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.
Business & InvestmentAlex Abraham: Luxury Swimwear Entrepreneur in Panama
Discover Alex Abraham's journey from Australia's Bikini Beach to Panama's growing fashion scene. Expert insights on expat entrepreneurship and lifestyle business success.
Dining & FoodCoffee Max Paitilla: Premium Italian Coffee & Expat Dining
Coffee Max in Panama City's Paitilla district serves authentic Italian Illy coffee & gourmet international cuisine. Popular expat hangout with Kosher options.
Business & InvestmentWomen Empowerment in Panama: Modern Challenges & Success Stories
Discover how modern women in Panama balance careers and family while contributing to society. Learn about empowerment opportunities and expat women's success stories.
Dining & FoodChivita Food House Panama: Steakhouse & Fine Dining Marbella
Chivita Food House in Marbella offers premium steaks, fusion cuisine by Chef Felipe Mayorca, VIP lounges & European wines. Reserve at +507 6590-3868.
Lifestyle & CultureJovanna Malberti & Maya D'Amore: Italian Fashion Success in Panama
Italian fashion entrepreneurs Jovanna Malberti and daughter Maya D'Amore built thriving handmade fashion businesses in Panama's Punta Pacifica. Learn how expat families succeed in Panama's creative industry.
Dining & FoodLa Rana Dorada: Panama's Craft Brewery Pioneer in Casco Viejo
Discover La Rana Dorada, Panama's first craft brewery in Casco Viejo's oldest private house. Craft beer, whiskey, sourdough pizza & expat favorite since 2010.
Dining & FoodCasa Tua Italian Restaurant San Francisco Panama - Review 2024
Casa Tua in San Francisco Panama City offers authentic Italian cuisine by Chef Enrique Fernández with outdoor terrace dining. Expert expat dining guide.
Dining & FoodLa Selva Panama: Award-Winning Fine Dining Restaurant Guide
La Selva Panama showcases authentic Panamanian cuisine with Latin fusion in Panama City's Financial District. Expert guide to Panama's top dining destination.
Dining & FoodTommasino Restaurant Panama City - Authentic Italian Cuisine
Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Tommasino in Marbella, Panama City. Chef Ferdinando Fontanella serves traditional Neapolitan dishes with fresh pasta and Italian wines.
Dining & FoodLos Tacos de Villa: Authentic Mexican Food in Panama City
Los Tacos de Villa serves authentic Mexican cuisine at two Panama City locations - Bellavista and Brisas del Golf. Experience traditional tacos al pastor and Jalisco beef birria.
Dining & FoodVista Corona: Casco Viejo's Premier Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Vista Corona offers fusion cuisine by Chef José Aparicio on Casa de Oro's 3rd floor, featuring panoramic UNESCO Heritage views. Experience Casco Viejo's finest rooftop dining.
Dining & FoodPrimitivo Steakhouse Casco Viejo - Panama City Fine Dining
Primitivo leads Casco Viejo's dining scene with Chef Frank Escalona's 50-hour sous vide lamb and prime Tomahawk steaks. Reserve Panama City's premier steakhouse today.
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.