Invest in Panama - 7th Heaven Properties (2024)

Why invest in Panama in 2021? Discover the advantages of investing in Panama in our guide for investors.

The Ultimate Guide to Investing in Panama

Are you considering investing overseas? Have you been thinking about whether to invest in Panama real estate and wondering if the country would be a good choice for you?

We have sourced all the information you need about Panama as an investment destination, meaning that you can take the next step to buying a new home, a piece of land, or other property with confidence.

Here we take a look at some of the main reasons for buying property in Panama and investing in this land of vibrant cities, majestic rainforests and tranquil tropical islands.

Contents

7 Reasons to Invest in Panama Real Estate
1. Breathtaking Natural Beauty

4. Attractive Real Estate Market
3. Fantastic Lifestyle
5. Welcoming Retirement Program
6. Strong Tourism Sector
7. Easily Accessible Destination
Best Places to Invest in Panama
Investment Opportunities in Panama
Find Out More About Investing in Panama

7 Reasons to Invest in Panama Real Estate

With its vibrant capital city, idyllic tropical islands and welcoming incentives for foreign investors, there are many great reasons to choose to invest in Panama. Here are our top 7 reasons for selecting this Central American country at the crossroads of North and South America.

1. Striking Natural Beauty

First and foremost, Panama is a strikingly beautiful destination, which makes it the ideal location for a lifestyle investment such as a second home or a vacation home. The country may well be best known for its canal, but there is much more to see and enjoy here. The landscape ranges from rainforest-covered mountains, cloud forests, rushing rivers and emerald waterfalls to 1,400 tropical islets and islands including the palm-fringed archipelagos of Bocas del Toro and San Blas. An incredible 63% of the country is covered in tropical rainforest – more than any other country in Central America. Home to unique destinations such as Darien National Park – the largest protected area in Central America and the Caribbean – Panama is exceptionally bio-diverse, attracting more bird species than Europe and North America combined, and more plant species than the US and Canada combined.

2. Political & Economic Stability

Aside from the stunning scenery, Panama offers plenty of other advantages to investors, perhaps most importantly, its stable democratic political system and robust economy which has achieved very high levels of economic growth in recent years. The country consistently achieved an annual economic growth rate ranging from 5.4% to 7.2% from 2001 to 2018. While the country experienced a contraction in 2020 (like so many other countries due to the impact of Coronavirus), the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has forecast a rebound this year. Describing Panama’s economic outlook as “optimistic,” the IMF forecasts 12% growth for the country in 2021.

3. Attractive Real Estate Market

Another factor of importance is that Panama has an attractive real estate market. Buying property in Panama could not be easier as the Panamanian Government is keen to welcome potential investors and offers buyers the same legal rights as local citizens and the buying process is similar to other countries. Foreign investors are protected by laws guaranteeing rights of ownership, property title can be checked at a public registry and mortgages are available. A wide variety of investment opportunities are available in this solid real estate market, including luxury apartments in Panama city, affordable new construction condos, houses in gated communities and villas in coastal retreats, both on idyllic islands and along the wonderful Pacific coast. There is therefore something for everyone.

4. Fantastic Lifestyle

Thanks to the country’s stunning natural beauty and year-round warmth, Panama offers a fantastic lifestyle whether you enjoy the hum and energy of the city, the tranquility of life by the beach or exploring the great outdoors. The country’s national parks are ideal for walking, hiking and bird watching. Destinations along the Pacific coast such as Playa Venao in Pedasi offers world-famous surfing and fishing while Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean coast is perfect for diving and snorkeling. Best of all, as Panama City is the world’s only national capital with a tropical rainforest within its city limits, both the rainforest and the beaches of the Pacific coast are just an easy day trip away for those based in the capital. Furthermore, if you prefer the buzz of the city to a quiet escape, you are in for a treat. Panama City is the largest city in Central America. Cosmopolitan and progressive, the city has a vibrant culinary scene, lively rooftop bars and a unique historic district to explore.

5. Welcoming Retirement Program

If you would like to enjoy all that Panama has to offer, there are various visa options that could make that dream a reality. Qualifying citizens of over 50 friendly nations (including the USA, Canada, UK and EU) can apply for a Friendly Nations Visa which offers a fast track route to permanent residency. If that route does not suit, there is another option. Those with at least $1,000 of pensionable income per month can apply for a pensionado visa under Panama’s retirement program. This program offers immediate permanent residency to successful applicants, as well as a wide range of discounts on entertainment, restaurants, medical care, airfares and utility bills.

Find out more: Retire in Panama

6. Strong Tourism Sector

Thanks to a solid domestic rental market and a strong tourism sector, investing in Panama investment property can also offer significant income-generating potential. During the decade from 2009, the number of visitor arrivals grew each year, rising to 2.49 million in 2019. While international tourist arrivals have dropped significantly since the outbreak of coronavirus limitations on international travel, the country remains a strong tourism market and demand is expected to rebound when the country fully reopens to tourists. In addition, the country’s domestic tourism market has also grown significantly in recent years. Tourism drives high demand for accommodation which offers huge potential for generating a strong ROI for investors.

7. Easily Accessible Destination

Last but not least, Panama is a very accessible destination thanks to efficient air links via Tocumen International Airport. Panama is served by a wide range of airlines and flights. Better still, Tocumen International Airport is just 24km outside of Panama City and has recently been updated and expanded to offer even better flight links than before.

Summary: A Sought After Investment Destination

So, in summary, whether you are drawn to the country’s lush tropical landscapes or its high standard of living, there are plenty of reasons to invest in Panama and high potential investment opportunities across the country.

