Moving to Panama

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating the visa and residence process in Panama largely depends on your nationality. Citizens from certain regions, such as the European Union, may have different entry and stay requirements compared to those from non-EU countries. Panama offers various pathways to residency, typically including options for work permits, family reunification, study visas, and different categories of residence permits based on investment or specific economic activities.

It is crucial to understand that immigration laws can change, and the specific requirements, documents, and processing times will vary. Always verify the most current information directly with official Panamanian immigration authorities or the Panamanian embassy/consulate in your home country. Relying on outdated information can lead to delays or complications.

Housing & Rental

Finding housing in Panama can be done through various channels. Online property portals are popular, as are local real estate agencies that have extensive listings and can guide you through the process. Word-of-mouth and local expat groups can also be valuable resources, especially for short-term or shared accommodations.

The typical rental process involves identifying a property, negotiating terms, and signing a lease agreement. Landlords usually require a security deposit, often equivalent to one or two months' rent, in addition to the first month's rent upfront. Lease terms can vary, with options for temporary rentals (often furnished, suitable for initial stays) and long-term leases (typically unfurnished, for 6-12 months or more). Always read your lease agreement carefully before signing and ensure all terms, including utilities and maintenance responsibilities, are clearly outlined.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

Several factors significantly influence the overall cost of relocating to Panama. The volume of your belongings is a primary driver; more items mean more space required, whether by air or sea freight. The distance of your move, naturally, also plays a crucial role, with longer distances incurring higher transportation costs.

The season in which you move can also affect pricing, as peak moving seasons may have higher demand and slightly elevated costs. Access at both origin and destination (e.g., stairs, narrow streets, elevator availability) can impact labor requirements and thus the cost. Finally, any extra services you opt for, such as professional packing, unpacking, storage, or specialized handling for delicate items, will add to the total. For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, it is always best to request a free quote.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is essential for a smooth relocation. Here's a general checklist for 4-8 weeks out:

• **8 Weeks Out:** Begin decluttering. Decide what to take, sell, donate, or discard. Research schools or job opportunities if applicable. Start gathering important documents (passports, birth certificates, marriage licenses, medical records, academic transcripts).
• **6 Weeks Out:** Confirm your moving date and finalize arrangements with your chosen relocation service. Begin the visa application process if you haven't already. Notify your current landlord.
• **4 Weeks Out:** Start packing non-essential items. Arrange for utility disconnections (electricity, water, internet) at your current home and connections at your new Panamanian address. Inform banks, credit card companies, and subscription services of your upcoming move.
• **2 Weeks Out:** Pack essential items you'll need immediately upon arrival in a separate "first-night" box. Confirm travel arrangements. Get prescriptions refilled.
• **1 Week Out:** Clean your current residence. Confirm all moving details. Pack a carry-on bag with valuables, important documents, and essentials for your journey.

When packing, label boxes clearly with their contents and the room they belong in. Keep all vital documents, medications, and valuables with you during travel. Remember to back up important digital files.

Request a free quote on relocation123.com to plan your move to Panama with confidence.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Panama: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Panama is an exciting adventure, and understanding the customs and import process for your belongings is key to a smooth transition. This guide provides a clear overview of what you need to know to bring your household goods and personal effects into the country.

If you're relocating as a new resident with a Work Visa

Bringing your household goods and personal effects to Panama under a Work Visa requires specific documentation to ensure a duty-free import, provided all conditions are met. Customs will need to verify that your immigration process has officially begun.

What you'll need

• Original passport
• Immigration Register Stamp on your passport
• Notarized work contract
• Original letter of employment addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas
• Notarized copy of your VISA ID (both sides), or an original letter from your attorney stating the visa is in process if the ID is not yet ready.
• Copy of your Immigration Resolution Form (if available)
• Rated Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL), Air Waybill (AWB), or Land Waybill (LWB) showing freight cost.
• Spanish Inventory List

Good to know

• If required visa documents are not submitted, duties and taxes will apply.
• For LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments, a notarized copy of all passport pages is also required.
• If your VISA ID is not ready, an original letter from your attorney confirming the visa is in process is essential. Once the VISA ID is ready, this letter is no longer needed.

