Rentista visa (fixed income)
Reviewed by Hassim Patel Bhana, Managing Partner · Updated
The Rentista visa is for retirees who live off the interest of a fixed-term deposit at a Panamanian state bank. The deposit must be at Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros, pay at least $850 a month in interest, and run for at least five years. It grants residency for five years, renewable for the same term.
Key points
- For retirees who live off the interest of a fixed-term deposit.
- The deposit must be at Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros — a private bank does not qualify.
- It must pay at least $850 a month in interest.
- It must be placed for at least five years.
- It grants residency for five years, renewable for the same term.
- Documents issued abroad are valid for six months from their issue date, not from the date of the apostille.
- Each one must be translated into Spanish by an authorised public translator in Panama, which the firm coordinates.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a private bank?
No. The deposit must be at Banco Nacional or Caja de Ahorros, Panama's two state banks.
How is this different from the Pensionado visa?
Pensionado rests on a lifetime pension paid to you from abroad. Rentista rests on interest from a Panamanian state-bank deposit you place yourself, and it is renewable rather than permanent.
What happens at the end of the five years?
The residency is renewable for the same term, provided the deposit remains in place.
How long are my documents valid?
Six months from the date each document was issued, not from the date it was apostilled. That is why we ask you to request them close to filing rather than at the start of your planning.