Immigrate to Panama – How to move to Panama
THE BASICS
What to know before immigrating to Panama
Panama City
UTC-5
Balboa (PAB) or U.S Dollar (USD)
4 million
Spanish
+507
911
On the right side
BEFORE MOVING
The cost of moving to Panama – International removals to Panama
When planning to migrate to Panama, Eurosender can offer you a fast shipping solution, no matter how many items you need to transport. Whether you need to move household furniture or just a few boxes to Panama, you can be sure you will get the right service for the job at the best price available:
Panama visa requirements – how to apply?
If you are thinking of relocating to Panama from the USA, Canada, Australia or a country from the European Union, you can visit Panama and stay for up to 6 months with a tourist visa. To obtain permanent residency in Panama, you must first apply for temporary residency through the following avenues:
- Pensionada Visa: is offered to retirees with a pension from their home country equivalent to $1.000 per month, allowing them to live in Panama permanently.
- Temporary residency with work permit: will allow you to live and work in Panama legally.
- Through marriage to a Panamanian citizen: you can bypass temporary residency and automatically qualify for permanent residence.
- Friendly Nations Visa: is a special arrangement with 47 countries who have warm relations with Panama. The visa requirements to immigrate to Panama through this option are subject to change regularly, so for more information, contact your nearest Panama embassy.
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Should I buy property or rent an apartment in Panama?
The price of property in Panama varies depending on your budget and you can find all kinds of accommodation ranging from affordable little beach huts to expensive luxury villas in the hinterland. Most expats who live in Panama choose to buy property in gated communities which offer facilities including pools, gyms, shops and schools, as well as good security.
If you are on a budget and are not interested in buying property in a gated community in Panama just yet, a good idea is to share accommodation to save on the cost to rent an apartment. A one-bedroom apartment in the centre of Panama City will cost around $800 per month. Outside Panama City centre, you could expect to pay only $600 for the same sized accommodation.
Another way to save on the cost to buy property or rent an apartment in Panama is to ship your furniture and household items with Eurosender!
LIVING IN PANAMA
Living expenses in Panama
Like many destinations, the cost of living in Panama will depend on the lifestyle you are accustomed to, but you can certainly live comfortably on a budget of $1.000 per month. You can expect to pay a lot more for things like utilities, however, the price of a daily cup of coffee will only set you back around $3, and an average-priced dinner for two will cost only $45.
If you are immigrating to Panama alone, a good idea to save money is to share your accommodation, so you can share your utilities, also! You will not only save a lot on the cost of living in Panama as an expat, you will also make new friends.
Do you need to send documents urgently to Panama to help secure a place to stay before moving?
Eurosender offers fast envelope delivery with our Express delivery service.
Finding a job in Panama
Finding a job in Panama is not too difficult for most people who migrate there, as many look to Panama’s largest employer – the Panama Canal, first. Panama’s economy is steadily growing and is the most stable in the region, so job opportunities can be found throughout the entire service industry, including banking, tourism and agriculture. To maximise your chances of finding a job in Panama, learning basic Spanish is also a good idea.
Schools for expats in Panama
Public education in Panama is free of charge for its residents and citizens, and the quality is fairly good compared to neighbouring countries. When you immigrate to Panama with children, you will notice a difference between the facilities in the city compared to the country-side, but there are good options for private education and international schools for expats in Panama also.
The school system in Panama consists of:
Age: 4-5
Compulsory: Yes
Age: 6-12
Compulsory: Yes
Age: 12-15
Compulsory: Yes
Age: 15-18
Compulsory: No
Healthcare for expats in Panama
The quality of healthcare available to expats in Panama will vary depending on where you choose to settle. In major towns and cities, it is much better than in the country-side, as Panama’s rural areas experience a shortage of medical care. Private healthcare is expensive, but provides much better facilities in Panama City and Changuinola. Before you relocate to Panama, you should make sure you take out sufficient cover in case of any emergencies during your stay, and be sure to contact your doctor to find out if you require any vaccinations before travelling to Panama.
Can I drive in Panama with a foreign license?
You are permitted to drive in Panama with your foreign license and an international driving permit (IDP) for the first 90 days, before you are required to obtain a Panamanian driver’s license. Once you become a temporary resident, you will need to switch it over. For Americans moving to Panama, this can be done by requesting the form from the American Embassy and usually costs around $50. For all other countries, you should contact your nearest embassy. When requesting a Panamanian driver’s license to replace your foreign license, you will also have to provide proof of your blood-type, so if it is not listed on your local license, you will also need to obtain a blood-test first.
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Ready to relocate to Panama?
MOVING DESTINATIONS
See the most popular destinations people move from
Immigrating to Panama from the UK
Discover how easy it is to migrate to Panama from the UK with international removals offered by Eurosender. Whether you need to move furniture to Panama, or just a few boxes, we will match you with the best logistics service for the job. Find out just how much you can save on your moving costs to Panama and start planning your relocation to Panama.
Americans moving to Panama
With only a short distance to travel to your new home, it makes sense to bring your household with you, and with Eurosender – you can! For the way to move furniture, household items and personal belongings to Panama, Eurosender will match you with the best logistics provider at the best price. Instead of comparing thousands of other offers to find the best one, we will do the hard work for you. Discover how you can save on your moving costs to Panama and start planning your move with Eurosender.
Canadians moving to Panama
More and more Canadians are migrating south to Panama, thanks to its pleasant climate and tropical surroundings. Eurosender makes it easy to move your belongings, furniture and more, reliably and affordably. Book low-cost international removals to Panama and discover how you can save on your moving costs to Panama.