Out of America

At a glance

Cost of living: 54; US = 100
Safety: 62; 0–100
Healthcare: 74; 0–100
English: Moderate

Official languages

Spanish

Climate

Tropical year-round — hot and humid with temperatures consistently 28–33°C. Two seasons: dry (verano, January–April) and rainy (invierno, May–December). Panama City often receives cooling sea breezes from both the Pacific and Caribbean. Boquete in the Chiriquí highlands is dramatically cooler (15–25°C) and popular with retiring expats who prefer a mountain climate. The Caribbean coast is wetter and more humid than the Pacific side.

Entry paths

Visa types available to foreign nationals. Not all will fit every profile — log in for a personalised shortlist.

Friendly Nations Visa

Panama's Friendly Nations Visa is available to citizens of 50 approved countries including the US and grants permanent residency almost immediately upon approval. Applicants must establish economic ties to Panama — typically by forming a company, purchasing property, or holding a local bank account with $5,000. Panama uses the USD, has no taxes on foreign income, and offers an excellent quality of life.

Initial: 24 mo
Pensionado Visa (Retirement)

Panama's Pensionado visa is widely considered the world's best retirement visa, offering permanent residency for anyone with $1,000/month in lifetime pension income. Benefits include major discounts on healthcare, entertainment, restaurants, hotels, and utilities. Panama is a dollar economy with modern infrastructure, excellent healthcare, and a large, welcoming American expat community.

Initial: 999 mo
Student Visa / Temporary Residence

Americans accepted to a Panamanian university or accredited school can obtain a student visa and temporary residence permit for the duration of their program. The University of Panama and Florida State University's Panama campus are among the notable options, with Panama City offering a uniquely cosmopolitan, bilingual environment as a major hub for international business and logistics. Panama's dollarized economy, excellent infrastructure, and strategic Canal Zone location make it a practical base for students interested in international business or finance in the Americas.

Initial: 12 mo
Family Dependency Residence Permit

American residents in Panama can sponsor a spouse and dependent children for family dependency residence under Panama's immigration law. The sponsor must hold a valid residence permit and demonstrate sufficient income to support all dependents. Family members receive a residence permit with the right to work; after five years of continuous legal residence they may apply for permanent residency. Panama's dollarized economy, robust banking sector, and proximity to both North and South America make it a highly practical family base.

Initial: 12 mo

Path to citizenship

Permanent residency: 5 years; earliest after legal residency
Citizenship: 5 years; earliest after legal residency

Americans abroad here

Estimated US population: ~30,000
Overall expat scene: Large

International schools

Strong

Panama City has several well-regarded American and international schools, including Balboa Academy and the International School of Panama. Costs are much lower than US equivalents. English is widely spoken in Panama City's business community, making the school transition easier than in most Latin American countries.

Getting there

From NYC: ~5.0h
From LAX: ~5.5h

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