Retiree Visas:

Panama Retiree Immigrant

Visa Program

NOTE:  Panama continues to make significant changes to the Immigration Visa framework, laws and regulations.  These changes are often made without advance notice.  Please contact us for up to date information.

Who Qualifies?:

     Retirees (or disability pensioners), their spouses, and dependents (children under 18).

Requirements:

     Retiree must receive a retirement or disability pension from abroad that provides a monthly income of at least US$500, plus an additional US$100 for each dependent.  This pension can be from a government entity or a private sector company.  The retiree must show proof of pension to qualify.

Benefits:

     The pension income is untaxed by Panama. The pensioned retiree immigration visa allows retiree, spouse and dependents to live permanently in Panama.  Retirees may import up to US$10,000 in personal household goods duty free (one time only).  Retirees may import an automobile for personal use each two years, duty free.  Retirees enjoy significant discounts on everything from utilities to restaurants to entertainment.  After five years' residence, the retiree and dependents are eligible for Panamanian naturalization and citizenship, if desired.

Drawbacks:

     Getting the required paperwork and documentation authenticated (via apostil or Panamanian consul) for visa application is onerous.  All documents must be in order before submission to the Panamanian government.  Most documents from abroad require an apostil, or a certification from the Panamanian consulate.  The visa process requires a lawyer.  The Panamanian government is sometimes slow in processing the applications and granting the provisional visas.

An Overview of the Process:

     We will provide you with a checklist of all required documentation* for processing the visas, as well a specific power of attorney authorizing us to process your visas.  We will also provide you with a standard letter of responsibility, wherein you take financial responsibility for your spouse and dependents (if applicable).  You must procure all required, authenticated documentation, and send it to us, along with the signed power of attorney and responsibility letter.  We'll take care of the rest. 

     The provisional visa process will require at least one face-to-face visit with the Panamanian immigration authorities by the retiree, spouse and dependents (if any), as well as an examination by a licensed Panamanian doctor.  A second meeting with the immigration department may be required.  We will accompany you, of course, to all meetings.

Our Services:

     We provide retiree immigrant visa services to a wide variety of clients.  Our fee for processing, submitting and overseeing the entire process of the issuance of the provisional visas (including all visits, follow up, temporary visas, etc.) is US$850.00 for the retiree, US$400.00 for the spouse, and US$200.00 for each dependent.  Our prices do not include the initial Panamanian Immigration Service filing fees of US$100.00 per person.

     Our prices include the Panamanian physician exam fees and the blood test fees per applicant, Panamanian police record for retiree and spouse, certified translations into Spanish of submitted documentation, carnet fees, and government stamp tax.  Our price is complete (no hidden charges) and includes:

1. Provision of complete checklist of documents required, along with detailed instructions and orientation to retirees.
2. Provision of specific Power of Attorney for signature by retiree (and spouse and dependents, if applicable).
3. Provision of Letter of Responsibility for signature by retiree.
4. Reception and review of all required documents submitted to us by retiree.
5. All legal fees.
6. Provision of licensed Panamanian doctor and laboratory for physical exam and HIV test.
7. Inclusion of good health certification and HIV test with visa application.
8. All required certified translations.
9. All government stamps and seals (timbres fiscales) and carnet issuance fees.
10. Presentation of retiree visa immigration application and documentation to Panamanian immigration authorities.
11. Accompany retiree and spouse and dependents (if any) to meetings with immigration authorities.
12. The reception of any temporary visas.
13. Oversight and follow up of all stages of the visa process, concluding with the one year provisional visa.

     * Click here for the detailed checklist and online form to be filled out for processing your retiree immigration visa.

[ Up ] [ Retiree Visa Form ]