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Panama City

Panama, Panamá

USD economy, no tax on foreign-source income, and the famous Friendly Nations Visa pathway. Modern, US-adjacent feel.

TropicalPABSpanish880,000 people
The numbers

Cost, tax, and quality of life

Cost of living
Verified
70 idx
Numbeo Cost of Living Index · Jun 2026 ↗
Rent · 1BR center
Verified
$1,100 /mo
Numbeo Rent Prices · Jun 2026 ↗
Effective tax (remote)
Verified
20%
PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries · Jun 2026 ↗
Healthcare
Verified
65 idx
Numbeo Health Care Index · Jun 2026 ↗
Safety
Verified
60 idx
Numbeo Crime Index (inverted) · Jun 2026 ↗
Internet
Verified
80 Mbps
Ookla Speedtest Global Index · Jun 2026 ↗
Climate score
Verified
70 idx
Climate-Data.org · Jun 2026 ↗
Freedom
Verified
75 idx
Cato Human Freedom Index (2024) · Jun 2026 ↗
Visa pathways

How to legally live in Panama

FNV · Residency by Investment/Employment
Friendly Nations Visa
0
Processing 90-180 days

Panama's flagship pathway. Permanent residency in 2 years, no tax on foreign income, USD economy.

  • Real estate ($200k)
  • OR fixed deposit ($200k)
  • OR Panamanian employment
  • Citizen of 50 friendly nations
  • +1 more

Visa info is research, not legal advice. Always verify with a licensed immigration professional before applying.

If price is the problem

Cheaper cities with a similar vibe

See all alternatives →
TH
Bangkok
36% cheaper rent · 29% lower cost of living · same climate
Rent: $700/mo
Compare with Panama City →
MY
George Town (Penang)
45% cheaper rent · 36% lower cost of living · same climate
Rent: $600/mo
Compare with Panama City →
MY
Kuala Lumpur
36% cheaper rent · 29% lower cost of living · same climate
Rent: $700/mo
Compare with Panama City →
What's next

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