Skip to content
BLOCK BEACHESPowered by Blockcities Find Your Beach →

Panama intelligence · updated 30 Sep 2026

Where in Panama makes sense for you?

Residency, tax, everyday life and what's being built — eight places compared on one map, every figure sourced. Stay anonymous as long as you like.

Pick a lens to see what matters for it. Tap a pin to open a place.

Explore the areasCompare 3 places
Map of Panama with the areas in this guide, international airports and coastal projects from the public register CARIBBEAN SEAPACIFIC OCEANGULF OF PANAMAAZUERO Bastimentos: 8 coastal filings, 3 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Boca Chica: 2 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Betania: 2 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Río Hato: 10 coastal filings, 6 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Veracruz: 4 coastal filings, 2 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Taboga: 3 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)María Chiquita: 4 coastal filings, 3 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Punta Robalo: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Bocas del Toro: 13 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Puerto Armuelles: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Cañas: 3 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Sabanitas: 2 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)San Francisco: 5 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Barrio Norte: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Hicaco: 5 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Las Tablas Abajo: 2 coastal filings, 2 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Juan Díaz: 13 coastal filings, 5 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Chepo: 7 coastal filings, 4 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Chitré (cab.): 3 coastal filings, 3 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)San Felipe: 1 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Cristóbal Este: 1 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Barrio Sur: 1 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Tierra Oscura: 2 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Miramar: 2 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)El Líbano: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Bejuco: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Llano Bonito: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Bella Vista: 6 coastal filings, 2 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Cativá: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Parque Lefevre: 4 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Puerto Pilón: 2 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Río Grande: 2 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)San Juan Bautista: 1 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Cristóbal: 7 coastal filings, 4 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Las Lajas: 1 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Calidonia: 1 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Finca 60: 1 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Chiriquí Grande: 2 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Salud: 2 coastal filings, 2 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Puerto Caimito: 4 coastal filings, 2 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Jose Domingo Espinar: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Río Abajo: 2 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Alanje: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Finca 6: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Colón: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)El Chorrillo: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Pedasí: 1 coastal filings, 1 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Monagrillo: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Don Bosco: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level)Mariato: 1 coastal filings, 0 approved (MiAmbiente register, corregimiento-level) Albrook "Marcos A. Gelabert" International Airport (PAC) · OpenStreetMapPACTocumen International Airport (PTY) · OpenStreetMapPTYAeropuerto Internacional Cap. Scarlet Martínez (RIH) · OpenStreetMapRIHPanama Pacifico International Airport (BLB) · OpenStreetMapBLBAeropuerto Capitán Justiniano Montenegro (PDM) · OpenStreetMapPDMAeropuerto Internacional Capitán Manuel Niño (CHX) · OpenStreetMapCHXEnrique Adolfo Jiménez International Airport (ONX) · OpenStreetMapONXAeropuerto Internacional Enrique Malek (DAV) · OpenStreetMapDAVBocas Del Toro International Airport (BOC) · OpenStreetMapBOC BuenaventuraCoronadoSan Carlos · El PalmarRío Hato · Playa BlancaPedasíBocas del ToroBoquetePanama City Pacific beaches · 4 places ›

Pins: area centres. Turquoise dots: coastal filings in the public register at corregimiento level (brighter = approved). Airports: OpenStreetMap.

Panama at a glance

The eight numbers people ask about first

Residency from$300Knew property, Qualified Investor · Executive Decree No. 17 (2026)Executive Decree No. 17 · 16 Sep 2026Coastal projects filed14451 approved · filed 2025–2026MiAmbiente register · 30 Sep 2026Property tax on your home0%up to $120,000 of value (primary residence)Fact-check · 29 Sep 2026US dollar since1904legal tender; no currency conversionFact-check · 29 Sep 2026International airports8PAC · PTY · RIH · BLB · CHX · ONX · DAV · BOCOpenStreetMap · 30 Sep 2026Hospitals near our areas35within 15 km of the 8 areasOpenStreetMap · 30 Sep 2026Double-tax treaties17on the tax authority's listFact-check · 29 Sep 2026Economy grew4.4%real GDP, 2025 (World Bank)World Bank · 2025

The places

Eight places people actually move to

Save the ones you like, pick up to three to compare. Nothing leaves your browser.

Best areas by persona

Start from who you are

Editorial picks, each with the figure behind it. Your situation can change the answer.

Schools, hospitals and services close by; security built in at the resort communities.

  1. 1Panama CityThe capital, on the bay
    235 named schools within 15 kmOpenStreetMap · 30 Sep 2026
  2. 2CoronadoEstablished beach town
    15 named schools within 15 kmOpenStreetMap · 30 Sep 2026
  3. 3BuenaventuraPrivate resort living
    6 named schools within 15 kmOpenStreetMap · 30 Sep 2026

What your budget buys

Real homes only

We only show homes we can stand behind: seller-supplied listings approved for publication. More are coming; ask us to watch a budget for you.

