Moving to Panama? Your Complete Guide to Relocation, Real Estate & Expat Life

Panama is experiencing a real estate and relocation boom, and it's not hard to see why. The country offers one of the most affordable costs of living in Latin America combined with modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and a thriving international community. According to International Living's 2023 Retirement Index, Panama ranks as one of the top 10 retirement destinations globally, with expats citing the pleasant tropical climate year-round, favorable tax incentives for foreign retirees, and the convenience of living in a fully developed capital city that rivals major U.S. metropolitan areas. The Panama Pensioner Visa program allows retirees to live legally in Panama with a guaranteed monthly income of just 1,350 dollars, making it accessible for middle-class Americans seeking a comfortable retirement abroad. Meanwhile, young professionals and entrepreneurs are drawn to Panama City's booming tech scene, favorable business environment, and the Friendly Nations Visa which offers permanent residency opportunities. DoPanama helps navigate all these pathways with personalized guidance that goes beyond cookie-cutter solutions.

Austin Hess and the team at DoPanama understand that moving to another country isn't a one-size-fits-all process. Some clients need complete hand-holding through the entire relocation journey - from finding the perfect property in neighborhoods like Casco Viejo, Clayton, or Coronado, to securing visa documentation and connecting with essential services. Others simply need to be introduced to the right real estate agent or attorney to get started. The beauty of working with a licensed and bonded company like DoPanama (licensed as PJ-1430-2023) is that they customize their approach based on your specific situation. Whether you're a retiree, young professional, investor, or digital nomad, they offer packages designed around your timeline and budget. The team includes Nalini Navarro Guardia as President and Legal Director, bringing deep expertise in Panama's residency and visa requirements. Their office sits right in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Panama City, putting them in the heart of the capital where the action is happening.

Panama's real estate market is booming, with property values appreciating steadily while remaining affordable compared to U.S. or European markets. Punta Pacifica, home to the iconic JW Marriott building (the tallest building in all of Central America), represents the pinnacle of Panama City's modern real estate development. This waterfront neighborhood offers stunning ocean views, international-standard amenities, and a cosmopolitan lifestyle that attracts high-net-worth individuals and serious investors. But Panama City offers diverse neighborhoods catering to different lifestyles. Casco Viejo brings colonial charm and bohemian culture with restored historic properties. Clayton caters to professionals seeking modern apartments with easy access to the financial district. Coronado on the Pacific coast offers beach living with a quieter pace. Meanwhile, retirement-focused expats often explore areas like Boquete (in the highlands with spring-like weather year-round) or Panama Viejo for their mix of accessibility and lifestyle benefits. DoPanama helps clients identify which neighborhood aligns with their lifestyle vision and financial goals, then connects them with vetted properties and sellers. The team understands that choosing where to live is about much more than square footage - it's about finding your community.

What sets DoPanama apart is their holistic philosophy about relocation. Austin Hess explains it clearly: they view their role as helping people discover and build a life in Panama, not just selling them a property. This means understanding your lifestyle goals, introducing you to the cultural scene (like world-class dining at restaurants throughout Panama City), connecting you with the right professional services, and providing ongoing support as you settle in. The company offers a free relocation survey that gives you invaluable information about your personalized situation, and a complimentary 30-minute consultation to answer your initial questions. These aren't sales tactics - they're genuine opportunities to explore whether Panama aligns with your dreams. For some people, that means investing in income-generating rental properties. For others, it's about finding the perfect retirement home. For still others, it's securing a Friendly Nations Visa for residency while they explore business opportunities. DoPanama handles all of these scenarios with equal professionalism and attention.

Navigating Panama's visa landscape can feel overwhelming, but Nalini Navarro Guardia, DoPanama's President and Legal Director, brings essential expertise to this process. Panama offers several pathways to residency, each suited to different situations. The Pensioner Visa appeals to retirees with guaranteed monthly income. The Friendly Nations Visa (available to citizens of certain countries) provides permanent residency through a relatively straightforward application. The Investor Visa requires real estate investment of 120,000 dollars or more. The Temporary Resident Visa works for remote workers and digital nomads earning income from outside Panama. There's also the Mercantile Visa for those starting businesses. Each option has different requirements, timeframes, and costs. Having a legal director on staff means DoPanama clients get clear guidance on which visa option makes sense for their situation, and support throughout the application process. This legal expertise is something many online real estate sites simply cannot provide - and it's where professional relocation companies truly earn their value.

One thing that becomes crystal clear watching Austin experience Panama City is that this isn't a place where you're just hiding away counting your savings. Panama City buzzes with energy, culture, dining, and opportunity. The city boasts some of Central America's finest restaurants, from world-class French cuisine at Petit Paris (mentioned in the episode, with locations at the JW Marriott and the charming Marvella neighborhood) to emerging culinary scenes that rival major U.S. cities. Live music scenes are thriving - Petit Paris, for example, features live performances on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and occasional Sunday brunches. The Casco Viejo neighborhood pulses with colonial architecture, galleries, craft bars, and restaurants. Clayton offers shopping and dining geared toward the professional crowd. The banking and finance sector is robust, making Panama City a legitimate hub for remote workers and entrepreneurs. Healthcare is excellent - hospitals like CIMA and Cleveland Clinic Panama provide U.S.-standard care at a fraction of the cost. The international school system is strong for families relocating with children. Libraries, cultural centers, museums, and outdoor activities abound. This is a city where you can have a sophisticated, engaging lifestyle without astronomical costs. It's this balance between world-class amenities and affordable living that makes Panama so attractive to expats of all ages.

Punta Pacifica deserves special mention as it represents modern Panama at its finest. This waterfront development on the southern edge of Panama City has become the address for successful professionals, retirees, and investors seeking luxury living with contemporary infrastructure. The neighborhood is anchored by the JW Marriott Panama, housed in the tallest building in Central America, which creates an iconic skyline landmark visible from throughout the city. Beyond the hotel, Punta Pacifica features high-end residential towers, shopping, fine dining, and direct oceanfront access. The neighborhood's success demonstrates how modern Panama is building - thoughtfully integrating international standards with local character. Properties here range from apartments suited to young professionals to sprawling penthouses commanding ocean views. While prices in Punta Pacifica are higher than many Panama City neighborhoods, they're still remarkably affordable compared to similar waterfront properties in Miami, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. mainland. For many expats, investing in Punta Pacifica makes sense both as a lifestyle choice and a real estate strategy, particularly those seeking rental income from the tourist and business travel communities.

If you're seriously considering a move to Panama, the path forward is clearer than you might think. DoPanama removes the guesswork by offering a structured approach. First, take advantage of the free relocation survey on their website at dopanama.com. This questionnaire helps DoPanama understand your situation - your budget, timeline, lifestyle preferences, visa requirements, and specific goals. You'll gain valuable insights about what to expect, and DoPanama gets information needed to provide personalized recommendations. Next, schedule your complimentary 30-minute consultation. This call with Austin Hess or another team member addresses your specific questions, explores options for your situation, and clarifies what full-service relocation or á la carte services might look like for you. If you decide to proceed, DoPanama can connect you with pre-vetted properties matching your criteria, introduce you to qualified attorneys for visa work, recommend financial advisors familiar with expat situations, and guide you through the moving logistics. You're not working with an online portal or chatbot - you're working with people who live in Panama, understand the realities of relocation, and have skin in the game through their licensed and bonded business. You can reach DoPanama at +507 6443-3341 or visit their office at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Panama City. The team genuinely loves helping people discover what Panama can offer.