Costs and Time - to get Panama's Pensionado VISA

[@jaybarr8098]

My wife and I are retired expats in Colombia. We are on year 10 and have had a great experience. Good medical- weather - mass transit. Panama looks like a great option as well ! We need more people like you helping others to have the life we hoped for after working a lifetime.

[@laptopseniors]

Thank you Jay. Just trying to do what we can. Wow, 10 years in Columbia. We're curious. What city? Columbia seems like a great place too.

[@James-uk8dx]

Thank you for this summary! We met with Jackie's attorney during our tour, and along with what is provided in the Guide, have a foundational understanding of what is involved with the visa process. Your personal perspective is invaluable and gives me confidence I am on the right track. Good day!

[@richjudy2887]

Outstanding! No Flora or Fauna here, just concise direction. In-depth subject material, well-delivered. I'm about 30 hours into planning the 'move' and this really lays out the $$, AND the process(es).

[@laptopseniors]

Thank you so much. I trying for just that. It already was pretty long. Imagine how boring it'd be with fluff added Rich.

[@ernestoroldan8786]

Great video...Panama has the best pensionado visa in the world, they give you about 32 discounts ranging from movies to meals at restaurants,medical discounts, airline discounts, hotels, groceries...it is great

[@laptopseniors]

Hola Ernesto. Yes we agree. There are many benefits with the pension visa and it’s very attainable for most people. Thanks for sharing!

[@FeMiNem-Poet]

Thank You. Thank you.. 🌸You and your wife's videos are so thorough!!💐🌸💐 Just clarifying because in the beginning you were saying the total was for you and your wife and a little confused as you're going through the costs - if it's a cost for one or for two people. Thank you so much.🌷☘️🌷

[@laptopseniors]

Those costs were for two people. Thanks.

[@christinevanzandbergen3797]

Wow!. Hands down the best video I've seen regarding retiring to Panama. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge. I can't wait to start the process. Estoy aprendiendo espanol a los 61. Gracias, a duolingo Panama aqui yo cono!

[@laptopseniors]

Wow, thank you! Muchas gracias :)

[@monhay4]

Me gusto mucho este video. Mucho información. Quiero visitar Panama pronto para ver si quiero vivir allí.

[@ltggill]

Great information! As a Canadian considering Panama you alerted me to documentation requirements and timelines that I was not aware of. Thanks!

[@laptopseniors]

So glad to help you out.

[@holgermessner851]

A friend of mine, US citizen, contacted a lawyer who has advertising on “living internationally “ (I think). The lawyer gave him a list exactly what was needed. I think my friend paid $2,200. Included all government fees. He received a call that it would be time to travel to Panama for the visa. So he booked a hotel, flight. Arrived met with the lawyer. They got through everything and a couple days later he had his temporary visa card. Flew back home. Couple months later he picked up his permanent visa card. No idea if this saves some money for people. I will asked him for the name and address of the lawyer if someone wants it.

[@allanmay8766]

Wow this cost you guys a lot,I just talked to a lawter in panama my total cost was 1600 usd

[@iamwatergirl]

what's his name?

[@rhondamitchell7367]

Thank you so much for this great video. Well done. I visited for a month in June/July 2023 and would like to move there by the end of summer 2024.

[@laptopseniors]

Hola Rhonda, Congratulations. The expat communities in Panama are welcoming. maybe reaching out on fb to join some is a good start.

[@georgia8953]

Thank you great information, we are Canadians the kisr visited Panama loved it , house is up for sale and now we are going to get our ducks in order. Thank you

[@pengjiyuan5754]

@@georgia8953 .

[@maryrosa6119]

A getting jubilado visa process well explained in a video. Thank you for sharing your experience and thoughts with us. I'm in the planning stages and this video for me was awesome. Thank you!

[@laptopseniors]

That's what we were going for Mary. Thanks.

