Procedure guide · Immigration and citizenship
Panama Retired Investor Visa (Rentista Retirado)
Panama's retired investor residency: interest income from a fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros, documents, duration and requirements.
- Minimum income
- USD 850 a month
- Source
- Interest on a fixed-term deposit in a state bank
- Permit
- 5 years, renewable for equal periods
- Updated
On this page
In short
The retired investor residency (rentista retirado) is for people who do not receive a pension but live on their savings: you must show income of at least USD 850 a month that comes only from the interest on a fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros, held for at least 5 years. It is a temporary permit of 5 years, renewable for equal periods and gives access to the incentives of the retirees and pensioners law.
How is it different from other residency options?
- From the Pensionado Visa: it does not require a lifetime pension but interest income, and it is temporary rather than permanent.
- From economic solvency residency: the income must come from a fixed-term deposit at one of the two state banks, not from any bank or from property.
- From the Qualified Investor visa: it does not require a fixed minimum investment, only that the interest reaches the minimum income.
The capital you need depends on the interest rate the bank pays: the lower it is, the larger the deposit must be to generate USD 850 a month. Ask for the current rate before you calculate it.
Requirements
- A fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros whose interest generates at least USD 850 a month.
- The deposit and its interest must be free of liens or guarantees and held for at least 5 years.
- A certified copy of your passport, three photographs, a health certificate and a sworn statement of personal background.
- Criminal record certificate.
- A notarized power of attorney and an application filed through a Panamanian lawyer.
Required documents
Bank certification from Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros
Showing the amount, interest, term and that it is free of liens
Copy of the fixed-term deposit certificate
Authenticated by the bank
Certified copy of your passport
- Apostille or legalisation
Criminal record certificate
Health certificate
For dependents
Letter of financial responsibility, proof of relationship and, for children aged 18 to 25, certificates of single status and of studies
Step by step
01
Calculate the deposit you need
Using the current interest rate at Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros.
02
Open the fixed-term deposit
For at least 5 years, free of liens, with funds from a documented source.
03
Gather the documents
Request the bank certification and get your criminal record in your home country, apostilled (see embassies and consulates).
04
Your lawyer files the application
With the National Immigration Service.
05
Renew the permit
The permit lasts 5 years, renewable for equal periods: to renew it you submit the same requirements, except the criminal record.
Costs
- Fixed-term depositIt must generate USD 850 a month in interest
- Depends on the interest rate
- Immigration feesThe official list of requirements does not include the checks that other permits require
- Current official rates
- Lawyer's fees
- Depends on the case
Frequently asked questions
Do I get the same discounts as a retiree?
The permit is based on the same law as the Pensionado Visa (Law 9 of 1987), which grants incentives to retirees, pensioners and people living on investment income as long as they meet its conditions (see retiree discounts).
Can I include my family?
Yes, as dependents, with a letter of financial responsibility and proof of the relationship. For other cases, see family reunification.
Is the interest on the deposit taxed in Panama?
Interest on a deposit at a Panamanian bank is Panamanian-source income; many fixed-term deposits are exempt from income tax, but confirm how your deposit is treated (see territorial taxation).
Can I later switch to permanent residency?
It is a temporary permit renewed for periods of 5 years, renewable for equal periods. If you want permanent residency, look at other options (see permanent residency).