Knowledge Center
Articles About Panama
Explore 39+ 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.
Lifestyle & CultureJeff Catalano's Payment Porte: Revolutionary Fintech Platform Transforming Financial Services for Panama Expats
Jeff Catalano's Payment Porte offers comprehensive digital financial services including cross-border payments, e-wallet savings accounts, and an integrated marketplace, specifically designed to address the financial challenges faced by Panama's 180,000+ expat residents.
Lifestyle & CultureCasco View Santa Ana: EDGE-Certified Apartments Starting at $130,000 in Panama's UNESCO Heritage District
Casco View in Santa Ana offers modern apartments starting at $130,000 in Panama's UNESCO World Heritage district, with EDGE environmental certification and pre-construction investment opportunities showing 8-12% annual appreciation according to Panama's Ministry of Housing.
Lifestyle & CultureBusiness Consulting Corp: Panama's Premier Business Restructuring Specialists
Business Consulting Corp (BCC) is Panama's leading business restructuring consultancy with an 85% success rate, led by James Rodriguez who brings extensive experience from major US multinational companies including Marriott and Murphy Oil Corporation.
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.