Panama and remote assistance · Quirós & Quirós
Panama Pensionado visa for retirees and pensioners
Panama’s Pensionado residence permit generally requires a lifetime pension of at least B/.1,000 per month. The minimum falls to B/.750 if you prove that you bought property in Panama in your own name for more than B/.100,000. Each dependent requires an additional B/.250 in monthly financial means. We review your pension and documents to prepare your application to the National Migration Service.
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Prepare for residence with clear information
Commonly called the “Pensionado visa”, this procedure is an application for permanent residence as a retired pensioner. The approved permit is granted indefinitely, without renewal. Article 203, as amended by article 54 of Executive Decree 26 of 2009.
Sources reviewed: .
Who can apply?
Foreign nationals receiving a lifetime pension from a foreign government, international organization or private company may apply, provided they have sufficient means to settle in Panama.
Article 200 does not set a specific minimum age for this category. What matters is proving the lifetime pension and meeting the other requirements. Executive Decree 320 of 2008, article 200.
Pension and financial support requirements
| Situation | Financial requirement |
|---|---|
| General rule | A lifetime pension of at least B/.1,000 per month, or its equivalent in foreign currency. |
| Property purchased personally in Panama for more than B/.100,000 | The minimum pension may be reduced to B/.750 per month. |
| Each dependant | An additional B/.250 per month in financial support, evidenced by an additional pension or a local bank reference. |
The B/.250 per dependant is a monthly financial support requirement, not a fee paid to the National Migration Service. The property exception requires proof of the personal acquisition and a Public Registry certificate. Executive Decree 320, article 200; article 201 as amended in 2009.
Documents to prepare
The National Migration Service checklist requires:
- A notarised power of attorney and application. The power of attorney must state the names and nationalities of the applicant’s parents.
- Three photographs.
- A duly certified copy of the passport.
- A criminal record certificate.
- A health certificate.
- A sworn declaration of personal background.
- Certification of the lifetime pension and its amount.
- Evidence of additional financial support for each dependant, where applicable.
- A Public Registry certificate for the property, if relying on that exception.
If the pension comes from a private company
Additional documents are required: a letter from the foreign fund administrator certifying that it administers pension funds for the company or applicant; certification of the existence and current standing of the company granting the pension and administering the fund; and proof of payment or a bank statement. We review the issuing entity and the contents of these certifications. National Migration Service official PRP-JP checklist.
Spouse and dependent children
Spouses may establish the required amounts by combining their pensions. How each family member is included in the application must be assessed. Article 201, final paragraph, as amended in 2009.
The inclusion of children depends on their age and circumstances. Article 202 provides for a temporary permit for dependent children until their 25th birthday, subject to evidence of full-time studies, without entitlement to permanent residence or pensioner status under that rule, except in cases of a proven profound disability. We review the documentation for minors and adults separately. Adult dependants grant their own power of attorney. Executive Decree 320, articles 202 and 242.
Depending on the relationship, prepare a marriage or birth certificate, or evidence of guardianship or custody, a letter of responsibility and proof of address. For adult children under 25, we review certification of full-time studies and unmarried status, or a notarised declaration where such certification is not issued. Panamá Digital · applicant and dependant documentation; National Migration Service · family reunification, items 9–11.
We prepare a family checklist based on relationships, ages, studies and individual circumstances, including the necessary certificates and authorisations.
Foreign documents and validity
Foreign documents require an apostille or legalisation and, where applicable, translation by a public translator authorized in Panama and currency conversion issued by a competent entity. Executive Decree 320, article 247.
The health certificate must be issued by a duly licensed professional within the three months before the application. Criminal records are obtained from the country of origin or residence, subject to the applicable legal exceptions. Decree Law 3 of 2008, article 28.
We check each document’s validity before filing. Coordinate their collection before commissioning apostilles or translations or arranging travel.
How we assist you
- We review your pension, nationality, immigration status and family circumstances.
- We identify the documents, responsibilities and scope of the professional engagement.
- We check certifications, legalisation and translations.
- We file and follow up on the application and the authority’s requests.
The application to the National Migration Service is submitted through a legal representative under the applicable rules. Decree Law 3, article 28.
Costs and timing
This category is exempt from the B/.250 application charge and B/.800 repatriation deposit set out in article 28. This does not remove legal fees, translation, certification or other applicable expenses. We provide a proposal based on your case. Executive Decree 26, article 53; Decree Law 3, article 28.
A timetable is estimated after reviewing the documents. The National Migration Service makes the decision; we do not guarantee an approval date.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to buy a property?
Property ownership is not a requirement under the general route. The personal purchase described above allows an application based on the reduced pension threshold.
Can savings replace the pension?
This category requires evidence of a lifetime pension. Savings alone do not establish that requirement. Executive Decree 320, article 200.
Can I start preparing from abroad?
You can share the documents available for an initial review. We will coordinate what you should obtain before traveling and which steps require your presence.
Is Pensionado residence permanent or temporary?
The principal applicant’s approved permit is permanent and granted indefinitely without renewal. Dependent children have a different rule: a temporary permit subject to the age and study conditions described above, with the stated exception for a proven profound disability. Filing an application is not approval of residence. Executive Decree 26, article 54; Executive Decree 320, article 202.
What should I check before booking my trip?
Arrange a review of your documents, their formalities and validity, your current immigration status and the steps requiring personal attendance. Tell the team your intended travel dates and whether family members will travel with you. The number and timing of visits depend on the case and the arrangements required by the authority; no approval date is guaranteed.
Assistance from the Quirós & Quirós team
Katherine Quirós V., Carlos Quirós V. and Zoila Chilan are members of the team assisting with this service. Contact the firm to arrange your consultation.
General information. Advice for your case depends on reviewing your documents and circumstances.