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.
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Photo: K / Pexels
At a glance
Panama, in brief.
How Panama compares with the 80+ destinations we cover. Panama ranks among the best for visa ease (1st of 81) and tax friendliness (22nd of 81) and cost of living (24th of 77).
Compare destinations- Cost of living
- Low
- Property
- Very affordable
- Healthcare
- Basic
- Safety
- Some concerns
- Climate
- Warm (~27°C)
- English
- Moderate
- Expat community
- Established
Pensionado ($1,000/mo → PR)
Territorial: foreign income untaxed
Life in Panama
I'm a writer who's been on a grand life adventure since the end of a marriage that, at the time, I barely survived, but now am grateful for…
Health insurance in Panama
Covered from day one.
The dream is the easy part. Compare tailored expat health insurance quotes from trusted international insurers, in minutes and with no obligation.
Get health insurance quotes In partnership with Moving your belongings too? Get up to five free quotes from international moversSending money abroad? Use a currency specialist
Your move plan
Panama, one step at a time.
Thirteen steps, in the order most people tackle them. Each one links to the guide that walks you through it.
- 01Check which visa fits your moveRead the guide : Check which visa fits your move
- 02Work out your monthly budgetRead the guide : Work out your monthly budget
- 03Arrange health cover for your moveRead the guide : Arrange health cover for your move
- 04Understand how the health system worksRead the guide : Understand how the health system works
- 05Bring your pet, if you have oneRead the guide : Bring your pet, if you have one
- 06Find somewhere to rentRead the guide : Find somewhere to rent
- 07Open a local bank accountRead the guide : Open a local bank account
- 08Know your residency steps after you arriveRead the guide : Know your residency steps after you arrive
- 09Find a doctorRead the guide : Find a doctor
- 10Understand your tax positionRead the guide : Understand your tax position
- 11Sort out your driving licenceRead the guide : Sort out your driving licence
- 12Set up a phone and internetRead the guide : Set up a phone and internet
- 13Plan schools, if you're moving with childrenRead the guide : Plan schools, if you're moving with children
Plan your move
Answers for your move.
Free tools that turn big questions about Panama into clear answers.
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- Compare cost of livingWhat your money is worth in Panama.01
- Check retirement affordabilityWhere your pension clears the requirement.02
- Find visa optionsEvery route you could qualify for.03
- Get moving quotesUp to five free quotes from international movers.04
- Move money abroadTransfers with a currency specialist.05
The complete picture
The Panama moving guide.
54 guides, from your visa to finding a vet. Start with the three most people need first.
Moving guide sponsored by- Start here · 01
Visas
Which visa fits your move, and how to apply.
- Start here · 02
Residency
Your residence permit, from first stay to long term.
- Start here · 03
Banking
Opening an account and moving money.
Visas, residency and work
6
Healthcare
7
Buying property
5
Health and wellbeing
8
Travel and transport
5
Driving and cars
5
Health cover designed for life in Panama
Whether you're relocating with your family, taking up a new role or retiring abroad, Cigna Global plans are built around expat life: worldwide cover, direct billing and 24/7 support in English.
You won't be the first
Real people who made the move.
People who built a life in Panama share what surprised them, what helped and what they'd do again. All Panama stories
Janet Sussman
That’s a tough one! I am a lot of things…a lot of women…a lot of life! I am a semi retired teacher…
- Boquete
John And Susan Pazera
We are John and Susan Pazera, lately of Long Beach, Calif. and currently living the expat life in Boquete, Panama. John is…
- Boquete
By Edgington
By Edgington (short for Byron, but no one ever gets it right).Where, when and why did you move abroad?Boquete, mountains of Western…
Fresh from Panama
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Americans In Panama: Your Tax, Visa & Property Questions Answered
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The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Panama
When you think of Panama, the first images that may come to mind are of its famous canal, lush rainforests, or beautiful beaches. But…
What Quality Of Healthcare Can You Expect In Panama?
If you are living and working in Panama, you may be wondering what kind of healthcare you can expect to receive. This will depend…
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