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.
Travel & HotelsSurfnSail Catamaran Charters Bocas del Toro Panama 2024
Luxury all-inclusive catamaran charters in Bocas del Toro with experienced expat sailors. Sailing adventures, surfing, snorkeling from $350/day. Book now.
Dining & FoodSabor Escondido Restaurant Valle Escondido Boquete Panama
Discover Sabor Escondido Restaurant at Valle Escondido Wellness Resort - Boquete's premier farm-to-table dining with organic ingredients and mountain views.
Lifestyle & CultureRoots Real Estate Panama: Eco Properties & Sustainable Homes
Roots Real Estate specializes in sustainable, off-grid properties in Panama. Organic farms, eco-tourism developments & pristine locations. Contact for eco-conscious real estate tours.
Dining & FoodPrimos Pizzeria Panama City: Authentic Neapolitan Pizza Guide
Primos Pizzeria serves Panama City's best authentic Neapolitan pizza with signature La Burratina and Peppa Pig pizzas. Expert dining guide for expats.
Expat Life & RelocationPink Palace Panama: Exclusive Private Members Club in Punta Chame
Pink Palace Panama is an exclusive private members club in Punta Chame offering beachfront accommodations, organic dining, and Pacific coast luxury. Join for $500 initiation + $50/month.
Real EstateOrigen Real Estate Panama: Terry & Bob's Professional Services
Terry & Bob's Origen Real Estate Consultants offers professional Panama real estate services since 2011. Licensed agents specializing in all price ranges.
Legal & ImmigrationMichelle Hammond: Offshore Circle VP Panama Residency Expert
Michelle Hammond, VP of Offshore Circle, specializes in Panama citizenship & residency by investment programs. Expert offshore strategies for expat relocation.
Legal & ImmigrationNDM Law Firm Panama: Immigration & Real Estate Legal Services
NDM Law Firm offers 17+ years of Panama immigration law, real estate transactions & commercial legal services. Expert residence permits & property registration.
Dining & FoodMesa Azul Restaurant Panama City: Farm-to-Table Fine Dining
Mesa Azul Restaurant offers award-winning farm-to-table dining in Panama City with river views, imported steaks, and extensive vegan options. Top 10% worldwide by TripAdvisor.
Dining & FoodMadre Cucina Italiana: Casco Viejo's Premier Italian Restaurant
Madre Cucina Italiana in Casco Viejo serves authentic Italian cuisine with signature Sexy Mamma pizza and Papardelle ai Short Ribs. Located in historic Plaza Herrera.
Dining & FoodLa Strega: Panama City's Premier Italian Restaurant Guide 2024
Discover La Strega, rated among Panama City's top Italian restaurants with locations on Calle 50 and Costa del Este. Famous for their 3,000+ monthly Fettuccini Strega dishes.
Dining & FoodKatané: Panama City's Premier Authentic Sicilian Restaurant
Discover Katané, Panama City's top-rated Sicilian restaurant since 2015. Authentic 48-72 hour pizza dough, traditional arancini. El Cangrejo & San Francisco locations.
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.