If you're relocating as a new resident with a Friendly Nations Visa

Residents moving under the Friendly Nations Visa need to provide specific immigration and shipping documents to facilitate the customs clearance of their household goods.

What you'll need

• Original or notarized passport including the ID page and last entry stamp
• Copy of your Visa Carnet or an original letter from your attorney in Panama addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas stating the visa is in process
• Rated Express Release shipping document
• Spanish Inventory List

Good to know

• Ensure your visa documentation is either finalized or you have a formal letter from your attorney confirming its processing.

If you're relocating as a new resident with a Self Solvency Visa

For those moving to Panama under a Self Solvency Visa, specific financial and immigration documents are required for customs clearance.

What you'll need

• Original or notarized passport including the ID page and last entry stamp
• Rated Express Release shipping document
• Spanish Inventory List
• Copy of your Visa Carnet or an original letter from your attorney addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas
• Original letter from your bank in Panama addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas, stating your account information with a minimum of five figures.

Good to know

• The bank letter is crucial for demonstrating your financial solvency to customs.

If you're relocating as a new resident with a Pensionado Visa

The Pensionado Visa offers benefits for retirees, including potential tax exemptions on certain imports. Proper documentation is essential to avail these benefits.

What you'll need

• Original or notarized passport including the ID page and last entry stamp
• Rated Express Release shipping document
• Spanish Inventory List
• Pensionado Carnet or an original letter from your attorney addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas

Good to know

• Having your Pensionado Carnet ready is important, especially if you plan to apply for tax exemptions on items like vehicles.

Returning Panamanian citizens

Panamanian citizens returning to the country after an extended period abroad may be eligible to import their used household goods tax-free under specific conditions.

What you'll need

• Original or notarized passport (all pages)
• Notarized copy of your Panamanian Cedula
• Copies of carnets and IDs from abroad
• Copies of utility bills from abroad, dated over two years prior to your arrival in Panama
• Rated Original Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL) / Express Release
• Spanish Inventory List

Good to know

• You must have been out of Panama for no less than two years to qualify for tax-free import of used items.
• Your effects should arrive no later than six months after your arrival in Panama.

Diplomatic and NGO removals

Special procedures apply to diplomatic and non-governmental organization (NGO) removals, often involving specific permissions and expedited processes.

What you'll need

• Copy of passport
• Rated Express Release shipping document
• Spanish Inventory
• Original letter from the Embassy in Panama requesting a Previous Permit, addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas
• Letter of employment by the employer in Panama addressed to the Autoridad Nacional de Aduanas (for NGOs)

Good to know

• Shipments are preferably packed into liftvans.
• All shipments must be inspected at the port of entry.
• Quarantine personnel are authorized to cut steamship line seals for inspection.

Bringing special items

Vehicles

Importing a vehicle into Panama is subject to duties and taxes, determined by customs appraisal. Specific rules apply, including potential exemptions for Pensionado Visa holders.

• What you'll need
  • Original owner’s certificate
  • Commercial or purchase invoice
  • Copy of passport
  • Rated Original Ocean Bill of Lading (OBL) / Express Release
  • Completed vehicle questionnaire
• Good to know
  • Import duties and taxes are based on customs appraisal.
  • A vehicle gas inspection will occur at the bonded warehouse during customs clearance. Electric vehicles do not require this test but are subject to 7% CIF value import taxes.
  • Right-hand steering wheel vehicles are not permitted for import.
  • If the engine number is unknown, the vehicle must be taken to a workshop to obtain this number, as it's required for the license plate process.
  • Pensionado Visa holders can apply for tax exemption on one vehicle, but the Pensionado Carnet must be ready. Without the carnet, full duties and taxes (approximately 35% CIF value) will apply.
  • Required documents for Pensionado Visa holders seeking exemption: Notarized copy of "Pensionado ID card," notarized passport copy (ID page and last entry stamp), original "Carta de Pensión" in Spanish or authenticated (monthly social security income over $500.00), "Paz y Salvo" certification from the Ministry of Incomes, commercial invoice, original vehicle title, vehicle details, rated Express Release Bill of Lading.

