Free checklist
The Panama move checklist
A month-by-month timeline for moving to Panama, from your scouting trip twelve months out to your first week in the country. Get the printable version and new guides by email, or read the whole checklist right here.
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12 months before
- Make a scouting trip of at least two weeks, ideally in the rainy season.
- Shortlist one or two regions.
- Start Spanish lessons, even an hour a week.
- Read up on the residency routes and decide which you might qualify for.
9 months before
- Choose an independent Panamanian immigration lawyer.
- Get your lawyer's document list for your residency route.
- Order police record checks, birth and marriage certificates as needed.
- Ask your home bank for a reference letter (and keep your home accounts open).
6 months before
- Have documents apostilled and, if required, translated into Spanish.
- Compare local and international health insurance.
- Start your pets' vaccination and health-certificate timeline with your vet.
- Decide what to ship, store, sell or give away.
3 months before
- Line up a furnished long-term rental for your first six to twelve months.
- Get moving and shipping quotes if you're sending belongings.
- Compare currency transfer services for moving larger sums.
- Book flights, including pet travel if needed.
1 month before
- Collect originals of every document your lawyer needs.
- Get your pets' health certificate endorsed and stamped by a Panamanian consulate.
- Notify Panama's Ministry of Health of your pets' arrival at least three days ahead.
- Set up mail forwarding and a plan for paying bills at home.
First week in Panama
- Meet your lawyer and start your residency filing.
- Get a local SIM card.
- Find your nearest pharmacy, clinic and hospital.
- Begin the bank account application.
General information only. Your lawyer's document list for your residency route takes priority over this checklist.