Friendly Nations Visa vs Pensionado Visa
Residency program comparison: Panama and Costa Rica. Income, fees, tax, duration, work rights and pathways.
Overview
 PA
Friendly Nations Visa
|
 CR
Pensionado Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Country | Panama | Costa Rica |
| Program type | Economic | Retirement |
| Status | Active | Active |
At a glance
|
PA
Friendly Nations Visa
|
CR
Pensionado Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 24 mo | 24 mo |
| Monthly income | — | $1,000 / mo |
| Application fee | $250 | $250 |
| Tax regime | Territorial | Territorial |
| Renewable | No | Yes |
Financial requirements
|
PA
Friendly Nations Visa
|
CR
Pensionado Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Monthly income | — | $1,000 / mo |
| Annual income | — | $12,000 |
| Monthly pension | — | $1,000 / mo |
| Application fee | $250 | $250 |
| Dependent fee | $250 | — |
Duration and renewal
|
PA
Friendly Nations Visa
|
CR
Pensionado Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Initial duration | 24 months | 24 months |
| Renewal duration | — | 24 months |
| Renewable | No | Yes |
Tax regime
|
PA
Friendly Nations Visa
|
CR
Pensionado Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Tax regime | Territorial | Territorial |
| Tax regime name | Territorial Tax System | Territorial Tax System |
| Foreign income taxed | No | No |
| Capital gains taxed | No | No |
Work rights
|
PA
Friendly Nations Visa
|
CR
Pensionado Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Employed work | Yes | No |
| Self-employed work | Yes | No |
| Own business | Yes | Yes |
| Work permit included | Yes | No |
Requirements
|
PA
Friendly Nations Visa
|
CR
Pensionado Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Criminal record check | Required | Required |
| Health check | Required | Not required |
| Degree | Not required | Not required |
| Professional experience | Not required | Not required |
| Language (for citizenship) | Required | Required |
Family and dependents
|
PA
Friendly Nations Visa
|
CR
Pensionado Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Dependents allowed | Yes | Yes |
| Spouse included | Yes | Yes |
| Maximum child age | 25 | 25 |
| Dependent parents | Yes | No |
Pathways
|
PA
Friendly Nations Visa
|
CR
Pensionado Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Path to permanent residency | Yes(2 yrs) | Yes(3 yrs) |
| Path to citizenship | Yes(5 yrs) | Yes(7 yrs) |
| Grants direct citizenship | No | No |
| Dual citizenship allowed | Yes | Yes |
Benefits
|
PA
Friendly Nations Visa
|
CR
Pensionado Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Schengen access | No | No |
| Open a bank account | Yes | Yes |
| Buy property | Yes | Yes |
| Public healthcare access | Yes | Yes |
| Health insurance | Not required | Not required |
Application
|
PA
Friendly Nations Visa
|
CR
Pensionado Visa
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Method | In person | In person |
| Processing time | 30–90 days | 60–180 days |
| Apply from abroad | No | No |
| Local representative | Required | Not required |