Panama Retirement Visa (Visa de Pensionado / Jubilado Pensionado)

This is one of the most popular residency options for retirees. It grants immediate permanent residency to foreigners who can prove a lifelong pension from a government, international organization, or private company. The visa is indefinite (no renewal required) and includes exclusive discounts on healthcare, entertainment, transportation, utilities, and more. It is open to applicants of any age who meet the pension criteria, and dependents (spouse, minor children, or disabled adult children) can be included.

Key Eligibility

  • Proof of a lifelong pension (e.g., Social Security, military pension, or private annuity).
  • Clean criminal record.
  • Good health (verified in Panama).

Application Process

  1. Applications must be submitted through a licensed Panamanian attorney.
  2. Gather apostilled/authenticated documents (birth/marriage certificates, pension certification, police record).
  3. Enter Panama (as a tourist if visa-exempt) and complete in-country steps: medical exam, HIV test, biometrics, and registration with immigration.
  4. Submit the full file to the National Migration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración).
  5. Once approved, obtain a permanent residency card (cédula) and optional Panamanian ID.

    6. Timelines

    • Processing typically takes 4–8 months from submission of the complete file.
    • The residency is permanent from day one upon approval.

Panama Friendly Nations Visa (Visa de Naciones Amigas)

Available exclusively to citizens of approximately 50 “friendly” countries (including the United States, Canada, most EU countries, UK, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and many Latin American nations).

It provides a pathway to residency by demonstrating economic or professional ties to Panama. Initially grants provisional residency for 2 years, then upgrades to permanent residency. Dependents (spouse, children up to age 25 if studying, and parents) can be included.

Key Eligibility

  • Nationality from a listed friendly nation.
  • Proof of economic/professional ties (most common: form a Panamanian corporation, obtain local employment, or purchase real estate).
  • Clean criminal record and good health.

Application Process

  1. Filed by a Panamanian lawyer.
  2. Prepare apostilled documents.
  3. Travel to Panama to open a bank account (if needed), undergo medical exam, and submit the application.
  4. Receive provisional residency card (2 years).
  5. After 2 years, re-demonstrate ties and apply for permanent residency (usually requires another visit).

Timelines

  • Provisional residency: 6–12 months
  • Upgrade to permanent: Additional 4–6 months after the 2-year period
  • Total to permanent residency: Usually 2.5–3.5 years

Panama Qualified Investor Visa (“Golden Visa” – Inversionista Calificado)

Fast-track investment-based program that grants immediate permanent residency. Investment must be maintained for at least 5 years. Family (spouse, minor children, students up to 25, dependent parents) included.

Qualifying Investments

  • Real estate (freehold title or pre-sale contract)
  • Securities through a licensed Panamanian brokerage
  • Fixed-term bank deposit in a Panamanian bank

Application Process

  • Can start remotely via power of attorney to a Panamanian lawyer.
  • Complete the investment and obtain proof (public deed, bank/brokerage certificates showing foreign-source funds).
  • Submit apostilled documents and proof of investment.
  • Once approved, visit Panama within 2 years for biometrics and to collect the permanent residency card.

Timelines

  • Approval in 30–60 days (expedited)
  • Card issued shortly after biometric visit

Other Notable Panama Residency Options

Rentista Retirado (Self-Economic Solvency Visa)

For financially independent individuals with sufficient passive income or savings. Grants permanent residency via bank deposit or real estate. Process similar to Qualified Investor but lower thresholds; 6–12 months.

    Forestry Investor Visa (Inversionista Forestal):

  • Permanent residency through investment in certified reforestation/teak projects (hold 5+ years). Processing 6–12 months.
    Business Investor / Macro-Enterprise Visa:

  • For starting or investing in a large Panamanian company (capital + job creation requirements). Leads to permanent residency; 6–18 months.
    Married to a Panamanian Citizen:

  • Provisional residency (2 years) → permanent. Must prove genuine marriage. Initial provisional: 6–12 months.
    Panama-Italy Treaty Visa (Italian citizens only):

  • Immediate permanent residency and work rights under historic treaty. Faster process for Italians.
    Remote Worker / Digital Nomad Visa:

  • Temporary stay of 18 months (renewable once) for remote employees/freelancers earning abroad. Processing 1–3 months.

General Notes for All Visas

  • A Panamanian lawyer is mandatory for all residency applications.
  • Common documents: apostilled passport, birth/marriage certificates, police record (<6 months old), medical exam/HIV test done in Panama.
  • Permanent residents must visit Panama at least once every 2 years to maintain status.
  • Citizenship possible after 5 years of permanent residency (requires basic Spanish and renouncing prior citizenship in most cases).

Information current as of November 2025. Always confirm with a licensed Panamanian immigration attorney, as requirements can change.