Pensionado (Retiree) Visa
For those with a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000 per month. It grants permanent residency and access to the retiree discount programme, one of the broadest in the region. Spouse and dependants may be included.
Residence permits
Residency in Panama
Eight immigration routes to settle legally in Panama. We identify the one that fits you and stay with you until your residence card is issued.
Message us on WhatsAppResidency permits in Panama
Panama residency can be obtained through several immigration categories. These are the most common ones depending on your nationality, profile and family situation.
Friendly Nations Agreement
Available to nationals of around fifty allied countries, evidencing an economic link: employment with a Panamanian company or an investment in the country. Professionals with a university degree validated by the University of Panama may also apply.
Italy – Panama Treaty
The Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation between Panama and Italy allows Italian citizens to obtain residency with simplified requirements, extendable to spouse, parents and children.
Family ties
For those legally married to a Panamanian citizen, with a Panamanian child over five years of age, or as a dependant of a direct relative holding valid residency.
Residency by investment
For foreign nationals evidencing a minimum investment of USD 300,000 in real estate, a fixed-term deposit or a combination of both, with funds originating abroad.
Residency for work reasons
Where there is a job offer from a company that meets the legally required ratio of national to foreign workers, or when hiring an expert or technician within the authorized payroll percentage.
Special and temporary categories
Permits for domestic workers and for workers tied to a specific project, valid for one year and renewable, in addition to the entry visas some nationalities require.
Is your case not listed?
There are other, less common immigration categories. Tell us your situation and we will confirm whether you qualify and which route suits you best.
Who is Panama residency for?
- Retirees and pensioners with verifiable lifetime monthly income.
- Citizens of the countries included in the Friendly Nations Agreement.
- Italian citizens covered by the friendship treaty with Panama.
- Investors in real estate, fixed-term deposits or local businesses.
- Professionals and technicians with a job offer from a Panamanian company.
- People married to a Panamanian or with Panamanian children, through family ties.
- Families who wish to settle together and include a spouse and dependent children.
- Foreign nationals already in the country who need to regularise their status.
What to know before you start
Provisional and permanent
Several categories first grant provisional residency, which becomes permanent once the term and conditions of your route are met.
Dependants included
Most programmes allow a spouse and dependent children, and in some cases parents, to be added with their own documentation.
Presence in Panama
Almost every application requires at least one trip for photographs, the health certificate and signatures before a notary.
Resident card
Once approved, you receive the card that proves your immigration status and identifies you before banks and authorities.
Document validity
Police records and health certificates expire, so the order in which they are requested is part of the work we handle.
Residency is not citizenship
Residency governs your legal stay; naturalisation and tax residency are separate processes with their own rules.
Documents usually required
General guidance: requirements and amounts may change under current regulations. We confirm the exact list when we review your case.
- 01Valid passport, with a plain copy and a certified copy.
- 02Apostilled police record certificate from your country of origin.
- 03Proof of the tie supporting the category: pension, investment, nationality or job offer.
- 04Health certificate issued in Panama.
- 05Passport-size photographs and the immigration application form.
- 06Apostilled marriage and birth certificates if dependants are included.
- 07Power of attorney granted to a licensed Panamanian lawyer.
- 08Official translation of any document not written in Spanish.
How we work
A clear process, from start to finish.
1
Assessment of your case
You tell us your situation on WhatsApp and we advise which immigration route fits you.
2
Plan and documents
You receive the exact document list and we prepare your complete file.
3
Filing the application
We handle Immigration, notaries and the remaining procedures. You simply sign.
4
Receiving your residency
We stay with you until your resident card is in your hands.
Questions about Panama residency
Other immigration procedures and legal services
Work permit
Work permit categories before the Ministry of Labour and ongoing renewal tracking.
Friendly Nations, Pensioners and Investors
The three most requested residency programmes, with requirements and benefits explained.
Panama for Spanish nationals
Residency, investment and a business presence for those living in Spain who want a second option.
Procedures, documents and apostilles
Preparation, apostille, legalisation and translation of every document your file requires.
Legal services in Panama
Companies, tax compliance, trademarks, property and family matters for foreigners and businesses.
Other services by Nawa Group S.A.
Tell us about your case
Initial assessment at no cost. We reply promptly and tell you which route applies to you.
Message on WhatsAppLegal notice: the information on this page is general and informative in nature and does not constitute definitive legal advice. Eligibility for any programme depends on your particular case and Panamanian regulations may change. We recommend a personalized consultation to assess your situation.