Are digital nomads welcome in Panama?
Yes. Panama’s Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa makes it one of Central America’s most accessible and forward-thinking destinations for remote professionals. The country’s stable economy, tropical setting, and time zone alignment with North America make it a convenient home base between hemispheres.
For digital nomads, Panama is the rare mix of palm trees and practicality. Fast internet, strong infrastructure, and beaches within reach of the city make it easy to balance work with actual living.
Panama Digital Nomad Visa Overview
Visa Name: Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa
Duration: 9 months, renewable once (maximum 18 months)
Income Requirement: Minimum annual income of USD 36,000
Application Fee: About USD 300 (includes government and processing fees)
Processing Time: Typically 30–60 days
Why it stands out:
Panama’s visa was designed for remote workers earning foreign income. Applicants only need to show proof of employment or business abroad, sufficient earnings, and valid health insurance. The process is relatively streamlined, and the territorial tax system means income from outside Panama is not taxed locally.
✅ Best for: Remote professionals and entrepreneurs seeking a tropical lifestyle with financial stability, modern healthcare, and fast flights across the Americas.
The door are now open for the next 100 people! Polished mobile version, triple the destinations, cross-border insurance and more. Join the next 100 people FREE.
Best Cities and Regions for Digital Nomads
Panama City
Panama City is the country’s modern heart and one of Latin America’s most advanced urban centers. Its skyline rivals Miami’s, but it functions at a calmer rhythm. High-speed Wi-Fi, coworking hubs like Workings, MyOffice, and Selina make it easy to stay productive. Cafes double as meeting spaces, and English is widely spoken in business circles.
Beyond the glass towers, Panama City has character — the cobblestone streets of Casco Viejo, street art, rooftop bars, and a blend of Caribbean and Pacific cultures. The city runs on U.S. dollars, uses contactless payments everywhere, and sits a short drive from tropical beaches. For nomads who want modern infrastructure without giving up natural escape, Panama City is the obvious choice.
Boquete
Tucked into the Chiriquí Highlands near the border with Costa Rica, Boquete feels like another world. The air is cool, the mountains are green, and the coffee is world-class. It’s a magnet for expats, entrepreneurs, and remote workers who want calm, clean air, and daily hikes instead of traffic.
You’ll find coworking options like Boquete Hub and reliable internet, though speeds drop in the outer valleys. The community is tight-knit — farmers, retirees, and remote creatives share the same markets and trails. Evenings are quiet, with good wine, mountain views, and the hum of the jungle.
Boquete suits nomads who value slow living, wellness, and the freedom to unplug without going off-grid.
Bocas del Toro
Bocas del Toro is a cluster of Caribbean islands where “work from paradise” actually means something. The pace is slow, the colors are bright, and the rhythm of daily life revolves around the sea. Coworking spaces like Selina and local cafés cater to digital nomads, surfers, and backpackers who decided not to leave.
Wi-Fi can fluctuate with the weather, and power outages happen occasionally, but that’s part of the tradeoff for tropical living. Between coral reefs and wooden docks, Bocas offers something hard to replicate — community. People come for a season and stay for years. If your ideal workday ends with a barefoot sunset, this might be the one.
Pedasí
On the Azuero Peninsula, Pedasí is Panama’s best-kept secret. It’s small, sunny, and surrounded by surf beaches and open countryside. The town attracts both Panamanian weekenders and international nomads who prefer authenticity over crowds.
Internet and infrastructure are improving quickly, and while coworking is limited, several boutique hotels and cafés double as remote work spots. Life here is slower, simpler, and deeply local — morning walks to the bakery, afternoons on Playa Venao, and quiet nights under an open sky.
Pedasí isn’t for everyone. It’s for nomads who want to disappear for a while, live cheaply, and feel like they’ve found a corner of the world that still moves at human speed.
Panama Cost Snapshot
- Monthly Budget (Solo Nomad): USD 2,000–2,800
- Coworking Membership: USD 120–200/month
- Apartment (1-bedroom, Panama City): USD 800–1,200
- Apartment (Boquete or Pedasí): USD 600–900
- Meal: USD 7–10
- Coffee: USD 2
- SIM / Internet: USD 20–30 per month (fast 4G and expanding 5G)
Panama isn’t bargain travel, but it delivers value. You’ll pay less than Western Europe or the U.S. for a similar quality of life, with tropical weather and modern comfort included.
Connectivity and Infrastructure in Panama
Panama consistently ranks among Latin America’s best for digital infrastructure. The country’s broadband averages 100–150 Mbps in Panama City and remains stable across secondary hubs like Boquete and David. Electricity is reliable in cities, though rural areas can experience brief outages.
Public transportation is efficient in the capital, and taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber and InDriver are widely available. With direct flights to Miami, Mexico City, and Bogotá, Panama connects easily to the rest of the world.
Lifestyle & Culture in Panama
Panama offers more than beaches and banking. It’s a crossroads of cultures — indigenous, Caribbean, Latin, and expat — all coexisting in a surprisingly seamless rhythm. The healthcare system is strong, the food scene diverse, and locals are known for being welcoming and easygoing.
The country is safe, with low crime rates and a visible police presence in tourist areas. For nomads, it feels both adventurous and reliable — the rare blend of spontaneity and structure that makes long stays comfortable.
FAQs about Panama for Remote Work
Do I have to pay taxes in Panama?
No, if your income is earned abroad. Panama’s territorial tax system means only locally earned income is taxable.
Is English widely spoken?
Yes. You’ll hear English often in Panama City, Boquete, Pedasí, and tourist areas.
How long can I stay?
Up to 18 months on the remote worker visa, or 6 months on a tourist entry.
Is Panama safe for digital nomads?
Yes. The country is among the safest in Central America, with a stable democracy and strong infrastructure.
Do I need travel or health insurance?
Yes, proof of insurance is required for visa approval and recommended for all stays.
Connect with fellow location-independent professionals by joining our exclusive Nomados Digital Nomad Community for ongoing support, insider tips, and updates to enhance your borderless lifestyle.
Final Thoughts on Panama for Digital Nomads
Panama is where the digital nomad lifestyle feels sustainable. You can wake up to birdsong instead of alarms, work from a rooftop overlooking the Pacific, and finish your week with a surfboard or a hike through cloud forest.
It’s not the cheapest base in Latin America, but it might be one of the easiest — modern, welcoming, and warm in all the right ways.
Disclosure: Portions of this article were created with the assistance of AI tools and reviewed by the Nomados editorial team for accuracy and clarity.