[@meienberg1]

I am Swiss and also living in Colombia since 12 years. We are living at the Caribbean Coast. Sun, sand and water. Fantastic.

[@roderickharter8204]

Very, very helpful. You did a masterful job explaining it. I’ve watched a lot of your videos and gaining more and more interest about the area.

[@laptopseniors]

Glad it was helpful! Thank you, 😊 We appreciate you too.

[@robertgillies9382]

Very well explained. My brother is interested in the pensionada visa so I will explain it to him. As for myself I've been in Panama for 23 years. I became a citizen here 10 years ago which is a whole different story. A bit more complicated. By the way your cedula is good for your lifetime unless you become a citizen. In that case you get a new cedula with a different number. Again a good video. My own experiences with getting residency are no longer helpful because over time the process changes. It used to be easier.

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks Robert. A citizen. Wow, that probably took some doing. Good for you. I was aware of the Cedula for life, which is why we went that extra step. Seems safer to have. You never know when immigration laws/criteria will change so it's always better to be protected as much as possible. Thanks for writing and watching.

[@mikecandu3747]

Another great video. I've known about the Pensiado visa for years but this is the first time I've seen someone walk thru the whole process. It's good to see that Panama is keeping it's financial solvency requirements reasonable. I'm also looking at Mexico and their financial solvency requirements for a temporary residence visa and to me it's just insane. If a native Mexican that had those assets or income they'd be considered wealthy. Why such high requirements for a retiree? Had to rant about that. Great video and thanks for breaking all the costs down and coming up with a timeline.

[@laptopseniors]

I've seen where the $ requirements for Mexico can vary depending on the consulate or embassy that you apply from. Seems like it's not a hard figure, but one where staffs may alter it as they assess you. Not good. Thanks Mike.

[@kd8199]

At age 65 and retired, you can get a retirement visa simply by showing your benefit letter from social security. The amount does not matter. Retirees are treated differently as long as you are at least 65 years of age.

[@JBernhard72]

In the US, if you have a "my Social Security" account, you can instantly get your "Benefit Verification Letter" as a pdf.

[@laptopseniors]

Yes, however IT needs to be stamped and Signed. We had to make an appointment and insist on this.

[@javieravila6482]

Hi Pat, pensionado discount is a right granted by law that must be given to all pemsionados regardless of type of restaurant...period.

[@AA_BB_CC_D]

Thank you for mentioning the “multiple entry” addendum. I’ve been researching the pensionado visa for FIVE years and I’ve never come across that info.

[@davesanders9203]

Thanks! Just sent off request to US Authentifications!

[@laptopseniors]

Hi. Thank you for watching and your kind comment. 😃 glad we could help.

[@luckyl4746]

Thank you for the video. I'm hoping to leave Canada this year. I'm glad I stumbled onto your informative video.

[@laptopseniors]

So glad to help Lucky. You'll like our 'How to get a driver's license' video too as it'll be pretty specific for Canadian stuff. Coming pretty soon.

[@amarie3309]

Thank you. This was so complete, informative and clear. Have fun in your adventures

[@laptopseniors]

Hi. Thank you for watching and your kind comment. 😃 We appreciate you.

[@NomadJane]

Thanks for directing me to this video from your other videos. I appreciate the direct upfront information. We went through all the exact same for process for Ecuador and the cost was similar. Thanks for sharing.

