A comprehensive guide to relocating our family from Canada to Panama City—exploring Jewish community, schools, real estate, residency, and the lifestyle that awaits.
Why are we considering this?
We're looking for a fresh start. A place where our kids can thrive, where we feel safe as a Jewish family, and where we can build a meaningful life.
"The rise in antisemitism back home has us thinking about what's best for our family's future."
The Opportunity
Why Panama?
10K+
Jewish Community
40+
Kosher Restaurants
4
Jewish Schools
Panama has Central America's largest Jewish community. 90% observe kosher. The community president says it's safe to wear a kippah on the street.
Community
A Thriving Jewish Community
Orthodox
Shevet Ahim
Sephardic Orthodox. 4 synagogues in the city, 3 in beach resorts.
Orthodox
Beth El
Orthodox community with active congregation.
Reform
Kol Shearith Israel
Liberal-progressive. Located in Costa del Este—our recommended neighborhood.
Panama is the only country in the world with two Jewish presidents. Annual Panama Kosher Fest in January celebrates the community.
What Matters Most
Safety for Jewish Families
"Panama remains a safe place for Jews. There is no issue with wearing a kippah on the street."
— Moises Harari, President of the Panamanian Jewish Community
Costa del Este is considered one of Panama City's safest neighborhoods—it's also where the Kol Shearith Israel synagogue is located.
Where To Live
Costa del Este: Our Top Pick
✓ Jewish Community
Kol Shearith Israel synagogue is here
✓ Safety
One of Panama's safest neighborhoods
✓ Schools
Close to international & Jewish schools
✓ Family Life
Parks, bike paths, waterfront promenade
Master-planned community with proper urban design—sidewalks, underground power lines, modern infrastructure. 10 min to downtown, 15 min to airport.
Panama's constitution guarantees foreign nationals the same property rights as citizens. No residency required to buy.
Process
30-60 Days to Close
Title verification, 10-20% deposit, deed signing, 2-3 weeks for registration. Closing costs 3-5%.
Strong Advice
Rent First for 1 Year
Experts recommend renting through both dry and rainy seasons before buying. Learn the neighborhoods, avoid buyer's remorse.
Important
Buy Existing, Not Pre-Construction
Pre-construction has risks: delays (sometimes years), developer financial issues, quality concerns. Buy from established expats when possible.
No land acquisition tax for buyers. Seller pays 2% sales tax and 10% capital gains. Always use licensed agents with Idoneidad certificate.
Immigration
The Qualified Investor Visa
With $300K+ real estate investment, get immediate permanent residency—processed in ~30 days. Since we're buying $1.4M+, we easily qualify.
30
Days to PR
$300K
Min Investment
5
Years to Citizenship
Alternative: Friendly Nations Visa (for Canadians) requires only $200K real estate but takes 2-3 years for permanent residency.
Investment Options
Qualified Investor Pathways
Best for Us
Real Estate $300K+
Immediate permanent residency in ~30 days. Property must be lien-free. Investment held 5 years.
Alternative
Securities $500K+
Purchase through licensed Panamanian brokerage. Same 30-day fast-track to permanent residency.
Alternative
Bank Deposit $750K+
Time deposit in qualified Panamanian bank. Same fast-track benefits.
Fees: $5,000 application + $5,000 repatriation deposit + ~$2,000 per dependent. Family members (spouse, children to 25) included in application.
Fast-Track Process
Qualified Investor Timeline
1
Gather Documents (2-4 weeks)
Criminal background check (apostilled), passport copies, proof of investment/property purchase.
2
Visit Panama (1 week)
Medical exam, biometrics, submit application with immigration attorney. Complete property purchase.
3
Permanent Residency (~30 days)
Fast-track processing. Receive permanent residency card. No temporary status required.
4
Citizenship (Year 5)
After 5 years of permanent residency, eligible for naturalization. Only visit once every 2 years to maintain status.
Family
The Kids Are Included
The Friendly Nations Visa covers dependents: spouse and children up to age 25. One application covers our whole family.
Passports
Keep Canadian Passports
Panama residency doesn't affect Canadian citizenship. Kids keep their Canadian passports. No special exit permits needed for non-residents.
Travel
Easy Entry Requirements
Canadians get 180 days tourist visa on arrival. Once resident, no limitations on stay.
Finances
Opening a Bank Account
Canadians can open accounts at most major banks. Some require residency status, others don't.
Recommended
Multibank
English-speaking staff. Works with non-residents. Good customer service.
Option
Tower Bank
Flexible with documents. Popular for personal accounts.
