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Living in Panama

Panama — landmark
Photo by Luis Quintero on Pexels
Comprehensive data

Americas — Expat guide for moving and living abroad

Country overview

Capital

Panama City

Currency

PAB

Continent

Americas

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Entry requirements

Check if your passport needs a visa for Panama.

Check visa requirements

Popular passport access to Panama

Passport Status Max Stay
United States Visa Free 180 days
United Kingdom Visa Free 180 days
Germany Visa Free 180 days
France Visa Free 180 days
Spain Visa Free 180 days
India Visa Required 30 days
Australia Visa Free 180 days
Canada Visa Free 180 days
Brazil Visa Free 180 days
China Visa Required 30 days

Data incorrect? Let us know

Detailed visa guides for Panama

American passport to Panama British passport to Panama Indian passport to Panama Australian passport to Panama Canadian passport to Panama

Monthly costs

Panama City

Rent (center)

900 USD/mo

Groceries

300 USD/mo

Transport

40 USD/mo

Est. Monthly Total

1,320 USD/mo

Compare cost of living in Panama City

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Work permits

Panama offers a Digital Nomad / Freelance visa option.

  • Friendly Nations Visa

    Duration: Permanent residence

    Citizens of 50 friendly nations with economic ties to Panama (job offer, business, or bank deposit of USD 5,000)

  • Work Permit (Permiso de Trabajo)

    Duration: 1 year, renewable

    Employer-sponsored, labour market test

  • Digital Nomad Visa (Short Stay Remote Worker)

    Duration: 9 months, extendable to 18 months

    Remote workers earning min USD 3,000/month from foreign sources

Explore all work permit options for Panama

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Salary & tax

Income Tax Range

0% – 25%

Social Security (Employee)

0.0975%

Territorial tax system — only Panama-source income is taxed. Foreign income not taxed. Employee social security ~9.75% (social security 7.25% + educational insurance 1.25% + professional risk 1.25%). Very attractive for remote workers.

Calculate your net salary

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Useful services

Banking

Wise

Manage money in PAB with low fees and the real mid-market rate.

Open a Wise account →

Insurance

SafetyWing

Nomad health insurance for your stay in Panama. Monthly subscription, cancel anytime.

Get a SafetyWing quote →

Connectivity

Airalo

Panama eSIM data plans from $4.50. Activate before you land — no SIM swap.

Get an Airalo eSIM →

Privacy

NordVPN

Stay secure on public WiFi in Panama and access services from home.

Get NordVPN →

Language

iTalki

Book 1-on-1 video lessons with native tutors before you move. 150+ languages.

Find a tutor →
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More Countries in Americas

Antigua and Barbuda

St. John's

Argentina

Buenos Aires

Bahamas

Nassau

Barbados

Bridgetown

Belize

Belmopan

Bolivia

Sucre

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