Price on request

Residency pathways

Four routes, at a glance

Since 16 September 2026 the Qualified Investor real-estate route depends on whether the home is new or resale, under Executive Decree No. 17 (2026). Confirm with Panamanian counsel before you rely on it.

Qualified Investor — new property$300,000

Permanent residency on approval for NEW property bought first-hand from the developer or promoter, under Executive Decree No. 17 (2026).

Suits: Buyers of new or off-plan homes

Executive Decree No. 17 · 16 Sep 2026
Qualified Investor — resale$500,000

Anything previously sold, occupied, leased or transferred, under Executive Decree No. 17 (2026). The counted value is net of any mortgage or lien.

Suits: Buyers of existing homes, paying mostly cash

Executive Decree No. 17 · 16 Sep 2026
Friendly Nations$200,000

For nationals of 50+ listed countries: $200,000 in real estate, a $200,000 three-year deposit, or a Panamanian job. Two years' temporary residency first.

Suits: Citizens of listed countries with a smaller budget

2026 residency dossier · 2026
Pensionado$1,000/month

A lifetime pension of $1,000 a month ($750 if you also buy real estate worth at least $100,000).

Suits: Retirees with a lifetime pension

2026 residency dossier · 2026
Find your route in 2 minutesNew vs resale, explained

Tax orientation

What owning in Panama costs, tax-wise

Only lines we fact-checked against primary sources (29 Sept 2026). Orientation, not tax advice: confirm your case with a Panama-licensed adviser.

Property tax — your home0%up to $120K

Primary residence: 0% up to $120,000 of value, 0.5% up to $700,000, 0.7% above. A national (DGI) tax under Law 66 of 2017.

Fact-check · 29 Sep 2026 · PwC Panama, rev. Aug 2026
Property tax — other property0.6–1%above $30K

Other property: 0% up to $30,000, 0.6% up to $250,000, 0.8% up to $500,000, 1% above.

Fact-check · 29 Sep 2026 · PwC Panama, rev. Aug 2026
Transfer tax2%paid by the seller

2% transfer tax (ITBI), payable by the seller (Law 106 of 1974). Law 546 (31 Aug 2026) exempts the first $120,000 on new homes.

Fact-check · 29 Sep 2026 · PwC; La Estrella de Panamá, 31 Aug 2026
Selling at a gain10%of net gain

10% of the net gain, or a 3% advance on the higher of price or cadastral value, which the seller can elect as final.

Fact-check · 29 Sep 2026 · PwC Panama, rev. Aug 2026
Rental income0–25%progressive

Ordinary progressive rates, net of expenses: 0% up to $11,000, 15% up to $50,000, 25% above. (7% is the ITBMS on commercial leases, not an income tax.)

Fact-check · 29 Sep 2026 · PwC; Global Property Guide
Tax treaties17double-tax treaties

17 double-taxation treaties on the tax authority's list.

Fact-check · 29 Sep 2026 · DGI, 2026
Currency1904US dollar legal tender since

The US dollar has been legal tender since 1904 — the oldest in Latin America. Ecuador and El Salvador are also dollarized.

Fact-check · 29 Sep 2026 · La Estrella de Panamá
TransparencyCRSjoined

Panama joined the Common Reporting Standard; first exchanges in September 2018. It is off the FATF grey list (Oct 2023) but still on the EU list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions (Feb 2026).

Fact-check · 29 Sep 2026 · IFC Review; KPMG; Harneys
Credit ratingBBB-S&P, stable

S&P BBB- stable (affirmed 23 Sep 2026); Moody's Baa3 with a negative outlook; Fitch BB+, below investment grade since March 2024.

Fact-check · 29 Sep 2026 · Revista EyN; La Prensa

Everyday life

Hospitals, schools, groceries, airports

Counted from OpenStreetMap within 15 km of each area (marinas within 30 km). Places mapped in OpenStreetMap by volunteers; coverage varies, so counts are a floor, not a census.

AreaHospitals ≤15 kmNearest hospitalNamed schoolsSupermarketsMarinasNearest airportDrive to Panama City estimate
Buenaventura16.4 km651RIH · 9.4 km≈2 h 10
Coronado16.9 km15161RIH · 30.9 km≈1 h 20
San Carlos · El Palmar015.6 km10131RIH · 21.7 km≈1 h 35
Río Hato · Playa Blanca112.1 km661RIH · 3.8 km≈2 h 05
Pedasí11.5 km220PDM · 2 km≈3 h 40
Bocas del Toro12.7 km4122BOC · 1 kmby air / boat
Boquete021.8 km13200DAV · 43 km≈6 h 55
Panama City270.1 km2351559PAC · 2.6 km≈25 min (PTY)

OpenStreetMap · 30 Sep 2026 Drive: Block Beaches estimate: straight-line distance × 1.3 road factor at 60 km/h. Not a routed time.

Safety

We don't score safety. Read the official travel advisories, then visit. Advisories describe risks by region and change over time.

Why now

What's being built on the coast

Coastal environmental filings entered in 2025–2026, by area: approved (gold) out of all filed (outline).

