Panama Pensionado Program
Panama Retirement Visa
The Panama Pensionado Program provides foreign retirees an affordable pathway to permanent residency in Panama. Eligible individuals aged 18+ must have a clean criminal record, good health, and a monthly pension income of $1,000. The program offers immediate permanent residency and allows dependent inclusion. Successful applicants need only one visit every two years to maintain permanent residence status, with potential citizenship after five years. With no investment requirements and quick processing, it’s an attractive retirement option for those seeking a new life in Central America.
Panama Pensionado Program Benefits
Residency and Family Inclusion
- Gain permanent residency and ability to settle permanently in Panama upon application approval
- Spouse, minor children, and unmarried adult children under 25 can be included
Travel and Quality of Life
- Permanent residents need to visit Panama only once every 2 years to maintain their status.
- Benefits include accessibility to a range of services and lifestyle discounts.
Ease of Access
- Opportunity to apply for citizenship after 5 years
- Fast processing time
- No language requirements
- No investment requirements
Requirements for the pensionado visa in panama
Eligible individuals must meet the following requirements:
(a) General Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have no criminal record
- Demonstrate good health and be free from contagious diseases
(b) Pension Income Requirements
- The main applicant must have a lifetime monthly pension income of at least USD 1,000 from foreign government, international organization, private pension administration entity, mutual funds, trust, bank, or insurance company.
- If the applicant purchases residential property in Panama that is worth at least USD 100,000, the income requirement for the main applicant reduces to USD 750 per month
- The income requirement increases by USD 250 per month for each dependent included in the application.
Panama Pensionado Program Process
Processing time 3 - 10 Months
Due Diligence and Application Preparation
Gather essential documentation and have the foreign documentation apostilled, legalized and/or translated as needed
Application Submission and Approval
- Prepare the application package
- Visit Panama to submit the application to the Panama authority
Residency
Successful applicants will need to visit the to obtain the permanent residency card
Contact us
With over 30 years of immigration experience, each of Harvey Law Group’s lawyers carefully studies each client’s needs, resources and determines the immigration solution that best aligns with our client’s vision and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Panama Pensionado Program and how does it work?
The Panama Pensionado Program provides foreign retirees an affordable pathway to permanent residency in Panama. Eligible individuals aged 18+ with a monthly pension income of $1,000 can obtain immediate permanent residency with the ability to include dependents. The program offers quick processing, no investment requirements, and minimal physical presence requirements. Harvey Law Group's experienced immigration lawyers help clients navigate this excellent retirement option with over 30 years of expertise.
What are the income requirements for the pensionado visa in Panama?
The main applicant must have a lifetime monthly pension income of at least USD 1,000 from a foreign government, international organization, private pension entity, mutual funds, trust, bank, or insurance company. If you purchase residential property worth at least USD 100,000, the requirement reduces to USD 750 monthly. Each dependent increases the requirement by USD 250 per month. Harvey Law Group ensures your pension documentation meets all Panama authority requirements for successful approval.
Who can be included as dependents in the Panama Pensionado Program?
Dependents include your spouse, minor children under 18, and adult children under 25 who are studying full-time and financially dependent on the main applicant. All eligible family members can be included in a single application for permanent residency. Harvey Law Group carefully reviews each family situation to ensure all dependents qualify and are properly included in your pensionado application.
What are the general eligibility requirements for the pensionado visa in Panama?
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, have no criminal record, and demonstrate good health free from contagious diseases. These requirements apply to both the main applicant and any included dependents. Harvey Law Group assists with obtaining all necessary documentation, including apostilled criminal background checks and health certificates, ensuring your application meets Panama's strict eligibility criteria.
How long does the Panama Pensionado Program application process take?
The processing time is typically 3-10 months from application submission to permanent residency approval. The process involves gathering documentation, application preparation, visiting Panama to submit to authorities, and returning to obtain your permanent residency card. Harvey Law Group's streamlined approach and 30+ years of immigration experience help minimize processing delays and ensure efficient application handling.
What are the physical presence requirements to maintain Panama permanent residency?
Permanent residents need to visit Panama only once every 2 years to maintain their status, making it one of the most flexible residency programs available. You must also refrain from activities compromising national security, respect local laws, and comply with any authority-imposed conditions. Harvey Law Group provides ongoing guidance to help clients maintain their permanent residency status effortlessly.
What benefits does the Panama Pensionado Program offer to retirees?
Benefits include immediate permanent residency, family inclusion options, quick processing, no language or investment requirements, and access to significant discounts on entertainment, dining, utilities, flights, accommodations, medical services, and medications throughout Panama. After 5 years, you can apply for Panamanian citizenship. Harvey Law Group ensures clients understand and can access all available program benefits.
Can pensionado visa holders apply for Panama citizenship?
Yes, after maintaining Panama as your ordinary residence for 5 consecutive years as a permanent resident, you can apply for citizenship. Requirements include a clean criminal record, economic solvency, good health certificate, Spanish proficiency, knowledge of Panama's history and geography, and willingness to renounce original citizenship. Harvey Law Group guides clients through the entire citizenship process from initial residency to naturalization.
Does the Panama Pensionado Program require any investment or language skills?
No, the program has no investment requirements beyond the optional property purchase that reduces pension income requirements, and there are no language requirements for obtaining permanent residency. This makes it one of the most accessible retirement visa programs globally. Harvey Law Group helps clients take advantage of these flexible requirements to secure Panama residency efficiently and affordably.
What documentation is needed for the pensionado visa in Panama application?
Essential documentation includes apostilled criminal background checks, health certificates, pension income verification, and translated documents as required by Panama authorities. All foreign documentation must be properly apostilled, legalized, and translated according to specific requirements. Harvey Law Group's experienced team handles all documentation preparation, ensuring compliance with Panama's strict requirements and avoiding costly delays or rejections.