Panama – Visas
Panama’s immigration framework is relatively welcoming to those considering a permanent move abroad. Nationals of many countries can…
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Your life in Panama starts here
Make your move to Panama
Foreign income goes untaxed under Panama's territorial system, and a dedicated retiree route offers a straightforward path to residency. Costs stay low, property is very affordable, and the climate is warm year-round.
Panama at a glance
Cost of living
Low
Property
Very affordable
Healthcare
Basic
Safety
Some concerns
Climate
Warm (~27°C)
English
Moderate
Expat community
Established
Where Panama is strongest: visa ease #1 of 81tax friendliness #22 of 81cost of living #24 of 77
Worth weighing up: safety #67 of 78healthcare #57 of 78English-friendliness #59 of 81
TaxTerritorial: foreign income untaxed
Visa / residencyPensionado ($1,000/mo → PR)
General information to compare destinations, not personal financial, tax or immigration advice.
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Your first steps to Panama
Panama – Residency
Panama ranks among the most welcoming countries in Latin America when it comes to residency options for foreign…
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Fresh from Panama
Latest articles
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Real people who made the move
Patty Blue Hayes, Nueva Gorgona
Who are you? I’m a writer who’s been on a grand life adventure since the end of a…
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Who are you? That’s a tough one! I am a lot of things…a lot of women…a lot of…
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Who are you? We are John and Susan Pazera, lately of Long Beach, Calif. and currently living the…
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Who are you? By Edgington (short for Byron, but no one ever gets it right).Where, when and why…
Read more →Susanna Perkins, Las Tablas
Who are you? I’m Susanna Perkins. I’m a writer. Married, with 5 grown kids and 1 granddaughter. Interested…
Read more →Kris & Joel, David
Who are you? I’m Kris, wife of Joel, and we are retired and living in Panama. I was…
Read more →The complete picture
Panama moving guide
Panama – Air Travel
Panama outperforms expectations as an aviation centre. Tocumen International Airport, located in Panama City, ranks as the busiest…
Read more →Panama – Animal Welfare and Cultural Issues
Panama presents a study in contrasts when it comes to animal ownership and welfare. In urban centres —…
Read more →Panama – Banking
Panama ranks among Latin America’s most welcoming and well-developed banking environments for foreign residents. Home to more than…
Read more →Panama – Buses and Trams
Getting around Panama by bus is among the most cost-effective and convenient options available to residents and visitors…
Read more →Panama – Buying or Importing a Car
Purchasing or importing a vehicle in Panama is open to foreigners without any residency requirement — visitors travelling…
Read more →Panama – Buying Property
Foreign nationals are permitted to purchase and hold property in Panama with rights that closely mirror those of…
Read more →Panama – Car Rental
For most visitors, renting a car in Panama is a relatively simple process. Your home-country driving licence is…
Read more →Panama – Citizenship
Panama provides multiple pathways to citizenship, with naturalisation after five years of continuous permanent residency being the most…
Read more →Panama – Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Panama has a presence of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), although the sector is less mature than in…
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Panama is widely regarded as substantially cheaper than most Western nations, with consumer prices typically running 30–50% below…
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Panama presents a nuanced reality for cyclists: a modest but expanding riding community, a selection of dedicated bike…
Read more →Panama – Dentists and Dental Treatment
Dental treatment in Panama is delivered primarily through the private sector, and the vast majority of expats turn…
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