Frequently Asked Questions

We know you have questions, get the answers here!

Is Panama a safe place in which to live and invest?
Panama was recently reported by Pinkerton Intelligence Agency to be one of the safest countries anywhere in the world. There are 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. Thousands of foreigners own property in Panama and the word is getting out! Panama has a free market economy and excellent communications and road infrastructure. The country is a major international banking center, with the US dollar as its currency. Panama’s key geographic position and the largest Free Zone in the Western Hemisphere attracts international investors. Panama City, the capital, is a safe and attractive place for foreigners to live. The present Torrijos administration is implementing some of the most investor and retiree-friendly laws found anywhere in the world.

What kind of Health Care will I find in Panama?
In short, the standard of health care compares favorably with that in the United States and the cost is substantially less. How can this be? First of all, many Panamanian doctors are U.S.-trained, and the standards, particularly in the metropolitan areas, are excellent. The more isolated your location, the farther you are from first-rate medical care, however, Panama is not a large country and major metropolitan areas can be reached quickly. If you are living in the western region of Panama, there is a great medical center with modern facilities at the city of David. Secondly, available private health insurance is much less expensive than insurance in the United States This is because doctor’s fees and hospital visits are cheaper, malpractice insurance is very low because the laws do not allow for frivolous lawsuits, and the median income is around $300 a month, so health care cannot be expensive or no one would use it.

Prices for prescription drugs are also low, because manufacturers price them for the market. You will find many drugs that require a prescription in the US are available over the counter in Panama. All this adds up to affordable, good health care.

Can I bring Pets to Panama?
All pets need a certificate of vaccination against Rabies and a health certificate issued by a qualified veterinarian. Three days before the pet's arrival, an import application must be submitted to the Department of Control and Prevention of Zoonosis. The document should include the pet's information (breed, age, color, sex, name, origin and particular signs), flight number, airline, hour and date of arrival; and the owner/guardian's data (name, Passport or ID number, address and telephone). The application must also specify the length of stay of the animal (temporary or permanent). There is a $130.00 charge for quarantine expenses to be paid to the National Bank at Tocumen International Airport. The pet will be released by the Veterinarian of the Quarantine Department at the Airport once the bank's receipt and other documentation has been presented.