Pensionado visa requirements
You will need six personal documents, an official certificate of your lifetime pension, proof of support for any dependents and, for private pensions, three extra documents from the pension fund.
Documents issued abroad generally need an apostille and a Spanish translation; we confirm each one for your country.
The Pensionado visa rests on one document: an official certificate showing that your pension is paid for life. Around it you add a few personal documents, such as your passport, a criminal record and a health certificate issued in Panama. If you receive US Social Security, the certified letter and its apostille take the longest, so that is where we start.
Personal documents
- Power of attorney and applicationNotarized, in favor of your Panamanian lawyer. It must state the names and nationality of your parents.
- Three photosPassport-size.
- Passport copyA full copy, certified by a notary (or authenticated as appropriate).
- Criminal background certificateFrom your country of origin or residence.
- Health certificateIssued by a licensed physician within the last three months.
- Sworn statement of personal backgroundImmigration’s official form, which we prepare with you.
Proof of your pension
- Certificate of your pensionIssued by the foreign government, international organization or private company, showing a lifetime pension of at least US$1,000 a month or its equivalent in foreign currency.
For US Social Security, this is usually your benefit verification letter.
- Support for dependentsAn additional US$250 a month for each dependent, shown with an additional pension or a local bank reference.
- Property certificate (if it applies)A Public Registry certificate if you use the property exception.
If your pension is private
- Letter from the pension administratorFrom the foreign pension, trust, mutual fund, insurance or banking company that manages the funds, certifying that it does.
- Certificate of good standingOf the company that grants the pension and manages the fund.
- Proof of paymentA payment receipt or bank statement.
Exceptions and special cases
- Property exceptionIf you personally bought property in Panama for more than US$100,000, your pension can be as low as US$750 a month.
- SpousesSpouses may combine their pensions to reach the US$1,000 minimum.
- ChildrenDependent children 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.
- No extensionThe permit is indefinite, so it does not need to be extended. Your residency card has its own validity.
Based on the official requirements sheet PRP-JP. Legal basis: the Constitution, Decree-Law 3 of February 22, 2008 (Immigration Law), Executive Decree 320 of August 8, 2008, articles 200–203 as amended by Executive Decree 26 of March 2, 2009 (per the Immigration Service sheet), Law 9 of June 24, 1987 and Law 38 of 2000.
- National Immigration Service, requirements sheet PRP-JP (Jubilado/Pensionado): The official checklist, exceptions and legal basis (PDF).
- Executive Decree 320 of August 8, 2008, articles 200–203· Full text: Article 200 sets the Pensionado permit.
- Executive Decree 26 of March 2, 2009 (per the Immigration Service sheet): Amended articles 200 to 203, as cited on the Immigration Service sheet.
- Decree-Law 3 of February 22, 2008 (Immigration Law)· Full text: General framework for residency permits.
- Law 6 of 1987, Official Gazette 20827 (benefits for retirees and pensioners), as amended· Full text: Retiree discounts.
Last verified: October 26, 2026
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