Complete Guide to Panama: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts
The definitive Complete Guide to Panama: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts – the cosmopolitan bridge between two continents, home to the Panama Canal, the world-famous Pensionado retirement program, the ultra-fast Friendly Nations Visa, dollarized economy, Bocas del Toro islands, and Boquete cloud forests. Panama remains the #1 retirement and business-friendly destination in Latin America in 2025.
Introduction to Panama – The Crossroads of the World
Panama (75,417 km², 4.5 million people) uses the US dollar as legal tender, boasts the fastest-growing economy in Latin America, and hosts over 150,000 expats. From the futuristic skyline of Panama City to the pristine San Blas Islands and cool highlands of Boquete, this Complete Guide to Panama: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts covers every reason it dominates retirement and investment rankings year after year.
Panama Independence Date: November 3, 1903
Separated from Colombia with U.S. support; celebrated with massive parades and festivals.
Visa Policy 2025 – One of the Most Generous
180 days visa-free for USA, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, Japan, Korea, and all 50 Friendly Nations countries. Stamped on arrival.
World-Class Residency Programs
- Friendly Nations Visa – 50 countries (including South Africa), USD 5K bank deposit + company formation or job offer → permanent residency immediately
- Pensionado Visa – USD 1,000/month pension → lifetime 20–50% discounts on everything (flights, hotels, medical, utilities)
- Qualified Investor Visa – USD 300K real estate (until Oct 2026, then USD 500K) → instant permanent residency
Top Places to Visit in Panama
- Panama Canal & Miraflores Locks
- Panama City – Casco Viejo UNESCO district + skyline
- Bocas del Toro – Caribbean archipelago
- Boquete – coffee highlands & hiking
- San Blas Islands (Guna Yala) – 365 islands
- Pearl Islands – whale watching
- El Valle de Antón – mountain retreat
- Santa Catalina – world-class surf
How to Invest in Panama
No capital gains tax on foreign-sourced income for new residents (first 10 years), booming real estate (Panama City condos from USD 180K, Boquete homes from USD 250K), crypto-friendly banks.
Economy Overview
GDP ≈ USD 85 billion, growth 5–7% projected 2025. Uses USD. Hub for banking, logistics (Canal), and free-trade zones.
How to Buy SIM Card in Panama
+Móvil, Digicel, Claro, or Tigo – USD 2–5 starter at Tocumen Airport or any kiosk. 5G widespread in urban areas.
Current President of Panama
José Raúl Mulino – inaugurated July 1, 2024.
Safety & Quality of Life
One of the safest countries in Latin America. Excellent private healthcare, modern infrastructure, direct flights worldwide.
Aviation Services in Panama
- Copa Airlines hub – best connectivity in Latin America
- Domestic flights to Bocas, David, Chiriquí via Air Panama
- Private charters & helicopter transfers to Pearl Islands and San Blas