[@huguecornez6682]

Thanks man for your valuable information. Up to you did, no body ever explained how much it was gonna cost me to get my pensions visa cum cedula. My name is Hugue, like the first king of France in the middle age. So yes It's an ancient name. I plan to come to Panama originally for mere fiscal reasons but since I decided I watched all kinds of vlogs from people who did it already and I fell in love with Panama. So what started as a fiscal manoeuvre will.end up in a happy life in Panama. I'll come in August probably for one month then back to Belgium my home country to give my Panamanian bank letter they need to pay me for life there. I already have inquired if they would and could pay me my pension in Panama and their reply was yes immediately but they need a letter from the Panamanian bank. Then I'll go to my communal admin and ask them to scrap my name off the population registers then fly back to Panama for good. The no address in Belgium is so the taxman can forget about me. They take 500€ from My 2300 of pension and that I will Not tolerate any longer. Cheers - Hugue

[@laptopseniors]

Hi Hugue...thanks for watching and writing. We sort of made a decision to try and answer the questions that would run through our minds when we were traveling etc. This video was 100% that. How long and how much and what the heck is involved? Is it going to be hard and costly. And for both of those answers...not really.

[@BennyHevia-bb4wt]

Thank you for your videos, they are a wealth of information and so detailed. I just have a question, Does the FBI report have to be apostille?

[@laptopseniors]

Hi Benny. Yes, the FBI needs to be apostille'd, or authenticated at the nearest Panama Consulate in the US. You can do either if you're by a Panama Consulate or Embassy.

[@riskyron1416]

I got a Pensionado Visa in Panama for $600 all inclusive. Helps when you have someone Panamanian to direct to a good attorney.

[@laptopseniors]

Locals are always helpful.

[@laptopseniors]

That’s amazing! Lucky you. 😁

[@riskyron1416]

@@teresafolds9909 That was 2014 and he retired a few months later. Also he wouldn't want me to say as it circumvents the usual process. $300 of which went to an Immigration official. I no longer have Panamanian Residency having left the following year.

[@riskyron1416]

@@teresafolds9909 I have had many transactions with government and corporate officials where I put $100 to $400 in a magazine and left it in the toilet. So never met the person it went to. But the transactions of this type always worked out very well.

[@ms.ednapost]

I’m a younger single boomer seriously looking at Panama and Mexico. Panama is looking quite good because of cost of living and vibe. I so appreciate this vid…exactly what a retiree needs. Working on my Spanish, closing a chapter, opening a new chapter! Thx again🙏🏽👏🏽

[@abstractland5046]

Thank you for lots of great information. One part I am no sue though, what type of income verification letter we, Canadians, need from Service Canada regarding CPP and OAS?

[@RameshKumar-zw1ch]

I have been watching all your South American retirement videos. I have been to many of these countries several time but there is one country that I and my wife can’t take eye off is Colombia. We both want to retire in Colombia but one thing bothers us is double taxation in Colombia. We both are in IT and make very reasonable income from pension and social security, here is our problem if we stay in Colombia for than 183 days we become tax residents and we need to pay a big chunk of our US retirement benefits to Colombia as tax. That is something we don’t want to do, only one way we can avoid is not to stay in Colombia more than 183 in any 365 days period. That is crazy. To avoid paying double tax we need to hop from country to country. Perhaps to USA, it defeats the whole purpose of retiring in an affordable country. Also when we turn to age 72, we have to withdraw ( distribution) our 401-K, Colombian government need a piece of that income too as tax. How do you guys avoid it?? Hopping from country to country?

[@MikeStrong-t5y]

I watched your video. GREAT!!!!!. 70 yo guy from Canada. Now I am investigating pension visa talked to several lawyers so far. wondering if you could provide the lawyer contact, sounds good.

[@laptopseniors]

Sure just email your request to [e-mail] 😁

[@carolleelook6963]

Very comprehensive video! This information is so valuable. Thank you!

[@laptopseniors]

Thank you for the positive feedback. ;) We appreciate you following us.

[@terrencekeeling3883]

This was most informative. I have a question about the authentication process. Did you have to submit everything to the authentication company all at once, or did you submit things to them as you received them?

[@marcbouchard3190]

Hello I am in Panama now, and looking to get the pension residency, I am interested in getting the contact for the lawyer you recommend as the one I have now doesn’t know the process that well and wants 3000 for just myself and I am doing all of the running around! Thank you and great video!

