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If you’re thinking about moving to Panama, you probably have a lot of questions about how to emigrate to a foreign country. You\u2019ll want to know the basics: what type of visa you need, if your health insurance will cover you abroad, and more. And while it\u2019s easy to do research on the internet, nothing beats first-hand advice. Use this guide to get started, and we’ll address the visa process, great cities & neighborhoods for immigrants, cost of living, getting around, learning Spanish, healthcare & insurance, and finding home to rent or buy.<\/p>\n
If you haven’t taken it yet, the Expatsi Test<\/a> is a great, free way to see if Panama is a good fit for your needs. Also, the questions on the test<\/a>, about weather, legalities, human rights, cost of living, and more, are a good framework for the things you’ll want to consider about your new home. Panama often gets top marks from investors and retirees because friendly laws and policies make it easy for Americans<\/a> to settle there.<\/p>\n 12 Great Reasons to Move to Panama<\/a><\/p>\n Like in the U.S., there’s a range of choices for where to live in Panama<\/a>, from the heart of bustling Panama City to the most remote beach towns or mountain villages. Your location will affect how you shop, travel, and get healthcare, and the weather can vary dramatically by region, even in this small, tropical country.<\/p>\n The Best Cities in Panama for Expats<\/a><\/p>\n Panama City is a great choice. With about 1.5M residents in the metro area and excellent healthcare and infrastructure, you’re likely to have an easy transition from your American city. It can be expensive, but you can choose a neighborhood to fit your budget and needs.<\/p>\n Best Panama City, Panama Neighborhoods for Expats<\/a><\/p>\n Panama has a staggering array of choices for establishing residency as an immigrant, from visas for students, remote workers, and retirees to a variety of visas for workers and investors. The pensionado visa for retirees is especially popular because it comes with a ton of nationwide discounts on everyday purchases like movies and medicine. Getting a Panama visa isn’t a DIY affair \u2014 you’ll need to work with an immigration attorney in-country to get approved. We partner with the website WhereCanI.Live and a team of Panama immigration attorneys to provide consultations. You can book at an appointment at the link at the bottom of the page.<\/p>\n Guide to Panama Residency Visas<\/a><\/p>\n Either I haven’t done enough sudoku puzzles or I haven’t taken enough ginkgo biloba, but learning a new language at my age is hard<\/em>. Half the time, the French word I learned in high school<\/em> comes to mind before the Spanish term. We’ve discovered that my husband and I learn differently \u2014 he does well with immersion, whereas I need one-on-one tutoring and structured homework. The most important thing is to be patient with yourself, I think, and keep trying.<\/p>\n The nice thing is having so many backup tools available these days, like Google Translate<\/a> and DeepL<\/a>. You can even use Google Translate on your phone<\/a> to translate a menu or sign! In Panama’s expat enclaves and many medical facilities, you can get by with English, but you’ll want to learn Spanish to enhance your experience and make local friends.<\/p>\n How to Learn Spanish Before You Move to LATAM<\/a><\/p>\n Panama culture is a blend of indigenous, African, and European influences overlaid on the tropical climate and deeply affected by the prosperity and politics of the Panama Canal.<\/p>\n Getting around Panama City is extremely easy, with taxis, buses, Ubers, and rapid transit taking you anywhere your feet can’t. You can drive the Pan-American Highway to many popular destinations across the country and fly or take a bus to others. Taxis are ubiquitous even in smaller towns. And of course there are lots of places you can reach by boat!<\/p>\n Guide to Getting Around Panama by Car, Plane, Train, Bus, or Rideshare<\/a><\/p>\n Panama has excellent options for healthcare and even has a booming medical tourism industry. From top-notch big city medical centers to rural clinics and even affordable house calls, there are many ways to get your healthcare needs met. Transparent, up-front pricing is one of the most notable benefits, and if you have a Pensionado visa or are retirement age, you’ll get discounts on prescriptions and doctor visits. Our expat healthcare planner<\/a> can provide useful insight when deciding how to move to Panama.<\/p>\nWhere to Live<\/h2>\n
How to Get a Panama Residency Visa<\/h2>\n
How to Learn Spanish<\/h2>\n
What to Know About Panama Culture<\/h2>\n
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How to Travel Within Panama<\/h2>\n
How to Get Medical Care in Panama<\/h2>\n