What pension amount is required for the pensioner visa?

A certified lifetime pension from USD 1,000 per month. The amount may change when dependants are included or when property in Panama is used as support.

How do I know if my country is in the Friendly Nations agreement?

The list covers more than forty countries and is updated by decree. We verify your nationality before you incur any cost.

Do I have to invest to qualify for Friendly Nations?

You must show an economic link with the country: employment with a Panamanian company, your own activity, or an investment. We review which one suits your profile.

Can I include my family in the programme?

Yes. Most of these routes accept a spouse and dependent children, and the treaty with Italy also covers parents, always with their own apostilled documents.

Must the investment funds come from abroad?

Yes. For investment-based residency, a bank certification must prove the funds originated abroad and were transferred into Panama.

Friendly Nations, pensioners and investors

Friendly Nations, retirees and investors

Details of the three most requested Panama residency programmes: the Pensionado visa, the Friendly Nations Agreement and the Italy–Panama treaty. Requirements are indicative and confirmed when we assess your case.

01

Pensionado Visa in Panama

The preferred route for retirees seeking stability and long-term benefits.

—Certified lifetime pension of USD 1,000 per month or more.
—Certification from the paying institution, duly apostilled.
—Valid passport, criminal record certificate and health certificate.
—Grants permanent residency and access to the retiree discount programme.
—Spouse and dependent children may be included.

02

Friendly Nations Agreement

For nationals of allied countries with an employment link, investment or professional degree.

—Passport from one of the countries covered by the agreement.
—Economic link: employment contract with a Panamanian company or evidenced investment.
—Professional alternative: university degree validated by the University of Panama.
—May be filed together with the work permit.
—Extendable to the applicant's immediate family.

03

Residency for Italian citizens

Preferential route arising from the bilateral treaty between Panama and Italy.

—Valid Italian passport of the main applicant.
—Simplified documentary requirements compared with other categories.
—Extendable to spouse, parents and children.
—Support in Spanish and English throughout the procedure.

Who are these programmes for?

Retirees with a lifetime pension from a public or private institution.
Citizens of the more than fifty countries in the Friendly Nations Agreement.
Professionals with a university degree revalidated at the University of Panama.
Investors transferring funds of foreign origin into Panama.
Italian citizens covered by the Panama–Italy friendship treaty.
Couples and families who wish to include a spouse and dependent children.

Conditions and benefits of each programme

Pensioner visa

Permanent residency for applicants proving a lifetime pension from USD 1,000 per month, with the option to include a spouse.

Retiree discounts

Panama grants retirees statutory discounts on healthcare, medicines, transport, hotels, entertainment and restaurants.