Real GDP growth4.4%World Bank · 2025
Consumer-price inflation−0.2%World Bank · 2025
Unemployment8.4%World Bank · 2025
US dollar → balboa1 : 1FX feed · 30 Sep 2026
  1. Panama City (coastal corregimientos)11/ 36
  2. Colón & the Caribbean coast7/ 16
  3. Río Hato & Playa Blanca (Antón)6/ 10
  4. Bocas del Toro islands4/ 23
  5. Chepo4/ 7
  6. Chitré4/ 6
  7. Portobelo (María Chiquita)3/ 4
  8. Puerto Caimito (La Chorrera)2/ 4
  9. Veracruz (Arraiján)2/ 4
  10. Chagres2/ 2

MiAmbiente register · 30 Sep 2026 Counts come from the public register by district; each filing is placed at its corregimiento, not its lot. Coverage is partial: 4 searches hit the register's row cap. Infrastructure works are counted; only companies are named. Read the Coastal Report →

Live

Latest coastal approvals

Company-filed home and hotel projects approved in the public register, newest first. Private individuals are never named.

  • Approved
    Residencial Paseo SurInmobiliaria Ryr S.A. · Residential
    Chitréfiled 8 May 2026
  • Approved
    Casa CayucoWhite Sands Lodge Punta Vieja Inc. · Residential
    Bocas del Toro islandsfiled 4 Mar 2026
  • Approved
    PH Bosque de la FuenteFuentebosque Corp · Residential
    Panama City (coastal corregimientos)filed 26 Feb 2026
  • Approved
    Urbanización Reserva del EsteReserva del Este S.A. · Residential
    Chepofiled 24 Feb 2026
  • Approved
    La Vida Resort ExpansionLa Vida Resort S.A. · Hotel / tourism
    Bocas del Toro islandsfiled 24 Dec 2025
  • Approved
    Los Coquitos - Playa EscondidaPlaya Escondida Resort Development S.A. · Mixed / other
    Portobelo (María Chiquita)filed 9 Dec 2025
  • Approved
    Residencial Sol Tableño Etapa IFundacion Mateo Deago · Residential
    Las Tablasfiled 25 Nov 2025
  • Approved
    AlamarAlamar By Valor S.A. · Mixed / other
    Río Hato & Playa Blanca (Antón)filed 24 Oct 2025

MiAmbiente register · 30 Sep 2026

Public listings

All properties →

Tools

Do the work in two minutes

Find Your BeachA short quiz that matches you to a stretch of coast. Residency OptimizerTen questions; which routes fit you under Decree 17. Compare 3 placesSide by side, every figure sourced. Download as PDF. Watch this for meAn email only when something new matches.

Talk it through

Rather ask a person? Book a free video call: where on the coast fits you, residency, homes you're looking at, or planning a visit.

Book a call

A service, not a newsletter

Want me to watch this?

I'll tell you when a new public listing or an approved coastal project shows up in the areas and budget you pick. Email only for this — unsubscribe in one tap.

  • Approved projects come from the public MiAmbiente register, checked nightly
  • Listings only when they're approved for publication
  • No calls, no pressure, no sharing your details

Rather talk it through with a person? Book a free call →

Areas to watch

Sources and method

  • MiAmbiente register — MiAmbiente e-SEVIA, public register of environmental impact studies · e-sevia.miambiente.gob.pa
  • Block Beaches listings — Block Beaches public listings (seller-supplied, approved for publication) · blockbeaches.com
  • Executive Decree No. 17 — Executive Decree No. 17 (2026), Official Digital Gazette No. 30613, as summarised by Icaza, González-Ruiz & Alemán · icazalaw.com
  • 2026 residency dossier — Block Beaches 2026 Panama market dossier (residency programmes)
  • Fact-check — Block Beaches fact-check of Panama tax and country claims, 29 Sept 2026 (PwC Panama, DGI, rating agencies and official sources cited per line)
  • World Bank — World Bank, World Development Indicators · data.worldbank.org
  • FX feed — Exchange-rate feed (USD → PAB)
  • OpenStreetMap — © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · www.openstreetmap.org
  • Block Beaches estimate — Block Beaches estimate: straight-line distance × 1.3 road factor at 60 km/h. Not a routed time.
  • Natural Earth — Natural Earth (public domain) · www.naturalearthdata.com

Counts come from the public register by district; each filing is placed at its corregimiento, not its lot. Coverage is partial: 4 searches hit the register's row cap. Infrastructure works are counted; only companies are named. Places mapped in OpenStreetMap by volunteers; coverage varies, so counts are a floor, not a census. Drive times: Block Beaches estimate: straight-line distance × 1.3 road factor at 60 km/h. Not a routed time. We don't score safety. Read the official travel advisories, then visit.

Residency and tax lines are orientation, not advice. Residency figures follow Executive Decree No. 17 (2026). Confirm with Panamanian counsel before you rely on it. Built 1 Oct 2026.