[@jeanettemarie6456]

Thank you so much for taking the time to make this video

[@laptopseniors]

Glad you like it, Janette! 😁

[@Cuprum46]

Great Video. Thank You. We are also dual citizens (maybe even Trible, if you count Finland my birth country) from Canada, also planning to move/retire to Panama. I believe you did right by hiring company to do your paperwork. Do you recommend Jackie's Guide Book for the recourses?

[@BeachGirl-ud6tg]

Thanks for a great video. Do you know how much it would be for one person? Also, can you give a recommendation of the attorney you used? Thanks! 😊

[@francecloutier3203]

What an informative video. Can you share the name of the lawyer in Panama?

[@paulinefriend9455]

It is good to see a number attached to a cost, while everyone else is hiding it.

[@laptopseniors]

Thank you. We're trying to put in what we wish someone would say or show. Basically most of our videos are trying to answer the questions we had/have.

[@pringlized]

Awesome video as always! Keep up the great work.

[@JuanSerrano-t2h]

11:51 hello, I am watching your video and you mentioned that you used a company in the US to get your documents certified. I am not able to see or find the link of the company that you used. Can I get the name of the company? Thanks

[@laptopseniors]

Hi Juan. It's below the video but you may have to be on a computer to see it. I know on a TV, you can't for some reason. Here's the company: www.usauthentication.com/index.php

[@JuanSerrano-t2h]

Thank you Sir!!!

[@margaretfarhadi5856]

Thank you for the information........will definitely be used!

[@laptopseniors]

Glad it was helpful!

[@georgemelcher]

Thank you so much for all the great information.

[@laptopseniors]

Thank YOU for watching George.

[@RDBean]

In 1997 got my pensionado in 3 days with my 1st year end statement from USN retirement has my then passport # on it and never expires, cost about $300 & got it on the 3d day. Times have changed

[@micheltrudeau6886]

Merci, c'était très intéressant et clair comme explication.

[@carloszenteno]

DId you do US and Canada paperwork because you have a pension from both countries? Otherwise, why do all these twice?

[@lesliew595]

Why aren't you comparing retirement visas? Most European countries have long term/retirement visas.

[@laptopseniors]

We're going to get into that starting with Portugal, and then Spain. It's a big territory and we like to talk about what we've personally dealt with because things change so much and so quickly country to country.

[@mobiletinyhousetravels]

Would you share the name of the immigration attorney? My wife and I are planning to move next April and want to get the process started now. Thanks for the great video.

[@laptopseniors]

For lawyer, please send email to: [e-mail]. Thanks for watching.

[@paulravliuc8386]

Ca you recommend a lawyer regarding this matter, please. Thank you

[@RichFerreiraIns]

You did an excellent job on this video. Thank you.

[@MuizzWaljee]

If you are planning to retire in Panama we can help with Panama Residency Visa. Typical processing time is 6 months. We have an expedited service that takes 6 weeks or less.

[@MAMIEHOLT-bk8ib]

Good to know because 6 months is a turn-off.

[@MuizzWaljee]

We have an attorney that can expedite. Get the residency in less than 6 weeks.

[@roundpaws]

I have citizenship in US and Canada. Do I have to get documentation from both countries or was this just because you filed with one and your wife with other?

[@stever197037]

Very thorough. Nice video.

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks for watching Steve.

[@reallmccoy9043]

Excellent information. Thank you

[@laptopseniors]

So nice of you to write that 😃. Thank you 🙏

[@katkinson2989]

Super helpful and informative, thank you!

[@sandybroderick2932]

Thank you soooo much for this video!!! Fantastic information!!!!

[@magalytomajko6131]

How about if I'm a Panamanian citizen and an American citizen? Do i have to follow the same procedure? I'm thinking of retire in my Native Country of Panama, i miss my family but i haven't been there for a while😔

[@BC19572]

Hi, what is the name of the attorney and company name that you used? Thanks 😊

[@catherinewatson4736]

Just wondering how you did your banking in each of the three Latin American countries where you've lived (Uruguay, Argentina and Panama). Did you feel comfortable putting your money in local banks, or did you retain your Canadian or US bank account and use online transfers or ATMs to access money?

