PDF guide · November 2026 edition
Living in Panama Kit 2026-2027
Everything you need for moving to Panama, the country in Central America, and living there as an expat or retiree, in the right order: visa and residency requirements, the real cost of living, where to live in Panama City, banking and printable checklists. In one 18-page PDF.
Buy now · US$19One-time payment · instant download · US Letter PDF for print and tablet
What is inside
6-month moving plan
What to do and when, from choosing your visa to your first month in Panama.
Panama residency requirements
Retiree (Pensionado), Friendly Nations, Remote Worker (digital nomad) and Qualified Investor, with the requirements published by Panama Immigration.
Where to live: 13 neighborhoods
2-bedroom rents in El Cangrejo, Costa del Este, San Francisco, Clayton and more.
Cost of living in Panama
Power, water, internet and gas with official ASEP rates, plus a budget template.
Banking for foreigners
What documents banks ask for and how to prepare before you go.
Checklists and templates
Documents, travel, apartment viewing, first month, moving budget and paperwork tracker.
Who it is for
- Retirees considering the Pensionado visa.
- Professionals and families relocating for work or with the Friendly Nations visa.
- Digital nomads and remote workers.
- Anyone who wants to compare neighborhoods and rents before arriving.
Why this kit
- Checked against official sources (National Immigration Service, MICI, ATTT, banks) on November 8, 2026.
- Made by the TuHogar en Panamá team, the guide to neighborhoods, banks and utilities for living in Panama.
- Clickable contents and links, ready to print on US Letter or use on your tablet.
A sample: 2-bedroom rent by neighborhood
| Neighborhood | 2-bed / month |
|---|---|
| El Cangrejo | $950 – $2,500 |
| Obarrio | $1,290 – $1,900 |
| Costa del Este | $1,500 – $3,600 |
| Condado del Rey | $750 – $1,450 |
Asking prices in published listings, Oct–Nov 2026. The kit covers all 13 neighborhoods with a profile and a link to each guide.
Buy now · US$19Frequently asked questions
Is it expensive to live in Panama?
It depends on the neighborhood and your lifestyle. As a reference from the kit: a 2-bedroom apartment rents for about $750–1,450 a month in Condado del Rey and $1,500–3,600 in Costa del Este (asking prices in listings, Oct–Nov 2026), and power, water, internet and gas add up to about B/.190–197 a month in a 2-bedroom with A/C, using ASEP rates. Panama uses the US dollar: B/.1 = US$1.
Is Panama safe for expats?
It depends a lot on the neighborhood, even on the street. That is why the kit recommends living in an area for a few weeks before signing a one-year lease or buying, and checking each building for 24-hour security, day and night noise and the rush-hour commute. This kit is not a safety guide: for up-to-date information, check official sources.
What are the Panama residency requirements for US citizens?
It depends on your residency route. First check whether your country is on the official Friendly Nations list and whether you need a visa to enter as a tourist. The routes most people use are Retiree/Pensionado (lifetime pension from B/.1,000 a month), Friendly Nations (a job with a Panamanian company, or a B/.200,000 property or fixed deposit), Remote Worker (foreign income from B/.36,000 a year) and Qualified Investor (from B/.300,000). The kit links the eligible-countries list; for your specific case, check with Panama’s National Immigration Service or ask Trámites Visa Panamá.
Can I retire in Panama?
Yes, with the Retiree (Pensionado) visa, for people who receive a lifetime pension from a government, an international organization or a private company. Panama’s National Immigration Service asks for a pension of at least B/.1,000 a month (B/.750 if you bought property worth more than B/.100,000), plus B/.250 a month per dependent, and grants an indefinite permit. The kit includes the document list the immigration service publishes.
What’s in the kit?
An 18-page US Letter PDF to print or use on a tablet: a 6-month moving plan; visas and residency (Retiree, Friendly Nations, Remote Worker and Qualified Investor); 13 Panama City neighborhoods with rents; cost of living with ASEP rates; banking for foreigners; checklists and templates. One-time payment of US$19.
How do I get the kit?
After paying on Hotmart you get instant access to the PDF in your purchases area and by email.
Is this legal advice?
No. It is an informational guide based on official sources. For your specific case, confirm with a lawyer; you can ask for guidance at Trámites Visa Panamá.
Is it useful if I move outside Panama City?
Yes for visas, banking, documents and checklists. The neighborhood and rent table covers Panama City and Panamá Pacífico.
What language is it in?
English. It is also available in Spanish and Portuguese.
Prefer some help?
If you already know what you need, request a free home search, or ask our partner team about your visa.
Other languages: Español · Português
Informational guide: not legal, immigration, tax or insurance advice. Confirm requirements and amounts with the official entity before deciding.
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