[quote=synthia;1017]Panama has a very generous retirement visa program, and great discounts for seniors that start at ages as low as 50. The income requirement is only $500 from a pension, and the age limit was, ready for this, "over 18". Apparently a lot of younger people got into the program with fake documents, then worked. So now the age has been raised to 50. It's still one of the easiest places to get residency.[/QUOTE

Hello again Synthia,

(Sorry I didn't read the follow-up posts first, but perhaps there might be something of some value here)

I did a bit of research, seeking recent changes regarding Pensionado Visa (which I hold) and was unable to find anything, including at the official Pamaná Immigration site migracion dot gob dot pa, National Directorate of Immigration and Naturalization. Of course that does not mean "it ain't so".

BUT, there has been a visa change, reducing the tourist visa time from 90 days to THIRTY, for citizens of most countries INCLUDING the USA. It can be extended TO "OR" BY 60 days (there is some confusion as to whether total time can be 60 or 90 days, and this might be rescinded) but that requires a visit to the immigration office and they DON'T speak English. Otherwise you must leave the country for 72 hours, then return and start anew. However, there are SOME trustworthy lawyers who can deal with this.

There has been much speculation and ongoing mis-information regarding immigration regulation here in the last six months.

Be aware that to apply for pensionado visa you have have proof of a pension type benefit which MUST have an APOSTILLE applied from the United States Department of State, or some other government. I got mine from Puerto Rico Department of State, but you can not get this from a state.

I saw that you inquired about the costs for the PV. I paid $1200 + a hundred or two for a multi-entry visa during processing time (which I didn't really need). But this was a top-drawer law firm (with a Notre Dame grad lawyer) who also dealt with customs for import of my HHG and car.

Here is an extracted statement from another law firm here, reguarding PV:

panamalaw dot org, Panama's Pensionado Visa - Visas, Residency and Citizenship

Panama's Pensionado Visa
Panama Pensionado Program is a fairly unique method of getting a lifetime visa for retired persons. Not only is this a lifetime visa for yourself and dependants but it comes with numerous discounts and benefits.

Panama Pensionado Minimum Age Requirement – There is no minimum age requirement as their would be for a Jubilado. A Jubilado can best be though of as a Panamanian who worked here their whole life and reached retirement age. A Pensionado is a foreigner on a pension for life retiring or residing in Panama.

Panama Pensionado Relevant Law Citations - Law No. 6 of 16 of June 1987, modified by subsequent changes in the law by Law 18 of 1989, Law 15 of 1992, Law 37 of 2001 and Law 14 of 2003.

Panama Pensionado Requirements – One must be receiving a pension for life of at least $500 per month. This goes up by $100 per month for each dependent brought in under the program. The pension should be from a reputable source like a publicly traded major corporation pension fund or from a government agency. Usually a letter from the pension granting fund is required and a few bank statements showing the deposit can be helpful. If one is receiving these retirement benefits early in life say as the result of military disability this is fine. Pensions from non-public, small corporations will be difficult to prove and this is not going to be successful.

Panama Pensionado Documents Required – In addition to documentation of the pension the following is required:

Birth certificates for everyone coming in under the program.
Marriage Certificate if married and bring in a spouse
Police records check for all coming in over 18 years old.
The above three documents need to be certified by the nearest Panama Consulate or Embassy. We can explain this more fully to you.

You will need a passport valid for at least six months as well. The health certificate is done in Panama. All applications must be in person. Plan on being in Panama for at least four days to apply. In approximately 60 days you will need to return to pick up the Pensionado. Plan on another four days. You can stay in Panama during the application process or leave and return.

Panama Pensionado Benefits
Discounts of 50% off the ticket price charged for movies, theaters and Panama sporting events like soccer, boxing, baseball etc. Charitable events would not offer this discount to the Pensionado.
30% Discount for City Buses, Panama Trains and Boats (not cruise boats).
25% on airfare if flight is in country or if ticket purchased with COPA airlines in Panama.
Hotels discount 50% from Monday to Thursday and 30% on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
25% discount of food eaten in a sit down inside restaurant.
15% discount in fast food establishments.
15% discount services in hospitals and private clinics.
10% discount in for prescription medicines in pharmacies.
Discounts in the following medical services:
20% discount fees for medical doctors
15% for dentist fees.
15% for optometric examinations.
Health Insurance shall adjust fees for Pensionados & Jubilados.
20% discount on any professional services utilized in Panama.
20% discount for all prosthetic devices.
50% discount on the price of a Panama passport.
25% discount on your electric bill up to 600KW's and then the discount is gone if the usage is over this figure.
25% discount to the basic residential phone service charges when the phone (one phone only)is registered in the name of the Pensionado
25% discount on primary residential water bill if the bill is in the name of the Pensionado and the monthly bill does not exceed $30.00
A Pensionado can buy a car every two years free of import duty.
A Pensionado can bring in $10,000 worth of personal goods one time with no import duty.
General Pensionado Requirements

Only a Panama attorney can file a visa application.
The minimum age is 18, those under 18 can only be dependants of an applicant.
Documents are valid for 90 days.
Passports must have six months or longer left on them. Brand new passports are fine.
Applicant must be able to get a visa to come to Panama top apply.