×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Panama | What do I need to know before retiring in Panama? | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In
Panama City, Panama

What do I need to know before retiring in Panama?

Answer this Question

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Panama, they said...

"It's important to come down here to Panama on multiple due dilligence trips, to spend enough time down here in different areas, and different times of the year, to make sure you are going to enjoy the Country. Research online is important, and will help narrow down areas for you. However, no substitute for on the ground discovery. Work up your budget prior, based on your research, and determine what you can afford in retirement. This will help you determine areas/communities you can afford. Establish a good mail forwarding company, so you can receive Amazon, and your regular mail. Talk to insurance agents in advance to review insurance options. If you are looking to go Pensiado route, you can start this when you come down, if you are firm on Panama already. Prepare yourself for some family and friends thinking you are crazy, or making a big mistake. It's natural, and a lot of "sheeple" don't get it, thinking their legacy brand Country is better, and why would you move to a 3rd World Country! Crazy people still think Panama in this light, and then I explain we have more secure banking, Starlink down here, fiber optic internet in many of the newer areas, expanding rail system in the city, that is being built out towards the beach area. Start working on your Spanish/brushing up on it. Yes, many people speak English, however it is important to work on becoming part of the culture down here. You will be respected more by locals, by trying to speak their native language. Don't just move to where all the Expats are. I guess you can, but you are missing out on the experience of living in a new Country and spending time around locals," remarked another expat who made the move to Panama City, Panama.

"Do not be surprised by the most modern technological society living in a first class environment," explained one expat living in Panama City, Panama.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)
Get Quotes

Explore Panama Legal Business for a full suite of legal services tailored to your needs. From obtaining residency and visas to opening bank accounts, obtaining apostilles, conducting background checks, setting up businesses, and navigating real estate transactions, trust our experience and dedication to guide you through every step of the process in Panama.

Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)Panama Legal Business (PANLEB)

Explore Panama Legal Business for a full suite of legal services tailored to your needs. From obtaining residency and visas to opening bank accounts, obtaining apostilles, conducting background checks, setting up businesses, and navigating real estate transactions, trust our experience and dedication to guide you through every step of the process in Panama.
Get Quotes

Please login to continue reading this article.

Not a member? Join Today (it's free).

Other Questions:

What do I need to know before retiring in Panama?

If you live in Panama, newcomers to Panama would love to hear your answer to this question.

If your answer relates to a specific city or town in Panama, please include the name of the city/town below:


About the Author

Joshua Wood Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.

Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.

Panama City, Panama
SJB Global
SJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama
Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

Copyright 1997-2025 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides