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.
Legal & ImmigrationPanama Residency Through Investment: $200K Path to Lifetime Residency
Get Panama lifetime residency for just $200,000 through real estate investment. QIV fast-track in 30 days. Expert guidance from licensed agents.
Dining & FoodTERRAT Rooftop: Premium Dining & Real Estate in San Francisco
Discover TERRAT Rooftop restaurant in Panama City's The Plaza building - mystical tropical dining by Chef Waggner Sanjur. Explore San Francisco's luxury dining scene.
Travel & HotelsNature Photography Workshops Panama - Bird's Nest Experience
Join expert-led photography workshops at Panama's Bird's Nest Experience in the Chagres watershed. Home to 400+ bird species, perfect for photographers.
Dining & FoodCanal House Panama: Premium Waterfront Dining on Panama Canal
Canal House Panama offers authentic Panamanian fusion cuisine with stunning Panama Canal views. Experience Guacho de Langosta & sunset dining. Book your table today!
Dining & FoodOssa Restaurant Casco Viejo: Historic Fine Dining Panama City
Ossa Restaurant in Casco Viejo offers authentic Panamanian cuisine in a colonial convent. Chef Pablo Viluce's farm-to-table menu features local ingredients. Book now!
Dining & FoodEmotions Dinner Theater Panama City - Vegas-Style Shows & Fine Dining
Experience Panama City's premier dinner theater at Hilton Balboa Avenue. Vegas-style shows, international artists, fine dining. Reserve your table today!
Dining & FoodSugar & Spice Boquete: Expat-Owned Bakery & Restaurant Guide
Sugar & Spice Dulces Gourmet in Boquete, owned by expat couple Richard and Yarina Meyer since 2009, exemplifies successful expat business in Panama's highlands.
Lifestyle & CultureLogistic Freight Group Panama: Complete Moving Services Guide
Logistic Freight Group offers door-to-door container services for expats relocating to Panama. Get expert moving services from a Panama-based company with 30 years experience.
Legal & ImmigrationPanama Driver's License 2024: Complete Guide for Expats
Get your Panama driver's license in one day for $40 USD. Complete step-by-step guide for expats with SERTRACEN process, required documents, and embassy procedures.
Lifestyle & CultureAgarthi Bazar: Italian Boho-Luxe Fashion in Panama
Discover Agarthi Bazar's Italian boho-luxe collections by Jovanna Malberti across Panama City, Casco Viejo, Coronado & Bocas del Toro. Expat lifestyle fashion.
Dining & FoodHacienda Real Steakhouse - Premier Latin Dining in Panama City
Experience exceptional grilled meats & Latin cuisine at Hacienda Real in Balboa Boutiques. Live music, premium wines, family dining. Reserve today!
Dining & FoodLunarossa Restaurant Coronado: #1 TripAdvisor Italian Dining
Lunarossa in Coronado is Panama's #1 rated Italian restaurant on TripAdvisor. Authentic Tuscan cuisine, signature Burrata Focaccina. Perfect for expats and locals.
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.