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.
Expat Life & RelocationPanama City Luxury Living: Ocean View Condos from $300K
Discover Panama City's luxury lifestyle with ocean-view condos in Punta Paitilla starting at $300,000. World-class dining, tropical beaches, and urban sophistication await.
Dining & FoodEmotions Restaurant-Theater Panama City: Dining & Shows Guide
Experience world-class entertainment and sushi at Emotions Restaurant-Theater in Panama City's Hilton. Celebrity impersonations, fine dining, perfect for expats.
Business & InvestmentMario Alberto Sanchez Zuñiga: Mexican Expat Success Story in Panama
Discover how Mexican entrepreneur Mario Sanchez built a $50M+ business empire in Panama, from ReMax Luxury to Mexican restaurants. Expert insights on expat success.
Dining & FoodPencas Restaurant Panama City: Caribbean-Panamanian Oceanfront Dining Guide
Pencas Restaurant offers 22 years of Caribbean-Panamanian fusion cuisine with spectacular ocean views in Panama City. Accommodates 300+ guests for events.
Dining & FoodTerra Lounge: Valle Escondido's Vegan & Kosher Restaurant
Terra Lounge at Valle Escondido offers organic vegan and kosher dining with ingredients from their own farm. Discover Panama's premier wellness resort dining experience.
Lifestyle & CultureCalifornia vs Panama: Complete Relocation Guide for 2024
Discover why 200,000+ expats chose Panama over California. Compare costs, lifestyle, and opportunities. Expert relocation guidance from licensed professionals.
Real Estate$2.3M Real Estate: Canada vs Panama Property Comparison Guide
Compare $2.3M properties: Canada's 4,105 sqft Victorian vs Panama's 5,489 sqft oceanfront luxury with 8 bedrooms. Expert analysis for international investors.
Dining & FoodChivita Food House Review: Panama City's Executive Dining
Chivita Food House offers premier executive dining in Panama City with smoked octopus ceviche and private rooms for up to 100 guests. Perfect for expat business dining.
Expat Life & RelocationCosta del Este Panama: Complete 2024 Expat Living & Investment Guide
Costa del Este offers modern amenities 15 minutes from Panama City's financial district. Average condo prices $180K-$450K. Expert relocation guidance available.
Dining & FoodCaliope Steakhouse Panama City: Top 10 Fine Dining Experience
Caliope Steakhouse ranks among Panama City's top 10 steakhouses with Josper oven cooking, extensive wine cellar, and unique blindfolded dining. Reserve now!
Dining & FoodCiao Ragazzi: Panama's #1 Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria Chain
Discover Ciao Ragazzi, Panama's premier Italian restaurant franchise with authentic Mediterranean cuisine across 4 Panama City locations. Gluten-free options available.
Dining & FoodNoa Nikkei Panama City: Authentic Nikkei Fusion Restaurant Review
Noa Nikkei revolutionizes Panama City dining with Chef Lan's authentic Nikkei fusion cuisine, featuring 48-hour braised short rib and live entertainment. Contact +507 6325-5311.
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.