Knowledge Center
Articles About Panama
Explore 296+ research-backed guides covering everything expats need to know about Panama - from visa requirements and real estate markets to neighborhood guides, restaurant reviews, and cost-of-living breakdowns. Written by expats, for future expats.
Real EstatePanama Rooftop Real Estate Investment Guide: 30-40% Higher ROI
Panama City rooftop venues generate 30-40% higher returns than traditional establishments with 50% lower development costs. Expert investment guide.
Lifestyle & CulturePanama City Mayor Reveals Why It's 'Heaven on Earth' for Expats
Panama City Mayor Mayer Mizrachi explains why Panama offers expats four unique ecosystems, dollarized economy, and lower costs than Miami in one destination.
Travel & HotelsJohns Hopkins Panama: Complete Guide to Healthcare for Expats
Discover why Johns Hopkins-affiliated Pacifica Salud ranks top 10 in Latin America. VA benefits, medical tourism costs, and expat healthcare in Panama.
Legal & ImmigrationPanama Healthcare Costs 2024: Real Expat Medical Tourism Data
Doctor visits $34, dental cleanings $35, colonoscopies $700. Real Panama healthcare costs from Minnesota expat & plastic surgeon. Free consultation.
Dining & FoodBest International Schools & Family Life in Panama 2025
Discover top international schools like United School of Panama & family-friendly dining. Expert guide to relocating with children to Panama City.
Expat Life & RelocationMetropolitan Natural Park Panama City: Urban Biodiversity Guide
Metropolitan Natural Park spans 265 hectares with 220+ bird species in Panama City. Complete guide to Central America's largest urban park. Get expert relocation advice.
Travel & HotelsPanama Ocean Month 2024: 70+ Conservation Activities for Expats
Panama celebrates Ocean Month with 70+ conservation activities along 2,490km of coastline. Join beach cleanups and eco-initiatives. Contact DoPanama for relocation info.
Travel & HotelsMedical Tourism Panama: Dental Implants $1,500 vs $4,000 US
Panama leads Latin America in medical tourism with dental implants at $1,500 vs $4,000+ in USA. JCI-accredited hospitals, USD currency, direct flights from US cities.
Lifestyle & CulturePanama Canal $8B Gas Pipeline Creates 15,600 Jobs & Investment Opportunities
Panama's $8B gas pipeline project alongside the Canal creates 15,600 jobs and $1.5B annual revenue. Major opportunity for expat investors. Learn more.
Travel & HotelsPanama Cigar Heritage: Joyas de Panama Factory Revival Guide
Discover Panama's first permanent cigar factory since 1986. Joyas de Panama revives Cuban tobacco traditions in Coclé Province. Expert relocation guidance included.
Lifestyle & CultureCobre Panama Mine Completes 43rd Environmental Audit 2025
Cobre Panama achieves 43 consecutive clean environmental audits with zero compliance issues. Learn how this affects Panama's mining sector and expat investments.
Lifestyle & CultureCobre Panama Mine Achieves 43rd Perfect Environmental Audit Record
Cobre Panama mine completes 43rd consecutive environmental audit with zero compliance issues, setting global mining standards. Learn about Panama's responsible mining practices.
Frequently Asked Questions About Panama
What visas are available for moving to Panama?
Panama offers several visa options including the Pensionado (Retiree) Visa with a $1,000/month pension requirement, the Friendly Nations Visa for citizens of 50+ countries, and the Self-Economic Solvency Visa requiring a $300,000 investment. Each has different requirements and benefits.
What is the cost of living in Panama compared to the US?
Panama's cost of living is typically 30-50% lower than major US cities. A couple can live comfortably on $2,000-3,500/month depending on location. Panama City is the most expensive, while towns like David, Boquete, and Pedasi offer significantly lower costs.
Can foreigners buy property in Panama?
Yes, foreigners have the same property rights as Panamanians with a few exceptions (island and border properties have restrictions). There are no restrictions on titled property, and Panama uses a dollarized economy, making transactions straightforward for US buyers.
What are the best areas in Panama for expats?
Popular expat areas include Panama City for urban living, Boquete for mountain climate and coffee culture, Coronado for beach lifestyle near the city, Bocas del Toro for Caribbean island living, and Pedasi for Pacific coast authenticity.
Is Panama safe for expats?
Panama is generally considered one of the safest countries in Central America. Expat-popular areas like Boquete, Coronado, and upscale Panama City neighborhoods have very low crime rates. As with any country, basic safety precautions apply in urban areas.