The Global Expat Hub
Panama
Dollar economy, friendly visas and a capital that feels like Miami with rainforest an hour away.
Your plan for Panama checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Panama
Costs and character vary significantly within Panama. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Financial hub with US-style infrastructure, dollar economy and fast residency
Cool mountain town beloved by retirees — very affordable and community-driven
Beach community outside the capital — popular with American expats
Small Pacific beach town with a growing expat scene and unspoiled feel
Panama by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
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🌤️ Climate
Tropical; hot and humid year-round with a May–Nov wet season and a Dec–Apr dry season. Cooler in the Boquete highlands.
Mean temperatures for Panama City.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 1,900 mm (75 in) a year.
Snow None.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationGaceta Oficial de Panamá ↗
OverviewLaw of Panama on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax 0–1% of registered value; new builds often exempt 5–20 yrs.
Local & regional income tax None; territorial system taxes only Panama-sourced income.
🎓 University
Public university (UP) near-free for residents; private $4–10k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Tigo, +Móvil (Cable & Wireless).
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $25/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $22 for 10 GB.
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🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Pensionado: lifetime discounts of 15–50% on medical, dining, flights, utilities
- Friendly Nations visa for ~50 nationalities
- Territorial tax: foreign income untaxed
- Property-tax exemptions on new builds
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Panama embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Panama faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Panama: remote work you can do from Panama City, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Panama and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Panama safe for expats?
Panama scores 62 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub. Expat communities in areas like Boquete, Coronado and Panama City are generally considered safe.
How much does it cost to live in Panama?
An affordable expat lifestyle in Panama costs around $1,500 to $2,200 per month. The highlands town of Boquete is popular with budget-conscious retirees.
What is the Panama Friendly Nations Visa?
The Friendly Nations Visa grants permanent residency to US citizens through economic ties to Panama such as a business, employment or property investment.
Is Panama a good place to retire?
Yes. The pensionado visa offers significant discounts on healthcare and transport for retirees with at least $1,000 per month in pension income. Panama uses the US dollar.