Panama at a Glance

Country Overview

Panama provides a modern infrastructure and direct travel connections to the United States. It has an established expat community and a warm climate.

• Main Draw. Accessible residency options, modern amenities, and international connections.
• Geography. Panama’s landscape features Pacific coastlines, tropical forests, mountains, and islands.
• Climate. The country is warm and tropical year-round with a dry season and a rainy season. Coastal areas are hot and humid. Towns at a higher elevation, like Boquete, have cooler temperatures.

Several residency options are available for Americans who want a smooth move abroad.

Best for

Panama is worth considering for Americans seeking straightforward residency options. It’s a good fit for

• Retirees
• Semi-retirees
• Remote Workers
• Slow Travelers

Snapshot

No country is perfect for everyone. The snapshot below highlights key factors such as cost of living, climate, safety, and healthcare to help you determine whether the destination deserves a place on your shortlist.

Why consider moving to Panama

• Accessible residency options
• Modern infrastructure in major areas
• Uses the U.S. dollar
• Established expat communities
• Beach, mountain, and city lifestyle options

Potential Challenges

• Hot and humid climate in many areas
• Cost of living can be higher in popular expat communities
• Safety varies by region
• Spanish is important outside expat areas
• Bureaucracy can be slow and frustrating

Where to Live

Where you choose to live in Panama depends on your desired lifestyle and priorities. Panama City provides the most amenities and internation connections. For a slower pace of life, choose beach and mountain communities.

Panama City. Panama’s capital city. Panama City offers the country’s best healthcare, conveniences, and international flights. It has a large international community.

Boquete. Located in Panama’s western highlands. Boquete offers cooler mountain weather and scenic surroundings. It is one of the country’s best-known expat and retirement destinations.

Coronado. Pacific beach community. One of Panama’s most established coastal expat hubs. Coronado offers beaches, golf, restaurants, shopping, and access to services. It’s a practical choice for retirees who want beach living without feeling too remote.

El Valle de Antón. Set in a mountain valley. El Valle offers cooler temperatures, natural scenery, markets, and a quieter lifestyle. It appeals to expats seeking a peaceful setting with more nature.

Pedasí. Located on the Azuero Peninsula. Pedasí offers a small-town lifestyle with a growing expat presence. It provides a quieter, more local experience but services are more limited.

Best Residency Pathways

Panama has several attractive residency programs. Americans receiving Social Security may qualify for the Pensionado visa. Panama also offers several residency pathways through investment and entrepreneurship.

Discover Your New Home

Want to move abroad and don’t know where to go? This post is part of our Country at a Glance series, which provides snapshots of top expat destinations to help you narrow down your search and create a shortlist of countries to explore further.

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Hi, I’m Leigh. In 2021, I moved abroad for a temporary work assignment and discovered that living overseas didn’t have to wait until retirement. Now I’m building a plan to leave my career behind and create a long-term life outside the United States. Through Next Act Abroad, I’m documenting the journey and sharing what I learn along the way.