A foreign government
For example, US Social Security or a government pension from your home country.
Retire in Panama · Pensionado visa
Retire in Panama with the Pensionado visa
If you receive a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 a month from a government, an international organization or a private company, you can live in Panama as a permanent resident.
The minimum drops to US$750 if you own Panamanian property worth more than US$100,000. There is no minimum age, and the permit is indefinite.
- US$1,000monthly lifetime pension
- US$750with property over US$100,000
- +US$250per dependent, per month
- Indefinitepermit, no extension needed
Do you qualify?
Enter your monthly pension and family. The calculator applies the official rule in seconds.
Key takeaways
- You need a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 a month; couples may add their pensions together.
- The minimum is US$750 if you personally own Panamanian property worth more than US$100,000.
- Add US$250 a month for each dependent.
- There is no minimum age, and the permit is indefinite: no extension of the permit is needed.
- Pensionado applicants are exempt from the B/. 250 fee and the B/. 800 repatriation deposit that most residencies require.
Which pensions count
The law accepts lifetime pensions from three kinds of payers. What matters is that the pension is for life.
An international organization
Pensions from organizations such as the United Nations system.
A private company
Corporate pensions and annuities paid for life, with extra documents from the fund that manages them.
Why retirees choose the Pensionado visa
An indefinite permit
The permit is indefinite, so it does not need to be extended. Your residency card is a separate document with its own validity.
Lower government costs
Pensionado applicants are exempt from the B/. 250 fee and the B/. 800 repatriation deposit that other residency categories pay.
Source: Executive Decree 320 of 2008, article 201
No minimum age
The requirement is a lifetime pension, not an age. Early retirees qualify too.
Couples can combine pensions
Spouses may add their pensions together to reach the US$1,000 minimum.
Check your pension
Enter your pension, your spouse’s and your dependents: the calculator applies the official rule.
Get the document checklist
What you bring for a government, military, private or foreign pension, and what needs an apostille.
See what you gain
Indefinite residency, family members and the retiree discount program.
Plan your timeline
What you do at home, what happens in Panama and how long you can stay while you apply.
Read the answers
Social Security, disability benefits, couples, children and travel during the application.
How we work with you
A signed contract
An invoice for every expense
Licensed attorneys
Official sources · October 26, 2026
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