The residence routes to Panama: pensionado, the dead Friendly Nations myth and the order that works

Yes, you can live in Panama as a Dutch citizen. With a pension it is simpler there than almost anywhere. Residence as jubilado or pensionado (retiree):

• requires a lifelong pension of at least B/. 1,000 a month (B/. is the balboa, which is on a par with the dollar);
• is granted indefinitely, with no renewal.

Good to know: according to the immigration service itself, the application starts with a notarised power of attorney to a lawyer. Without a lawyer there is no file.

The pitfall is the internet. Thousands of pages still describe the Friendly Nations residence as a fast permanent route with your own company. The 2021 requirement list says something quite different.

Which routes are there, and what do they require?

Route	Requirement	Outcome	Fees in the requirement list
Jubilado or pensionado	lifelong pension of B/. 1,000 a month; B/. 750 with an own home worth more than B/. 100,000	residence for an indefinite period, no renewal	no cheques in the requirement list
Specific countries (Friendly Nations)	employment contract, or a home or deposit of B/. 200,000	provisional residence of two years, then permanent	B/. 250 to the Tesoro Nacional and B/. 800 to Migración
Own economic solvency	B/. 300,000 in property or a deposit, plus B/. 2,000 per family member	permanent residence	according to the requirement list
Tourist	passport valid for another three months, B/. 500 in means, proof of onward travel	no residence; fine of B/. 50 per month on overstaying	none

What exactly does the pensionado route require?

Article 200 of the migration decree opens the route to anyone who receives a pension from a foreign government, an international organisation or a private company and wants to settle in Panama. The pension statement has to show a lifelong pension of at least B/. 1,000 a month, or the equivalent in foreign currency. Spouses may add their pensions together to reach that minimum. Each family member adds B/. 250 a month, to be shown with extra pension or a local bank reference.

Anyone who has bought a home in Panama in their own name for more than B/. 100,000 may drop to B/. 750. If the pension comes from a private company, the service also asks for a letter from the pension administrator, proof that the company exists and a payment slip or bank statement.

The rest of the file:

• the notarised power of attorney and application, which also state the name and nationality of your parents;
• three passport photos;
• a criminal record certificate;
• a sworn statement about your background;
• if you bring in a home, the certificate from the Registro Público (the public register).

Every foreign document carries an apostille (an international stamp of authenticity) and a Spanish translation by a translator recognised in Panama. Amounts in euros get a conversion to dollars from a competent body.

Children do not get pensionado status. An accompanying child gets a temporary residence up to age 25, as long as it studies full time, and has no right to permanent residence or to the pensionado benefits. Only a child with a severe disability is excepted. Anyone emigrating with teenagers therefore plans a route of their own for them.

Does the Friendly Nations visa still exist?

Yes, but read the date of your source. The requirement list that applies now rests on decree 226 of 20 July 2021 and no longer gives permanent residence but a provisional residence of two years.

You prove the economic tie in one of three ways:

• an employment contract with a letter from the employer and the application at the Ministry of Labour;
• a home of at least B/. 200,000 in your own name;
• a deposit of B/. 200,000 fixed for three years.

Two certified cheques come with it, of B/. 250 and B/. 800. After two years you apply for permanent residence with the same file, without the criminal record certificate and without the cheques.

Anyone who wants to bring a family member shows an income of at least B/. 1,000 a month plus B/. 100 per family member.

For a retiree with a qualifying pension the pensionado route is therefore almost always shorter and cheaper. Friendly Nations is the route for those who work or have capital, but no lifelong pension.