What's New in Panama for Expats

The minimum real estate investment for the Qualified Investor (Golden) visa was reduced from $500,000 to $300,000. This change, effective October 2024, opens the investor visa to a significantly larger pool of applicants.

Processing time: approximately 30 business days from filing. Pre-construction properties are eligible. See full requirements →

Panama's Immigration department has streamlined Pensionado visa processing with reduced waiting times. The temporary residency card is now issued in approximately 5 business days after filing the complete application. See the full Pensionado guide →

US Medicare Advantage plans and select US insurance policies are now accepted with direct billing at an expanded set of Panamanian hospitals — no prepayment required, no reimbursement claims to file. This is a major quality-of-life improvement for US retirees. Check with your specific insurer and the hospital before your visit.

Starlink satellite internet has transformed connectivity in Panama's previously disconnected rural, coastal, and mountain areas. Locations like Pedasí, remote beach communities, and highland farming towns now have reliable high-speed internet — opening these areas to remote workers for the first time. This has materially expanded where expats can realistically live and work remotely in Panama.

While Panama City remains the #1 destination, several secondary markets are gaining popularity specifically for their affordability and value. Panama City and Boquete continue to see rising prices as demand grows.

A new public hospital for Boquete is under construction with an opening expected in 2025. This will significantly improve emergency and routine care access for residents of the Chiriquí highlands without requiring a trip to David. The expansion of public healthcare continues across several areas of the interior.

Bilingual schools and distance-learning programs are gaining ground among expat families — particularly in smaller towns where formal international schools are limited. Online US-accredited curricula paired with local social activities are increasingly popular for expat families in Boquete, Volcán, and Pedasí.