[@laptopseniors]

Hi Catherine . We have not banked in these countries as yet.

[@MorrisConerly]

Do you have any recommendations for lawyers who can help obtain a pensionado visa for Panama

[@Greg-pd5bc]

Any resources to get Argentina retirement visa?

[@Michaelthearcheangel]

How do you certify VA disability and military retirement papers?

[@lesalawrence8583]

Good question bc I had the same question

[@baldqueen2762]

Thank you so much! I'm trying to sell my house so can't make a move until then. Any idea if I can I live in Panama while waiting for the 6 month process? I won't have an American address.

[@laptopseniors]

I’m only pretty sure of this advice, not 100%. But… 1. You should start your Visa process now, just like in the video, and get the visa. Way easier to do it IN country than out. You can then make that move anytime later. 2. A tourist Visa is 3 months. My understanding is that you can leave Panama for a day or two and then come back in and it’ll be another 3 months….and so forth. I’d not plan on doing that a lot though. People were doing that for years in Mexico and then the Govt. killed that out of the blue. 3. You can get the Pensionado visa and never really move to Panama. Again, great reason to just get it done now. Many people live at ‘home’ during the summer and in Panama for the winter; snowbirds. In Panama’s view, they’re still a fantastic catalyst for Panama’s economy spending thousands each winter on food, rent, car rentals etc. Being a snowbird would actually put more into Panama’s economy than flat out moving there. So that’s fine too.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

@@laptopseniors tourist visa for US is 6 mos.

[@laptopseniors]

@@anniesshenanigans3815 Thanks Annie.

[@YouGotOptions2]

Did you finally do it??

[@PhilippeRichir]

hello, could you tell me where I can go in Panama to get my fingerprints taken to get my RCMP from Canada? Thanks

[@andrecruz1816]

Good evening, Sir. I have 53 years old and I' M retired with income of $2000. It' have chance? What age minimus,please?

[@laptopseniors]

Andre, tough to know exactly what you're asking but if it's for the pensionado retirement visa, I believe it's 55 and over. And $2000 month is more than enough assuming it's a government lifetime pension.

[@stevetheveteran]

​@@laptopseniors The minimum age is 18 for a retirement visa in Panama, making it very attractive to anyone who retires early. I am 49, retired last year, about $2000 a month, and I think I will be heading that way next year.

[@out42c]

Him: "Old people go first" Me: I'm old! Great video.

[@laptopseniors]

We can go Together then. Lol

[@ernestoroldan8786]

Ah few more things, can you talk about getting a bank account in Panama? Also, how are the procedures to follow in getting yout SS pension to a bank in Panama? Thanks

[@ItsNotMe621]

What about the required health exam by a Panamanian doctor? What was that process like? Did the attorney have a doctor to send you to? Or do you find your own? I would definitely pay an attorney to do everything.

[@laptopseniors]

There was no Panamanian doctor involved for our Visa's. Wasn't needed. Perhaps because we were from a non-iffy country. However, being over 70, I did need to see a doctor for my drivers license to certify that I was capable of driving (basically had all my faculties...physically and mind wise). That particular doctor just did a plain 5 minute check up test like you'd get anywhere. Some questions on current health, listening to lungs and heart, some more questions of stuff probably to judge whether I had alzheimers or some brain impairment, and that was it. The lady that was helping us get the driver's license set that appt up.

[@ItsNotMe621]

Interesting. I only asked that because I had read a health check was one of the requirements to get a Visa in Panama. Nice to know that's not the case. Thank you for all the wonderful videos you have posted here on KZbin. I've had to change my retirement plan since Ecuador has blown up... Hopefully that's temporary. Panama was one of my other choices. I very much appreciate your videos on Boquete. Thank you and your wife for all the information.

