--- title: Can I retire and continue working in Panama as a foreigner? description: Panama is one of the best retirement destinations in the world. But can you retire and continue working in Panama as a foreigner? image: https://legalsolutionspanama.com/hubfs/pexels-rdne-8124189-1.jpg --- [![Legal Solutions Panama](https://legalsolutionspanama.com/hubfs/Legal_Site_2026/Logo/7aeee02d9a215b0bb03c3ca380ac7d4c36aa9c99.png)](https://legalsolutionspanama.com/?hsLang=en) - [Home](https://legalsolutionspanama.com/en/) - [Establish a Company](https://legalsolutionspanama.com/en/attorneys-to-establish-a-company-in-panama/) - [Open Bank Account](https://legalsolutionspanama.com/en/open-bank-account-in-panama/) - [Residence Permits](https://legalsolutionspanama.com/en/residence-permits-panama/) - [Blog](https://legalsolutionspanama.com/en/blog) - [Contact us](https://legalsolutionspanama.com/en/contact/) # Can I retire and continue working in Panama as a foreigner? By Legal Solutions • 1 minute read ![Can I retire and continue working in Panama as a foreigner?](https://legalsolutionspanama.com/hubfs/pexels-rdne-8124189-1.jpg) Panama is one of the best retirement destinations in the world. Its Permanent Residence Permit not only offers economic advantages and an excellent tourist destination but also allows retirees to settle anywhere in Panama and enjoy their retirement. However, you might be wondering: Can I retire and continue working in Panama as a foreigner? Among the most frequently asked topics by our clients is the issue of employment as residents in Panama. To address this, it's important to detail the following concepts: 1. Retiree: A retiree is an individual who has completed the legal work cycle, has ceased working due to age, and receives a payment from the state. 2. **Pensioner**: A pensioner is a worker who, due to an accident, illness, or condition, becomes incapacitated to provide labor services. As a result, the state or the company provides them with a salary (pension) due to the loss of their labor capacity. In both concepts, the common denominator is that the person cannot engage in labor, whether due to old age or incapacity. This answers the question: **Can I retire and continue working in Panama as a foreigner?** Retired or pensioned individuals CANNOT work in Panama. To provide a more specific explanation on the topic, we must mention that in Panama, foreigners cannot work unless they obtain a work permit. These work permits are linked to the residency permits and categories that exist. Currently, under Panamanian labor law, there is no work permit that can be associated with the Residency for Retirees and Pensioners. ## How to Apply for a Work Permit in Panama If your intention is to apply for a Work Permit, you cannot do so under the Retired and Pensioned category. Therefore, you will need to change your immigration status and apply for Residency under a category that allows you to obtain a Work Permit. You could consider the Investor Permit, the Residency Permit for Professionals, or the Residency Permit for Friendly Nations of Panama. If you are interested in learning about the various requirements for obtaining a Residency or Work Permit, do not hesitate to [contact us](https://legalsolutionspanama.com/en/contact/?hsLang=en), and we will be happy to assist you.   ## In This Article --- - [How to Apply for a Work Permit in Panama](https://legalsolutionspanama.com/en/blog/retire-and-continue-working-in-panama/#how-to-apply-for-a-work-permit-in-panama) ## Do You Need Legal Assistance? We Respond Promptly. Our legal team is ready to evaluate your case within 24 hours. 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