How to plan your move to Panama
Scout it, slow travel, or set up a home away from home. Use the official links and concise checklists below to plan with confidence.
Pick your path
Get the vibe fast
- Base 1: Panama City (Avenida Balboa or Casco Viejo). Base 2: one secondary city that fits your vibe.
- Day 1: buy a prepaid SIM, load a Metro or MiBus card, withdraw small cash at a bank ATM.
- Days 2-5: tour 3-5 neighborhoods, visit one private hospital and one clinic, price a weekly shop.
- Days 6-8: weekend in Coronado or Chiriquí to compare beach vs mountains.
- Use the calculator to test a weekly budget, note surprises.
Live like a local
- Confirm your permitted stay and onward ticket rules before you book.
- Choose one monthly rental with fast internet; add a second base for month two or three.
- Buy travel medical insurance for full stay dates.
- Track spend monthly and recheck COL assumptions.
- Take one domestic flight or bus to a secondary city to compare costs and pace.
Set up a base for 6-12 months
- Choose your residency track or plan compliant border runs.
- Start document prep and apostilles in your home country.
- Shortlist attorneys and schedule consults.
- Plan driver license conversion after residency is granted.
- Compare private insurance vs local options; set up utilities after housing is secured.
Visas and length of stay
Tourist entry basics
Requirements and stay length vary by nationality. Always verify the latest rules before you travel.
Remote Worker (short stay)
For digital nomads or remote employees. English PDF link above is your summary.
Pensionado (Retiree)
Popular residency route for retirees. English PDF link above is your summary.
Friendly Nations Residency
Requirements differ by applicant type (work contract, investment, etc.). English PDF link above is your summary.
Money and banking
Banking basics
- Regulator and consumer info: Superintendencia de Bancos
- Taxes at a glance (territorial system): DGI
Health and insurance
Using the system
- Ministry of Health (MINSA): official site
- Caja de Seguro Social (CSS): official site
For private care, Panama City and David have multiple hospitals with English-speaking staff. Compare coverage with international plans.
Phones and internet
Get connected on day one
- Tigo Panamá: plans and prepaid
- +Móvil (Cable and Wireless): plans and prepaid
Bring an unlocked phone. eSIM availability varies by carrier and plan.
Getting around
In the city
- Metro de Panamá: official site
- MiBus (city buses): official site
- MetroBus top ups: reload methods
Between cities
- Domestic airline: AirPanama
- Main international airport: Tocumen
- Weather and seasonality: IMHPA forecast
Driving
- Tourists can drive with a valid foreign license for up to 90 days: U.S. State Dept.
- License conversion (residents): SERTRACEN
Pets
Entry rules and airport process
- MIDA requirements (dogs and cats): official page
- Tocumen airport pet process: airport guidance
Shipping and customs
What to know
- National Customs Authority: official site
- Traveler declaration: online form
Emergency and documents
Embassy and contacts
- U.S. Embassy Panama: official site
- Migración main site: official site
Carry passport ID page and entry stamp. Carry your foreign driver license when driving.
City guides
Panama City
Modern servicesMetro access
Why go: hospitals, coworking, culture. Logistics: easiest for car free life.
Avenida Balboa
BayfrontCinta Costera
Why go: tower living with long waterfront park. Logistics: walkable; quick to Casco.
Casco Viejo
HistoricNightlife
Why go: heritage and cafés. Logistics: noise varies by street; limited parking.
Coronado
BeachShops
Why go: beach living with services. Logistics: car friendly; weekend traffic.
Boquete
Cool climateCoffee
Why go: mountain weather, active scene. Logistics: hills; great produce markets.
Volcán
Quiet highlandsBudget friendlier
Why go: calmer highlands. Logistics: cooler nights; plan for a car.
David
Regional hubAirport
Why go: hospitals and shopping. Logistics: hot climate; shade matters.
Bocas del Toro
CaribbeanBoat taxis
Why go: island life. Logistics: humidity and salt air; boat commutes.
Chitré
Provincial cityAccess to beaches
Why go: stable services, value. Logistics: best with a car for beaches.
Aguadulce
Central locationBudget
Why go: gateway on the Azuero route. Logistics: hot and dry; simple amenities.
Tools
Cost of Living Calculator
Visa Timeline
Deep dives and downloadable planning materials will be offered later as a paid packet.