[@maletu]

Your comparison with EU golden visas is EXTREMELY inappropriate, there are passive income/retirement visas available for MUCH less: but they have physical presence requirements (that enforce being a tax resident).

[@kathywagner1476]

Thanks for all the good info. Would you be so kind as to share the name of your attorney's contact information that you used in Panama?

[@steveo2078]

Yes please would you be so kind 😇

[@xrpforlovers6657]

What lawyer did you use?

[@laptopseniors]

For lawyer, please send email to: [e-mail]. Thanks for watching.

[@DanielFernandez-jv7jx]

I"m confused. Did you hire your lawyer in the US or in Panama?

[@laptopseniors]

Our lawyer was in Panama. We did all the paper gathering ourselves in the US and Canada. And then we used companies that specialized in getting those papers certified in both the US and Canada rather that us hanging out at embassies. You won't need a lawyer until you get to Panama although you should contact and retain one there as you start your process of gathering your documents. Basically....make them hold your hand all the way.

[@DanielFernandez-jv7jx]

@@laptopseniors Thank you. I will remember this advice!

[@bernardvard2954]

they ask for apostille for the letter,notorized did not work

[@laptopseniors]

Not sure what you're mentioning Bernard. We had Apostille's done for letters of pension by US State Dept and Canadian Panama Consulate. The Apostille's were done after those documents were certified (not notarized) by the US State Dept and Canada's Global Affairs. Basically prove that the documents/letters are real. THEN have the Apostille done. Sorry for your confusion. Lots of different terms for different items here. Nothing else that I can remember needed an Apostille.

[@joeashton4]

thanks for the walk through of the process. Could you share the email of the lawyer you used in Panama for the Pensionado Visa in Panama.

[@laptopseniors]

Send me an email Joe. [e-mail]

[@zakade]

How do we get in touch with the lawyer?

[@omarsmusic4316]

if you have dual citizenship do have to get police checks from both countries? For the pensionado? I am Egyptian and American in the US its not a big issue getting the police clearance I did it before for my UAE residency I just used the US police clearance it was fast like a week, but in Egypt it may take a few months...

[@laptopseniors]

You need it where you're living now. So if you're in the US, then that'll suffice. You don't need both. At least that's our direct experience.

[@roundpaws]

I have both US and CDN citizenship. However I am currently living in Mexico on a temporary resident visa. Would it be possible to do everything from Mexico with the aid of a service like you used for documentation etc? Or would I have to return multiple times to US to get everything I need to leave for Panama with all the correct paperwork?

[@definitelydaphne777]

Hopefully you still read comments from older videos. If so my question is about the lawyers fee. Would it be half for an individual person? ( $1100) Thanks for your response if you find this.

[@laptopseniors]

Hi Daphne. I don't think it's half. As I recall it was only a little bit more to add a spouse. Say, 1/3 more. But I'm not 100% sure.

[@executiveinstitute]

What is the name of the Panamanian lawyer and her contact information?

[@mr-vet]

Our daughter is Panamanian by birth (born there when I was stationed in Panama in the 1990s). With her being a Panamanian citizen, would that help me and my wife obtain permanent residency?

[@Karkeykay]

Would a state pension (US) be considered a government pension or is it just federal pensions that they easily accept?

[@laptopseniors]

You probably should talk to your lawyer about this. A state pension will definitely work, but you may have to jump through more hoops to prove that it is for life. That's the big thing with a federal pension. Panama knows they're for life. It's a given. Not sure about a state one. I'd assume yes, but you need to make sure.

[@Karkeykay]

Thank you!@@laptopseniors

[@spiveyg89]

In your honest opinion is it easier for retired military to get on the panama pension orogram

[@laptopseniors]

I don't really know 100%. My guess would be no, because it's relatively easy already to get a pension visa. Really it's just getting the right paperwork with two qualifications. No criminal record and passing the minimum income requirement. That's pretty much it.

