Residency for Retirees/Pensioners in Panama
If you receive a lifetime pension and are considering establishing residency in Panama, this immigration category may allow you to obtain an indefinite residence permit, subject to meeting the applicable requirements.
Do you receive a lifetime pension?
This category is intended for foreign nationals who receive a lifetime retirement benefit or pension and wish to establish residency in Panama. The pension may come from different sources.
Foreign government
Retirement benefit or pension granted by a foreign government entity.
International organization
Lifetime pension from an international organization.
Private company
This may also qualify, although additional documentation is usually required.
How much pension income do you need to apply?
As a general rule, a minimum lifetime pension of B/.1,000 per month is required. If you apply with dependents, additional financial means are required.
Monthly lifetime pension for the main applicant, as a general rule.
per dependent
The pension may be at least B/.750 per month when the applicant has personally acquired property in Panama for more than B/.100,000, subject to the other applicable requirements.
I own property in PanamaBenefits of this immigration category
A residency option designed for those who receive a lifetime pension and wish to settle in Panama under a specific immigration framework.
Indefinite residency
The permit is granted indefinitely and does not require the periodic extensions required by some other categories.
Benefits under the program
The regulations provide certain benefits related to personal or household goods and vehicles, subject to the applicable conditions.
Discounts for retirees
Panamanian law provides discounts for retirees and pensioners on certain goods and services, subject to the corresponding requirements.
Your plans in Panama can include your family
The category allows dependents, subject to meeting the applicable requirements.
As a general rule, for each dependent included.
The official requirements allow spouses to combine their pensions to reach the established minimum.
They may qualify in certain cases, subject to specific age, study, or other conditions.
A clear process, with SLE by your side
Assessment
We review nationality, pension source, amount, and dependents.
Documents
We identify what you need to obtain and which formalities apply.
Application file
We organize forms and supporting documents.
Filing
The application is filed with the competent immigration authority.
Follow-up
We address any requirements that may arise during the review.
Decision
The corresponding procedure is completed once the application is approved.
Approval is determined exclusively by the competent Panamanian authorities. Each case may require additional documentation or steps.
What documents might you need?
Documentation may vary depending on the source of your pension, your family situation, and documents issued abroad. These are some of the items commonly included in the application file.
01 General documents
- Power of attorney and corresponding application.
- Three photographs.
- Duly certified copy of the passport.
- Police clearance certificate.
- Medical certificate.
- Sworn declaration form regarding personal background.
- Certification proving retiree or pensioner status and the lifetime nature of the pension.
02 If the pension comes from a private company
Additional documents may be requested to verify the entity administering the funds, the company's existence and good standing, and the pension payments.
03 Documents issued abroad
Foreign documents may require an apostille or authentication, as applicable. If they are not in Spanish, they must also comply with the translation formalities applicable in Panama.
04 Before filing your application
Requirements may vary depending on the applicant's particular circumstances and the rules in effect when the application is filed. A prior review helps identify additional documentation and avoid inconsistencies in the application file.
Want to know which documents apply to your case?
SLE can review your pension, dependents, and documentation before starting the process.
How much does the process cost?
The cost depends on documentation, legalizations, translations, dependents, and other applicable expenses. SLE prepares a quote based on the characteristics of each case.
Request a quoteWhat retirees and pensioners ask most often
What is the minimum pension?
As a general rule, you must prove a lifetime pension of at least B/.1,000 per month or its equivalent in foreign currency.
Can I apply with B/.750 per month?
There is an exception tied to personally acquiring property in Panama for more than B/.100,000, subject to the other applicable requirements.
Does the pension have to be for life?
Yes. The pension used for this category must be proven to be for life.
Can I work with this residency?
This residency should not automatically be interpreted as a general authorization to work in Panama. If you plan to engage in employment, professional, or commercial activities, your situation should be reviewed separately.
Can I include dependents?
Yes. As a general rule, additional financial means of B/.250 per month must be demonstrated for each dependent.
Do I need to renew this residency?
The permit is granted indefinitely and does not require renewal.
Are you considering establishing residency in Panama?
Every immigration situation is different. If you receive a lifetime pension, we can assess your case, advise you on the applicable documentation, and guide you through the different stages of the application.
To better advise you, tell us which country your pension comes from, how much you receive each month, and whether you wish to apply alone or with family members.
