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Panama

Panama City

Panama's capital and largest expat hub, alongside the Boquete highlands and the Pacific beach corridor around Coronado. Ranked #1 globally in InterNations' 2026 Expat Insider survey for the third consecutive year.

Panama City

InterNations 2026 country ranking; general characterization per Rio Times and Expat-Tations community guides, 2026.

Cost of living

Generally more affordable than the US/Canada/Western Europe; imported goods carry a premium.

Residency routes

Panama offers several popular self-directed residency routes for retirees (Pensionado) and remote workers; individuals typically handle their own visa and insurance arrangements rather than relying on employer sponsorship.

Health insurance

Whether you need cover for Panama City depends on how settled you are. People who have already committed to a country usually end up on a local or international resident policy arranged with a licensed broker. People still deciding — a scouting trip, a trial year, a stretch of remote work before a fixed address — need something that moves with them.

SafetyWing is one flexible option in that second situation: nomad-oriented cover sold in short renewable terms rather than an annual resident contract. We do not quote, rate or compare policies, and we are not licensed to advise on them.

Where we would start

SafetyWing

Built for people whose situation is still in motion — a year of travel before a fixed address, or a trial period in a new country before committing. It is one flexible option for short-to-medium-term cover, not a substitute for a resident policy once you settle.

Suited to: Nomads and remote workers in an unsettled first year

Read about SafetyWing cover

We do not quote, rate or compare policies. This is a referral to the carrier, who is licensed to advise you.

Expat & Newcomer Organizations

Organisations whose stated purpose is serving expats and newcomers.

Chamber or association

Black Expats in Panama® (BEIP)

Panama City

Community platform and resource for Black expats, entrepreneurs, retirees, and newcomers relocating to Panama, founded by Charlotte Van Horn. Runs monthly 'Welcome Wednesdays' for newcomers and a B2B network for Black expat entrepreneurs.

Newcomer meetup

InterNations Panama City

Panama City

Local chapter of the global InterNations expat network; hosts regular in-person meetups and events in Panama City.

Guides for Panama City