[@spiveyg89]

@@laptopseniors ok . I was going to ask if you had a website or other resource I could look at to get more info about this visa

[@laptopseniors]

@@spiveyg89 We haven't done a website. It's come up as a possibility but having done a few for other jobs and my other channel, it's a LOT of work for an old retired couple. And...it's been my experience that it's so much easier to explain something to an audience via a video (assuming you add a lot of detail) than in an article or blog.

[@LynneRourke]

You mentioned in the video you would provide the name and contact info for the organization that took care of your Canadian paperwork, but I do not see any thing like this in your comments. Can you provide me with the name of this service please.

[@laptopseniors]

That info is in the bottom of the video page (not IN the video). Anyway...here it is. US Authentifications: www.usauthentication.com/index.php Canadian authentifications: www.alscanada.ca

[@laurasantiago8065]

Awesome video!

[@marilynnarnold811]

How much was the lodging for 2 weeks.

[@laptopseniors]

We had two different #'s. 2 weeks in the Marriott Exec Apts was around $1200 USD. 2 weeks in an AirBnB was $980 (but that turned out to be a not so great apartment-no hot water, no AC, etc). So...I'd figure on spending around $1100 for 2 weeks. BUT...if you stay for a month, AirBnB discounts kick in so that extra 2 weeks may only cost you 4 or 5 hundred more. If you have the time.

[@marilynnarnold811]

@@laptopseniors Thanks

[@dennisjordan9690]

Hello, I'm a 60 retired and my wife is 42 years old. Would she be able to qualify for the visa by being married to me.

[@rjh2772]

my wife and I would like to start the process we are in the US and would like to be moved down to Panama by July 2025.

[@jamesnorman-rl3jm]

How can I find the contact information for the attorney

[@grcerosa]

Wow, what red tape to go through thanks for the information

[@maribelespinosa3902]

Not have problem

[@lettruthprevail9820]

If you have a visa, can you get a passport from Panama?

[@briangasser973]

Panama doesnt allow dual citizenship.

[@KLG777]

Seems like a big headache if you ask me.

[@laptopseniors]

It is quite a lot, but if you just take it one step at a time you’ll get there

[@maribelespinosa3902]

Is good Panama is very good for living is cheapest for living

[@bessmahaneypilates8638]

I think it’s less expensive for 1 person

[@HJones-pi5bs]

If I am only planning to spend winters in Panama is it still a good idea to get the pensionado visa?

[@laptopseniors]

Every country in the world seemingly has been little by little tightening their Visa and tourist programs. For instance, Mexico has gotten way more strict on 'Tourists'....those who snowbird in Mexico weeks or months beyond their actual 90 day tourist visa time periods. And, upped the $$ requirements for their Permanente (retired people) Visas. And as a wild card, more and more north american expats are fed up with the US and Canada and want a place more 'normal' in their thinking. More applicants usually leads to more tightening of immigration by countries. Personally, if you think you'd come to Panama every or most winters, I'd get the Visa so later on you don't get shut out if and when you want it.

[@dovygoodguy1296]

​@@laptopseniors The problem is the intolerable weather in Central America except in the highland areas. Regardless of visas the heat and humidity is obviously a big negative everywhere.

[@laptopseniors]

@@dovygoodguy1296 The mountain areas like Boquete and Valle de Anton offer a pretty temperate climate year round. Check the many microclimates.

[@LUISMORALES-wi9ql]

Hello. I already have the pension letter, social security letter and the FBI background check. I'm trying to get someone to help me with the rest of the process when I get to Panama with no luck. Could you please send me the info ( name and contact) of the person who did your process? Thank you very much.

[@laptopseniors]

For lawyer, please send email to: [e-mail]. Thanks for watching.

