Ways to live in Panama
These are the residence routes in Bordr's guide that we have checked against official sources. Each one links to the government page.
Programme details are shown in English.
Retirement visa Retirement visas →
Permanent Residence as Retiree or Pensioner (Pensionado)
Permanent residence for people with a lifetime pension of at least $1,000 a month; no minimum age.
- What you need
- Lifetime pension of at least $1,000 a month ($750 if you own property worth over $100,000), plus $250 a month per dependent; spouses may combine pensions. Also a power of attorney for a Panamanian lawyer, passport, photos, criminal record, health certificate and pension certificate.
- Income
- from about $1,000 a month
- How long
- Permanent
- Renewable
- No
- Cost
- Government fees and a repatriation deposit
- How to apply
- In Panama at the national immigration service, through a Panamanian lawyer
- Family
- Family members can come with you
- Path to permanent residence
- Gives permanent residence directly.
Cost of living
Monthly amounts in US dollars.
| Room in a shared flat | $400 |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom flat | $800 |
| Two-bedroom flat | $1,300 |
| Bills | $100 |
| Typical local salary | $900 |
Some of these figures are estimates; treat them as a rough guide.
Cities to consider
- Panama CitySkyline on the canal's edge
- BoqueteCoffee town in the highlands
- Bocas del ToroCaribbean island archipelago
Climate by month, neighbourhoods and costs for each city are in the Bordr guide.
What life is like
Programme details are shown in English.
Why people move
Panama City offers a modern skyline next to the historic Casco Viejo. Many expats prefer cool highland Boquete, Caribbean Bocas del Toro or Pacific beach towns. Islands, cloud forest and fresh seafood are close by.
Day to day
The capital has a metro, and buses or short flights reach other regions. Private hospitals in Panama City are high quality. The US dollar is used day to day. Spanish is the norm, with English in business circles.
Trade-offs
Heat, humidity and heavy rainy-season downpours are constant. Traffic in the capital is bad. Opening a bank account can involve heavy paperwork for foreigners.
Before you move: visa-free entry
Most people arrive as visitors first, then apply from inside the country or come back with the right visa. How long you can stay as a visitor depends on your passport:
United States180 days
United Kingdom90 days
Australia90 days
Canada180 days
New Zealand90 days
Switzerland90 days
Norway90 days
Singapore90 days
Japan90 days
South Korea90 days
Israel90 days
United Arab Emirates90 days
Hong Kong30 days
South Africa90 days
Mexico90 days
Brazil90 days
Questions
Does Panama have a digital nomad visa?
Not among the routes we have checked. Remote workers usually come as visitors within the visa-free limit or use one of the other routes on this page.
How can I move to Panama?
The routes we have checked are: Retirement visa.
Can I retire in Panama?
Yes, through: Permanent Residence as Retiree or Pensioner (Pensionado).
When was this information checked?
The residence routes for Panama were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.
Sources and last check
Residence routes for Panama were last checked against official sources on 30 October 2026.
- Servicio Nacional de Migración – Jubilado/Pensionado requirements (PDF)
- Servicio Nacional de Migración – Remote worker short-stay visa requirements (PDF)
- Gaceta Oficial No. 29290-A (20 May 2021) – decree creating the remote worker visa
- https://www.migracion.gob.pa/
This page is general information, not legal or immigration advice. Requirements change; confirm with the official government page or a licensed adviser before you apply.