Pets

Bringing your beloved pet to Panama involves specific health and quarantine requirements to ensure their safe entry.

• What you'll need
  • Original Health Certificate legalized at the Panamanian Consulate (must include vaccinations)
  • Original Vaccine Certificate or Carnet (verify if legalization is required by the Consulate)
  • Passport copy of the owner
  • Quarantine application form (provided by the local agent)
• Good to know
  • Pets must arrive at the airport in Panama before 5:00 PM, Monday to Friday.
  • You should apply for a domiciliary quarantine three days before your pet's arrival.

New furniture

New furniture can be imported, but it is typically subject to duties and taxes unless shipped alongside used household goods under specific conditions.

• What you'll need
  • Original Commercial or purchase invoice
  • Copy of passport
  • Rated Express Release shipping document
  • Spanish Inventory
• Good to know
  • New furniture is subject to import duties and taxes, with the amount determined by the Customs Appraisal Department.
  • No import duties and taxes apply when shipped along with used household goods, but commercial invoices and two separate packing lists (one for used, one for new items) must be submitted.
  • All shipments are inspected at the port of entry, usually at a customs bonded warehouse in Panama City.

Alcohol, perfume, gifts

There are strict limits and regulations for importing alcohol, perfume, and gifts for personal use.

• What you'll need
  • Letter from the shipper stating product information, purpose of import, AWB/BL number, quantity, and value.
• Good to know
  • Maximum import limits: 1-10 bottles of alcohol, perfume for personal use, and gifts valued up to PAB 50.
  • Alcohol imports are subject to an administrative payment for a liquor import license, based on alcohol content and commercial value.
  • The product must have sanitary registration.
  • You must notify the Panamanian Authority for Food Safety (AUPSA) about the introduction of wines to national territory (minimum 48 hours before arrival) via the Food Entry Notification Form. You'll need an AUPSA account or to register as a client.

Restricted & prohibited items

Certain items are either restricted or completely prohibited from import into Panama.

• Prohibited items
  • Firearms, ammunition, and weapons
  • Pharmaceuticals and medicine
  • Any kind of food
  • Psychotropic drugs
  • Toxic waste
  • Fertilizer

Frequently asked questions

Do all my shipments need to be inspected?
Yes, all shipments must undergo inspection by customs authorities. This typically occurs at a customs-bonded warehouse within Panama City limits, not at your residence.

Is a Spanish inventory list required?
Yes, customs authorities in Panama require a Spanish inventory list for all shipments.

Is there a time limit for my shipment to arrive after I do?
Yes, as per Panamanian laws, your shipment must arrive in Panama a maximum of six months from the date of your last entry stamp on your passport.

Do my shipping documents need to show freight costs?
Yes, customs authorities require that all Ocean Bills of Lading (OBL), Air Waybills (AWB), and Land Waybills (LWB) be rated, meaning they must show the cost of freight. If not, you'll need a freight rate certification from the origin carrier.

What if my visa ID is not ready when my shipment arrives?
If your VISA ID is not yet ready, you must provide an original letter from your attorney stating that the visa is in process. Once the final VISA ID carnet is obtained, this letter is no longer required.

Can I import new furniture duty-free?
New furniture is generally subject to import duties and taxes. However, if it is shipped along with your used household goods, it may be exempt from duties and taxes. You must submit commercial invoices and two separate packing lists (one for used items, one for new items).

For personalized assistance with your move to Panama, please contact relocation123.com.

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