Panama at a glance
| Residency | Pensionado · USD 1,000/mo lifetime pension |
|---|---|
| Currency | U.S. dollar · Balboa pegged 1:1 |
| VA presence | None · Check FMP fraud alert |
| Time zone | UTC-5 · No daylight saving |
| Cost of living | Roughly USD 1,500–3,000 a month. |
| Money · language · time | U.S. dollar / balboa · Spanish · UTC-5 |
Entering Panama
U.S. citizens can visit visa-free (180 days is commonly cited). Confirm with Panamanian immigration.
Long-stay and retirement visas
- Pensionado: a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000/month (USD 750 if you buy property worth USD 100,000+). Military retired pay qualifies. Holders get discounts on airfare, entertainment, medical bills and more.
VA care and benefits in Panama
There are no VA facilities in Latin America. Care for service-connected conditions is reimbursed through the Foreign Medical Program. Be wary of any clinic that claims to be a "VA clinic". Alert: in 2025 VA suspended about 50 Panama providers in an estimated USD 67 million FMP fraud case. Check the FMP alerts page before using a Panama provider. Corozal American Cemetery still accepts burials of qualifying veterans.
Vets in Panama are already in the group
Ask about visas, hospitals and FMP claims from people who've done it there.
Healthcare
Hospital Punta Pacífica (Johns Hopkins affiliated) and Pacífica Salud in Panama City. Private insurance is the norm.
Where veterans live
- Panama City: Modern, Tocumen airport hub.
- Boquete: Cool highlands, big expat community.
- Coronado: Beach towns an hour from the capital.
- David: Low-cost service hub.
Cost of living and property
Roughly USD 1,500–3,000 a month. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle, and health insurance is extra.
Full ownership allowed, except near borders. Some islands and beachfront are possession rights only.
Watch out for
The Darién region carries the highest advisory level. FMP provider fraud: verify any clinic.
Veteran organizations
American Legion Department of Latin America posts date back to the Canal Zone. See all veteran organizations abroad.
Common questions
Can I use my military retirement for Panama's Pensionado visa?
Yes. Panama accepts lifetime government pensions of at least USD 1,000 a month.
Is there VA fraud in Panama?
In 2025 VA suspended about 50 Panama providers over Foreign Medical Program fraud. Check VA's FMP alerts before choosing a provider.
Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.