Once Resident
Banco General / BAC
Requires residency. Major local banks with full services.
Minimum deposit: $100-1,000. Timeline: ~3 weeks. Panama uses USD as currency—no exchange rate hassle!
Tax Considerations
The Territorial Tax System
Panama only taxes income earned IN Panama. Foreign-sourced income is NOT taxed.
Great News
Your Canada/US Income
Since your business revenue comes from Canada and US, that income is NOT taxed in Panama.
Important
Canadian Obligations
You'll need to properly exit Canadian tax residency. Consult a cross-border tax specialist before moving.
Canada and Panama have a Tax Information Exchange Agreement—there's no "hiding" anything. This needs to be done properly.
Business Considerations
Your Holding Company
Moving $1M CAD in assets from a Canadian holding company requires careful planning.
Caution
Departure Tax
Canada may treat corporate assets as "deemed disposed" when you leave. Could trigger capital gains.
Opportunity
Panama Corp Structure
A Panama corporation for foreign-sourced income has 0% tax. But needs proper structuring.
Action Required: Engage both a Canadian cross-border tax lawyer AND a Panama tax/immigration attorney before moving any assets.
Living Costs
30-50% Less Than Canada
Expense
Panama (Monthly)
Notes
Housing (Luxury Rental)
$2,000 - $3,500
If renting before buying
International School (2 kids)
$1,500 - $2,500
Jewish schools similar
Groceries
$600 - $800
Including kosher items
Utilities (heavy A/C)
$150 - $200
Water is ~$10!
Healthcare
$200 - $400
Private insurance
Total Family
$4,500 - $7,500
Healthcare
World-Class Medical Care
Panama has excellent private hospitals. The best is affiliated with Johns Hopkins.
For Dara - GI
Hospital Pacífica Salud
Johns Hopkins affiliated. Gastroenterology department on staff. JCI accredited. Branch in Costa del Este (opened 2022). Most doctors US/Europe trained, English-speaking.
Other Options
4 JCI-Accredited Hospitals
Hospital Nacional, Centro Medico Paitilla, Hospital Punta Pacífica, Clínica San Fernando. All accept international insurance.
For Sena - ADHD
ISP Has Support Services
International School of Panama has documented special needs support. Accommodations for ADHD (extended time, preferential seating). Verify directly with admissions.
Cost Savings
30-70% Less Than Canada
Specialist visits $50-100. Lab work much cheaper. Medications affordable. Quality comparable to North American standards.
Health Insurance
Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions
Crohn's requires careful insurance planning. Here are options that work:
Only $20/month. No pre-existing exclusions. 14 clinics in Panama City. Good for routine care—not full hospital coverage.
Recommendation: Start with Cigna Global for full coverage. Explore corporate group plan through your business—may get better pre-existing coverage. Source: Panama Relocation Tours
Lifestyle
What Weekends Look Like
Beach Day
Taboga Island
30-min ferry from the city. "Island of Flowers." Golden sand beaches, snorkeling, paddleboarding. $24 round-trip.
Beach Weekend
Coronado
1.5 hours drive. Panama's first resort community. Golf, pools, restaurants. Many expat families.
City Adventure
Panama Canal
Miraflores Locks visitor center. IMAX movie. Watch giant ships pass through. 20 min from Costa del Este.
Active Day
Amador Causeway
Rent family bikes. Smithsonian Nature Center (sloths!). BioMuseo. Seaside trails. Great for kids.
Family Activities
Things to Do
Casco Viejo
Historic old town. Museums, ice cream, walking. Panama Canal Museum. Beautiful architecture.
Embera Village
Day trip to indigenous village. Canoe up Chagres River. Cultural experience for kids.
Monkey Islands
Boat tours to see monkeys. See both Pacific and Atlantic coasts. Kids love it.
Ancon Hill Hike
Popular family hike. Three viewpoints. See the city and canal from above.
Community Pools
Clayton Pool (50m). Costa del Este community amenities. Great for swim practice.
Kosher Dining
40+ kosher restaurants. 2 kosher supermarkets. No shortage of options.
Infrastructure
Excellent Internet
Critical for your work. Panama has Central America's fastest internet.
1 Gbps
Fiber Available
$50
500 Mbps/Month
5G
Launched 2024
Costa del Este has excellent fiber coverage. Main provider: Tigo (formerly Cable Onda). Starlink available as backup. Same timezone as Eastern Canada (no jet lag for calls!).
Connectivity
Keep Your Canadian Numbers
You can keep your Canadian cell numbers without huge roaming charges.