[@terryparish7133]

Can I get your contact information I'm coming in October I want to get this started if it's reasonable

[@laptopseniors]

Hi Terry...send me a note at [e-mail]. But....the brunt of this in Panama was handled by our lawyer, not so much us. She did the heavy lifting for all government stuff there.

[@mikemedvedec3456]

Apostille seal is always in the original language of the issuing country.

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks Mike.

[@iamwatergirl]

is this like social security in the u.s., and can you get both? if you live in panama? why exactly would you want this

[@laptopseniors]

Hi. No, the Pension auto visa is a visa allowing you to stay in the country as long as you wish. It is not a pension for income.

[@randymelville9597]

thanx for the explanation, but each time u also had to go back and forth to us, not get everything all together then go down to panama? sounds like a big headace

[@laptopseniors]

It's not that hard. You just have to be careful that all is handled correctly. Compared to other countries and their requirements, this is EASY considering how nice the country is.

[@parler8698]

Great info.

[@laptopseniors]

Thanks for watching!

[@VitaD26]

I'm Canadian and will be doing this just for myself. Firstly, can i assume that my costs may be half since your costs were based on 2 people? Secondly, are the total costs in US dollars? Just need clarification. Thanks, this information is invaluable!

[@laptopseniors]

If a number was given and Canadian, I would have said it Canadian (like in getting visa video). Otherwise it'd be US dollars. Our costs were for 2 but tough to figure cutting that in half for you because so many things are the same price whether 1 person or 2. A hotel or AirBnB, rental car, gas, lawyer's fee and a few other things will be the same or mostly the same whether 1 or 2 people. Restaurants, groceries, clothes and more personal things will cut it in half. Overall, living in Panama will be very noticeably cheaper than living in Canada even with losing 35% on the exchange rate. Canada is a VERY expensive country to live in. We see it instantly when we're back in Toronto.

[@VitaD26]

Yes retiring from Toronto and I'm lured by the lower cost of living and easier way of life, not needing to hussle to feel like I'm doing okay. Thanks for your quick reply. Looking forward to my retirement. Videos like this are so reassuring. Thanks so much!

[@mode247]

Are their any minimum stay requirements? Medellin needs 180 a year

[@laptopseniors]

No. That's one of the great things about Panama. You can live there, leave, and then come back and the Visa holds up. You do have to renew certain things in different time frames but as an overall with a visa, you only have to enter the country once every two years. Super easy to do, especially if you like warmth in the winter. Great place to live each year when it gets cold up north and then leave if you like when the north is warm again.

[@mode247]

Will the lawyer do all the certifications for you or I think you said you had to do leg work. Will the lawyer tell you if you are going about it right? Can I get the name of the lawyer from relocation?

[@laptopseniors]

@@mode247 Yes, the lawyer's name would come with PRTours book or tour. Our Panama lawyer (and her helpers) handled all certifications for the Visas and Cedula's in Panama. Another person (Zu) did the same for our driver's licences. For the certifications of our starting paperwork (Social Security, Criminal check, Marriage certificate etc), we had companies in the US and Canada handle those. Our Panama lawyer really would have a hard to impossible time getting that done given the distance. Lots of questions back and forth with our P lawyer explaining things so we'd get it right, so yes.

[@laptopseniors]

@@mode247 The 'certifications' are not done by the lawyer for things out of panama. She did do everything needed inside Panama. I hired other US and Canadian companies to get the certifications in those countries. The lawyer did however 'hand hold' for the out of panama things, to make sure that the papers we needed and were getting were correct prior to getting them certified. Yes, PRelocation Tours (either. going on tour or buying the book) has the lawyer name.

[@shellyostberg915]

@@laptopseniors we had our pensionado visa and had a home there for 9 years. The last time we left Panama was in Nov, 2017. If we were to return to Panama now and wanted to get Pensionado status again would it help that we have our old cards to expedite the process or would we have to start from scratch?