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āœ…FAQ – Panama Retirement (Pensionado) Visa

1. What is the Panama Pensionado Visa?

The Panama Pensionado Visa is a permanent residency program designed for retirees who receive a lifetime pension or retirement income. It is one of the most popular retirement visas in the world due to its low income requirement and generous discounts.

2. What is the minimum income required for the Pensionado Visa?

Applicants must prove a minimum lifetime pension of USD $1,000 per month.
If applying with a spouse, the required income increases by USD $250 per dependent.

3. Does the pension need to come from a specific country?

No. The pension can originate from any country, as long as it is:

  • Lifetime (not temporary)

  • Government, private, military, or social security pension

  • Officially certified

4. Is the Panama Pensionado Visa permanent residency?

Yes. The Pensionado Visa grants permanent residency from the start, not temporary status.

5. Do Pensionado residents receive discounts in Panama?

Yes. Pensionado residents receive significant legal discounts, including:

  • 25% discount on airline tickets

  • 50% discount on entertainment

  • 30% discount on public transportation

  • Discounts on medical services, restaurants, and utilities

6. Can Pensionado residents work in Panama?

No. The Pensionado Visa is strictly for retirees and does not allow formal employment in Panama.

7. How long does the Pensionado Visa process take?

The process typically takes between 3–6 months, depending on documentation and immigration processing times.

8. Can I include my spouse in my application?

Yes. Spouses and dependents can be included in the same application if the income requirement is met.

9. Do I need to live in Panama full time?

There is no strict physical presence requirement, but long absences may create administrative complications.

10. Can Pensionado residents apply for Panamanian citizenship?

Yes. After 5 years of permanent residency, Pensionado residents may be eligible to apply for naturalization, subject to legal requirements.

FAQ

Panama Investor Passport & Residency Options

Can permanent residents get a Panamanian passport?

Permanent residents of Panama may apply for aĀ Panamanian travel document, butĀ not a citizen passport. Only Panamanian citizens can obtain the ordinary passport.
šŸ‘‰Ā Learn more aboutĀ [Panama permanent residency options]Ā (link to Residency Overview page)

What is the Panama Investor Passport?

TheĀ Panama Investor PassportĀ is aĀ Special Panamanian PassportĀ available toĀ qualified investorsĀ underĀ Law 493 of 2025. Applicants must holdĀ permanent residence as an investorĀ and meet the legal investment requirements.
šŸ‘‰Ā See full details about theĀ [Panama Investor Visa]Ā (link to Investor Visa page)

Do I need permanent residency to apply for a Panama investor passport?

Yes. You must first obtainĀ permanent residency in Panama as a qualified investorĀ before applying for the investor passport.
šŸ‘‰Ā Start with theĀ [Panama Investor Residency Program]Ā (same Investor Visa or dedicated residency page)

What other passports are available for Panama residents?

Depending on your immigration category, you may qualify for:

  • Special Panamanian PassportĀ (Investors, Retirees, Rentistas)

  • Non-Citizen (Traveler) Passport

šŸ‘‰Ā Explore allĀ [Panama residency visa categories]Ā (link to Residency Services page)

Where are Panamanian resident passports issued?

All Special and Traveler Passports are issued by theĀ Panamanian Passport Authority (APAP)Ā after residency approval.

Have more questions?Ā get in touch

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