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New members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026

Julien

Hi all,

Newbie on the Panama forum? Don't know how to start?

This thread is for you ;)

We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country,
or to tell us more on your expat projects in Panama if you are planning to move there.

It will enable us to help you better but above all to wish you a warm welcome.

Welcome on board!

See also
saratogaenergy

Hello Interested in the Panama and like to know the cost of registering a company and opening a bank account under the business and personal. Thank you

Colin

ddmcghee

@saratogaenergy

I would suggest opening a new thread to ask your questions about establishing a business. This is an introduction thread, for new members to introduce themselves. Having a dedicated thread for your question is much more likely to get appropriate responses.

Morena39

@Julien

Hello…my husband and I are considering Panama for retirement. We live in the USA. We are middle class and fluent in Spanish. We are simple people. Our priority is safety and anlocation close to a major hospital. We were looking at Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador and Dominican Republic but Panama seems like a better choice…so far.

Thanks!

jimgh

@Morena39

There are a lot of deciding factors here. Most of the big hospitals in Panama are what they call free hospitals, but there are private ones also. of course, if you’re going to live close to a hospital, then you’re looking at least living close to a big city. I lived there for a year, but that was 14 years ago. I still visit twice a year, though to visit family.

jimgh

@saratogaenergy

Think about it like, it’s not much different than doing the same thing here. First, you must have residency. There is also a book called Panama tax laws that you should invest in before making any business investments. they are very strict about paying your taxes, so don’t look for loopholes like you do in the United States.

ddmcghee

@Morena39

After 5.5 years in the Dominican Republic, we moved to Panama in January. One of the primary reasons we moved is that where we were in DR, Las Terrenas on the Samana Peninsula, we were 2.5-4 hours away from anything other than very basic healthcare. I needed PT for a shoulder injury, and my only options involved at least an hour's drive and $15 in tolls. I ended up researching and doing it on my own. I'm sure it took longer to rehab the injury, but it was a lot cheaper and more convenient.


We are now in Alto Boquete. Boquete, and all that it offers, is just a short 15-minute drive, and David, with an international airport, several private hospitals, medical specialists, and abundant shopping, is just half an hour away.