# Frequently asked questions [Free consultation](/contact/) ### What is the minimum pension for the Pensionado visa? A lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 a month. It is US$750 if you personally bought property in Panama for more than US$100,000. Source: National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PRP-JP (Jubilado/Pensionado) ### Does US Social Security count? Social Security retirement benefits are a pension from a foreign government and are the most common basis for this visa. Disability benefits are assessed case by case. Your benefit verification letter is usually the starting point for your pension certificate. ### Is there a minimum age? No. The requirement is a lifetime pension, not an age. Source: National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PRP-JP (Jubilado/Pensionado) ### Can my spouse and I combine our pensions? Yes. Spouses may add their pensions together to reach the US$1,000 minimum. Source: National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PRP-JP (Jubilado/Pensionado) ### How much more do I need for dependents? US$250 a month for each dependent, shown with an additional pension or a local bank reference. Source: National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PRP-JP (Jubilado/Pensionado) ### Can my children come with me? Dependent children can receive a temporary permit until age 25 if they are full-time students. They do not obtain permanent or pensionado status, except children with a proven severe disability. Source: National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PRP-JP (Jubilado/Pensionado) ### Do I have to renew the Pensionado visa? The permit is indefinite and does not require an extension. Your residency card is a separate document with its own validity. Source: National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PRP-JP (Jubilado/Pensionado) ### Does a private pension or annuity qualify? Yes, if it is paid for life. You also provide a letter from the fund administrator, a certificate of good standing of the company and proof of payment. Source: National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PRP-JP (Jubilado/Pensionado) ### What discounts do pensionados get? Discounts under Law 6 of 1987 in areas such as entertainment, transport, hotels, restaurants and medicines. Because the percentages have been amended, we send you the current table. ### Can I come to Panama as a tourist first and look around? Yes. Most visitors may stay up to 90 days per entry under the Immigration Law. For US and Canadian citizens, Panama’s Embassy in the US lists up to 180 days under a 2021 Immigration resolution and, on the same page, three months; the number of days stamped in your passport when you arrive is what counts. Source: Decree-Law 3 of 2008, article 16(1) (Official Gazette 25986, February 26, 2008); Immigration Service Resolution 22706 of September 10, 2021 (Official Gazette 29379) ### Can I file for the Pensionado visa during that visit? Yes. A visitor may ask Immigration for a change of category, such as pensionado residency, during the authorized stay or its extension. Once your application is filed you receive a processing card valid for six months. Source: Decree-Law 3 of 2008, articles 14 and 17; Executive Decree 320 of 2008, articles 238–239; Executive Decree 320 of 2008, article 16 (as amended by Executive Decree 590 of 2016) ### What if my pension letter or apostille arrives late? Your lawyer can ask Immigration for up to 60 more days, at least 10 working days before your stay ends. Immigration decides whether to grant it. It costs B/. 250 plus a B/. 500 deposit, which is returned if the complete residency application is filed on time; otherwise the deposit is lost and you must leave within five days. Source: Executive Decree 320 of 2008, articles 23–25 ### Can I fly home for the holidays while my application is pending? Yes, but first you need a multiple entry-and-exit visa. Source: Executive Decree 320 of 2008, article 264 ### Can I keep living in Panama on tourist entries instead? We do not recommend it. No rule we found sets a minimum time outside Panama or promises a new period when you return, and overstaying carries fines and possible re-entry bans. Pensionado residency is the stable way to stay. Source: Decree-Law 3 of 2008, article 84; ### Can I spend long periods back home once I have the Pensionado visa? Yes, but watch the two-year mark. Immigration may cancel your residency after more than two years away without a justified and authorized absence; it is not automatic. Between two and six years away, your lawyer can ask for reinstatement within 30 business days after you return, with a notarized sworn statement. Pensionados have no special exception to this rule. Source: Decree-Law 3 of 2008, article 31(3); Immigration Service Resolution 17405 of 2019 (Official Gazette 28853) ### My house in Panama is owned by my company. Does it lower the minimum to US$750? No. The reduced minimum requires property owned in your own name. A company is a separate legal person, so property held through it does not count for this rule. With a pension above US$1,000 you do not need the reduction anyway. Source: Executive Decree 320 of 2008, article 200 ### Why does a lawyer file for me instead of me? Panamanian law requires residency applications to be filed through a Panamanian lawyer under your power of attorney. You sign the power, and you normally come once to register with Immigration. Source: Decree-Law 3 of 2008, article 28 ### Do I need a lawyer? Yes. In Panama, immigration applications are filed by a licensed Panamanian attorney under your power of attorney. Jubilado / Pensionado Retiree / pensioner: the person who receives a retirement or pension income. Pensión vitalicia Lifetime pension: one that is paid for the rest of your life. Dependiente Dependent: a spouse or child included in your application. Carnet de residente Residency card issued by the National Immigration Service. Referencia bancaria Bank reference letter from a bank in Panama. Apostilla Apostille: the certificate that makes a foreign public document valid in Panama. [The laws behind the Pensionado visa](/laws/)[Where to retire in Panama](/places/)[Festivals and seasons in Panama](/festivals/)[Retiring in Panama City](/places/panama-city/)[Retiring in Boquete](/places/boquete/)[Retiring in Volcán and Tierras Altas](/places/volcan/)[Retiring in David](/places/david/)[Retiring in Coronado](/places/coronado/)[Retiring in El Valle de Antón](/places/el-valle-de-anton/)[Retiring in Pedasí](/places/pedasi/)[Retiring in Las Tablas](/places/las-tablas/)[Retiring in Chitré](/places/chitre/)[Retiring in Bocas del Toro](/places/bocas-del-toro/)[Retiring in Santa Catalina](/places/santa-catalina/)[Can you lose your Panama residency by living abroad?](/losing-residency/)[Your documents, in the right order](/document-timeline/)[How to apostille your Social Security letter for Panama](/social-security-letter-apostille/)[The cards and documents you receive](/cards-and-documents/)[Bringing your family on the Pensionado visa](/bringing-your-family/) ## Planning your retirement in Panama? Book a free 15-minute call. We will check your pension and tell you exactly what you need. [Book your free call](/contact/)[Message us on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/50761970238?text=Hi%2C%20I%20would%20like%20a%20consultation%20about%20the%20Panama%20Pensionado%20visa%20(from%20panamapensionado.com).)