Panama · Retirement visa
Panama retirement visa for US citizens
Short answer
The main route is the Permanent residence for retirees (Residente Permanente en calidad de Jubilado Pensionado). Retirees with a lifelong pension from a government, an international body or a private plan. No minimum age.
- Money needed: A lifelong pension of $1,000 a month, or $750 if you own Panama property bought for over $100,000
- How long it lasts: Permanent, with no renewal while you still qualify
- Leads to: Already permanent; your years count toward citizenship from the start
Key facts
- Money needed
- A lifelong pension of $1,000 a month, or $750 if you own Panama property bought for over $100,000
- How long it lasts
- Permanent, with no renewal while you still qualify
- Leads to
- Already permanent; your years count toward citizenship from the start
- Apply from
- Inside Panama, through a Panamanian lawyer
- Processing time
- No official target Not in the official checklist; real waits Not yet verified
Checked against the law Rules read in the immigration decree and the immigration office's checklist.
Still being checked The full current fee list for registration and the residence card.
What you need
- Pension certificate: showing a lifelong pension; an investment account alone doesn't count
- Private pensions: a letter from the plan, proof the provider exists and a payment statement
- Passport: authenticated copy, plus 3 photos and a notarised power of attorney
- Criminal record check and medical certificate, apostilled and translated
- Family: $250 a month more for each dependant, plus proof of the relationship
- Property deed: only if you use the $750 rate
- Fees: no $250 Treasury fee or $800 deposit; $50 application card. Card fees Not yet verified
Good to know
- Work: this permit isn't a work permit; working needs separate approval.
- Absences: more than 2 years abroad without permission can cancel it.
- Couples can combine pensions, and children can stay until 25 while studying full-time.
Every Panama residency route, compared → The full Panama guide →
Questions people ask
How much income do I need for Panama's retirement visa?
A lifelong pension of $1,000 a month, or $750 if you own Panama property bought for over $100,000
How long does it last?
Permanent, with no renewal while you still qualify
Does it lead to permanent residence or citizenship?
Already permanent; your years count toward citizenship from the start
Where do I apply?
Inside Panama, through a Panamanian lawyer
How long does processing take?
No official target (Not in the official checklist); real waits (Not yet verified)