Best Places to Invest in Panama

To find out more about where to invest, explore our guide to the best places to buy property in Panama.

Discover High Potential Investment Opportunities in Panama

Discover investment opportunities in Panama on our website:

  • Search: Panama real estate
  • Search: Homes for sale in Panama
  • Search: Condos for sale in Panama
  • Search: Land for sale in Panama
  • Search: Hotels for sale in Panama

Find Out More About Investing in Panama

7th Heaven Properties is here to help you. We have the insight and advice you need to begin investing in Panama real estate.

To find out more, contact 7th Heaven Properties, the Luxury Caribbean Property Specialist.

We look forward to working with you and helping you find your perfect property in Panama.

Keywords

Investment, Panama

Invest in Panama - 7th Heaven Properties (2024)

FAQs

Is buying property in Panama a good investment? ›

Panama is a top pick for foreigners who want to invest in real estate. It offers stunning landscapes, a vibrant culture, and welcoming locals. However, buying property in a foreign country can be complicated, especially with all the laws and regulations involved.

What are the risks of buying property in Panama? ›

In Panama, especially in coastal and island areas, many properties are sold under Right of Possession. While these properties can be significantly cheaper, they come with higher risks. The key issue with ROP properties is that they lack the formal title, making the legal security of your investment more precarious.

Can a US citizen buy a home in Panama? ›

Legal requirements for foreigners wishing to purchase properties in Panama. In general terms, it is completely legal and possible for foreigners to purchase property in their own name, regardless of whether they live in the country, were born here, or are foreign nationals. There are no special requirements.

What is the most profitable business in Panama? ›

The economy of Panama is based mainly on the tourism and services sector, which accounts for nearly 80% of its GDP and accounts for most of its foreign income. Services include banking, commerce, insurance, container ports, and flagship registry, medical and health and tourism.

Is it safe to buy a house in Panama? ›

Q: Is it safe for foreigners to buy property in Panama? A: Absolutely. Buying property in Panama is very safe. There are over a dozen laws in Panama established specifically for protecting foreign investments, not to mention that private property in Panama is protected by the constitution of the Republic of Panama.

Do you pay property taxes in Panama? ›

Property taxes apply to all types of properties, whether single-family, multi-family, residential, condominium, commercial, or agricultural.

Where is the safest place to live in Panama? ›

Where Is the Safest Place to Live in Panama?
  • Coronado. ...
  • Bocas del Toro Town. ...
  • Chitre. ...
  • Volcan. ...
  • Pedasi. ...
  • Puerto Armuelles. Puerto Armuelles is a city in Panama's western Chiriqui province, and is one of the safest cities in Panama. ...
  • Safety "Do's" for Panama.
  • Safety "Don'ts" for Panama.

What are the disadvantages of Panama? ›

Corruption is Panama's biggest challenge. Panama ranked 105 out of 180 countries in the 2021 Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index.

Is Panama a tax haven for US citizens? ›

Panama. Panama became a tax haven for US citizens due to its favorable tax policies and territorial tax system. The country operates on a territorial basis, which means that only income earned within its borders is subject to taxation.

Can I collect Social Security if I live in Panama? ›

Most U.S. citizens can get Social Security benefits while visiting or living outside the U.S. Find out if you qualify, how to apply, and who to contact to get help.

How long can a US citizen live in Panama? ›

Familiarizing yourself with immigration requirements will help get your visit off to the best start possible. Immigration requirements vary depending on your nationality but most international visitors can stay in Panama for 90-180 days without applying for a visa.

Can I just move to Panama? ›

Visa Requirements: To live in Panama full-time, you'll need a residency visa. There are several different types of residency visas available, including investment visas, pensioner / retirement visas, friendly nations visas, and more.

What is the single largest source of income for Panama? ›

Panama's economy is pegged to the dollar and the service industry is the biggest in the country, accounting for 68.1% of Panama's GDP and employing 68% of the workforce. Transport is the most important sector of the service industry, as it comprises the Panama Canal - the government's chief revenue source.

What does Panama sell the most? ›

Exports The top exports of Panama are Copper Ore ($2.94B), Passenger and Cargo Ships ($691M), Special Purpose Ships ($195M), Bananas ($191M), and Refined Petroleum ($179M), exporting mostly to China ($1.14B), Japan ($785M), South Korea ($539M), United States ($357M), and Spain ($306M).

What generates most of the economy in Panama? ›

Reports claim that by 2023, copper exports will be around $2 billion, and that mining activity will contribute to about 10 percent of GDP. Panama's economy is primarily based on a well-developed services sector that accounts for about 80 percent of GDP with the Panama Canal as the largest economic contributor.

What are property taxes like in Panama? ›

Panama Property Tax Rates for All Other Properties (not Primary Residence)
PROPERTY VALUEPROPERTY TAX RATEPROPERTY TAX (Yearly)
Up To US$30,000Exempt (0%)US$0
US$30,001 to US$250,0000.6%US$1,320
US$250,001 to US$500,0000.8%US$2000
US$500,001 or more1%

How much money does it take to live comfortably in Panama? ›

Total Cost

Living comfortably in Panama usually requires a monthly budget ranging between $1,500 to $3.000, depending on location, lifestyle choices, housing preferences, medical needs, as well as if you are living with children and or a spouse/partner.

What is the prediction for the Panama real estate market? ›

Looking ahead, the market is anticipated to experience an annual growth rate of 1.95% (CAGR 2024-2028), resulting in a market volume of US$251.60bn by 2028.

How much is a downpayment on a house in Panama? ›

A typical downpayment is 30% of the price or appraised value of the property, whichever is greater. Bank financing in Panama is a good option when owner financing is not available.

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