# How the process works

Most of the work happens before you travel: getting your pension certificate, background check and health certificate ready. Then you come to Panama, we file with Immigration and you register in person.

[Free consultation](/contact/)

Most of the work happens before you travel: your pension letter, your criminal record and their apostilles. Once they are ready, your lawyer files the application in Panama and you come to register with Immigration. The permit is indefinite, so there is no renewal stage afterwards.

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### Free consultation

We check your pension against the rule and tell you whether you qualify and which documents you need.

Typical time: 15 minutes

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### Get your pension certificate

You request the official letter from your pension payer. We check the wording before you apostille it.

Typical time: 1–4 weeks

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### Gather and apostille your documents

Background check, health certificate, passport copy and, for private pensions, the fund’s documents.

Typical time: 2–6 weeks

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### Travel to Panama and file

We file your application with the National Immigration Service and you complete registration in person.

Typical time: Usually 1 visit

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### Approval and residency card

Once approved, you receive your residency card. The permit is indefinite.

Typical time: Varies with Immigration’s workload

Times are typical, not guaranteed: they depend on Immigration’s workload and on how complete your file is.

## Planning your retirement in Panama?

Book a free 15-minute call. We will check your pension and tell you exactly what you need.

[Book your free call](/contact/)[Message us on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/50761970238?text=Hi%2C%20I%20would%20like%20a%20consultation%20about%20the%20Panama%20Pensionado%20visa%20(from%20panamapensionado.com).)