the Official Gazette): Decree-Law No. 3 of 2008, which created the National Immigration Service, and Executive Decree No. 320 of 2008, which implements it. [Verify current status]