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PanamaPermanent residenceLast checked October 17, 2026

Permanent Residence – Jubilado o Pensionado

retiree

Panama's Servicio Nacional de Migración (SNM) grants permanent residence to foreigners who receive a lifetime pension from a foreign government, international organisation or private company and move to Panama to live. The pension must be at least B/.1,000 per month, or B/.750 if the applicant bought property in Panama worth over B/.100,000. The permit is indefinite and does not need extension.

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1 entry rule for Panama based on recent travel

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Life in Panama

Money

3

Currency

Panamanian Balboa

PAB

Panamanian Balboa

Cost of living

50

Price level · US = 100

World Bank price levels, 2025

Tax

15–25%

Income tax (national)

ITBMS (VAT) 7%

Annual taxable income up to USD 11,000 exempt; 15% to USD 50,000; 25% above.

Official rates, 2026 · headline only

Living

1

Happiness

6.5

#37 of 145 countries

World Happiness Report 2025

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Who it’s for

Retirees with a lifetime pension who want to settle in Panama.

Eligibility

  • Lifetime pension

    You need a lifetime pension or retirement income from a foreign government, international organisation or private company.

    B/.1,000

    Minimum pension per month · or foreign-currency equivalent

    Official wording

    A lifetime pension or retirement income of no less than B/.1,000 per month (or foreign-currency equivalent) from a foreign government, international organisation or private company.

  • Property-owner reductionProperty owners

    If you personally bought Panama property worth more than B/.100,000, the minimum pension is lower.

    B/.750

    Minimum pension per month for property owners · property over B/.100,000

    • Applicant must have personally bought the property in Panama
    Official wording

    If the applicant personally bought property in Panama for more than B/.100,000, the minimum pension is B/.750.

  • CouplesMarried couples

    Married spouses may combine their pensions to reach the minimum amount.

    B/.1,000

    Combined pension minimum per month

    Official wording

    Spouses may combine their pensions to reach the B/.1,000 minimum.

A sneak peek at what's inside

  • Next requirementDependants
  • Document checklistNotarised power of attorney and application
  • FeesGovernment cheques and other charges

The full requirements are for members

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  • 1 more requirement
  • 9 documents
  • 1 fee
  • 5 steps
  • Processing times and conditions
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