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🇵🇦 Panama · Full Brief
Pensionado Visa
Permanent residency and the world's most generous retiree discounts.
Minimum
$1,000/mo
Type
Pension
Key benefit
Huge cost-of-living discounts
Family
Spouse (+$250/mo per dependent)
01
Legal Requirements
Show a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 per month to qualify for permanent residency and one of the world's most generous retiree discount programs.
- Government or private pension of at least $1,000/mo for life, notarized and apostilled.
- Clean criminal record apostilled from country of residence.
- Health certificate issued in Panama.
- Panamanian attorney of record required for filing.
02
Timeline Estimates
- 1
Document apostille
3–6 weeksPension letter, background check, and marriage certificates.
- 2
Filing in Panama
1 in-country visitAttorney submits to Immigration; temporary card issued same week.
- 3
Approval
4–6 monthsPermanent Pensionado resolution granted.
- 4
E-Cedula (optional)
Year 2+Local ID unlocks banking and driving privileges.
03
Tax Implications
- Territorial tax system — foreign-source income is not taxed.
- One-time exemption on household goods import and every 2 years on a vehicle.
- 25%–50% discounts on flights, medical care, entertainment, and utilities.
Tax outcomes depend on individual residency status and evolving policy. Confirm treatment with a licensed advisor before making decisions.
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