Panama
Panama
Opportunity Score
78/100
Population
4.4M
Digital Nomad
75/100
Market Overview
A dollarized regional business and banking hub with territorial taxation, one of the largest expat communities in the Americas, and strong residency pathways (Pensionado, Friendly Nations).
Key Indicators
Bars show how Panama compares across the 22 tracked Caribbean markets.
Internet speed: Median fixed broadband download speed; strong connectivity centered on Panama City. Source: Ookla Speedtest Global Index · 2025.
Tax Profile
Headline statutory rates for Panama. The Tax Friendliness score above is derived from these figures.
Personal Income
25%
top rate
Corporate
25%
standard rate
Capital Gains
10%
on disposals
VAT / Sales
7%
standard rate
Territorial tax system: foreign-source income is not taxed. Personal income tax top rate 25%; corporate 25%; capital gains 10%; VAT (ITBMS) 7%. Popular Pensionado and Friendly Nations residency programs.
Source: PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries · 2025. Statutory headline rates; individual circumstances and incentive programs may differ. Not tax advice.
Immigration & Residency
Official residency and citizenship pathways for Panama (as of 2025).
Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers
- Min. income
- US$36,000/yr
- Application fee
- US$300
- Duration
- 9 months (renewable to 18)
Requires ~US$36,000 annual income from foreign sources. Government fee around US$300. Territorial tax means foreign income is untaxed.
Source: Govt of Panama
Program terms change frequently. This is informational only and not legal or immigration advice — confirm current requirements with official government sources before applying.
Local partners on Panama
Law firms, real estate agents, and relocation advisors who can help you move to or invest in Panama.
Meridian Tax Advisors
Tax & Financial
Cross-border tax & wealth structuring
Chartered advisors helping expats and investors navigate territorial tax systems, foreign-income treatment, and offshore structures.
Palms Residency Advisors
Relocation
Digital nomad & residency visa experts
Specialists in remote-work visas and residency-by-investment, with hands-on application support in Barbados, Bahamas, and Costa Rica.
Atlantic Expat Insurance
Insurance
International health & property cover
Global health insurance and property cover tailored to expats, retirees, and digital nomads relocating to the Caribbean.
Partners are independent third parties. Some are paid placements and some are affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Caribbean Trend Lab does not endorse or vet their services — always do your own due diligence. See all partners.
Related Research
In-depth regional reports covering Panama and the wider Caribbean.