Moving To Panama

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Panama is a country located in Central America, famous for its Panama Canal. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and vibrant city life. The Panama Canal is one of the most important waterways in the world, connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It has been a major hub for international trade and transportation, making Panama an important player in global commerce. When you have planned to relocate to Panama from the USA you will enjoy settling down in a vibrant country.

Panama offers a plethora of attractions for the tourists and the residents alike. The country is home to stunning beaches, lush rain forests, and diverse wildlife. Boasting a mix of modern skyscrapers and colonial architecture, Panama City is a bustling metropolis that offers a vibrant nightlife, shopping, and dining experiences. Moving to Panama from the USA and calling this country a home can be the most exciting experiences ever!

Moving to Panama from USA

How International Sea & Air Shipping can help for moving to Panama

Every relocation, irrespective of whether within the same country or an international move, can create a lot of challenges. The moving process involving a flurry of activities and to-do lists can be confusing to navigate, we get that. And it is here that at International Sea & Air Shipping we are here to help you in your international relocation.

Note that, international relocation to Panama from the USA can be time consuming if you are not aware of what kind of freight to choose for moving your household goods, what are the processes that you need to follow in order to take out all the hassle of your move. At International Sea & Air Shipping we have a team of moving specialists who understand all requirements related to international relocation.

Our team of experienced relocation professionals are equipped with knowledge and expertise to guide you at every step for moving to Panama from the USA smoothly. You can look forward to high quality professional assistance from us at International Sea & Air Shipping when you are relocating to Panama from the USA.

With us you get A to Z international moving assistance at a very competitive price. Our professional services from packing and relocation of your household goods, the relocation of your car, guidance on what kind of container will suit your purpose, documentation help and more will help you make a hassle-free transition when you are moving to Panama from the USA.

About Panama

The tropical Central American country of Panama is situated on the isthmus, which connects North and South America. The country’s landscape is woven with over 500 varying bodies of water, including Rio Chagres, known for its source of hydroelectric power, and the well-known Panama Canal, that connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean – making it a hub for international maritime trade.

Panama culture originates from descendants of Indian, African and Spanish heritages, but there is cultural multiplicity here due to its connectivity to North and South America and proximity to the Caribbean, Columbia and Costa Rica. Descendants from Germany, Portugal and Italy can be found in Panama as well.

The country has one of the largest rain forests in the Western Hemisphere apart from the Amazon Basin. It is also the largest free trade zone in the Western Hemisphere, and has the fourth largest economy in Central America – relying on exports like coffee and other agricultural products. Panama’s leading trade partners are: Greece, US, Japan, Germany, Italy, Singapore, and China.

Customs Regulations for Panama

  • Passport
  • Residence Visa (if customer does not have a Residence Visa: a letter from a licensed lawyer and copy of petition for a Residence Visa)
  • Work Permit (or certificate from attorney)
  • Certificate of Change of Residence
  • Detailed inventory (in English or Spanish)
  • Purchase invoice (for new furniture and household goods)
  • CUSTOMER MUST BE IN PANAMA AT THE TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
  • Household goods and personal effects are duty free for:
    • Foreigners with a Residence Visa
    • Panamanians returning after two years abroad
  • Household goods and personal effects are duty free if:
    • Furniture and other goods are used (has been in the possession of the shipper for at least 12 months)
  • Shipments must arrive within six months of the customer, and should not exceed two shipments
  • All shipments must be inspected at port of entry (usually at the shipper’s residence at time of delivery)
  • Customer must pay all fees at the time of clearance, including Customs inspection, Customs charges and Customs Broker’s charges
  • Customer is responsible for all charges incurred for storage or customs delays

There are some items that can only be imported into Panama if they are of limited quantities, have proper additional documentation, and the shipper has paid all required duties and taxes. Some of these items include, but may not be limited to:

  • New items (less than six months old, subject to taxes)
  • Food and beverages (subject to duty and taxes), usually require one or more of the following:
    • Sanitary Certificate
    • Quarantine allowance per item
    • Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
    • Transit Letter
    • Commercial Invoice
  • Alcohol (limited quantities)
  • Jewelry (dutiable)
  • Coins (dutiable)
  • Leather goods (must be fumigated and have documentation the fumigation has occurred)
  • Plants (some are restricted, others are prohibited – it is not advised to include plants in a shipment)
  • Drugs and narcotics
  • Plants
  • Foodstuffs
  • Straw or hay packing in lift vans
  • Firearms, weapons, ammunition
  • Dangerous objects
  • Shipper and broker must process documentation and pay duties
  • Customs clearance process is lengthy, demurrage is likely
  • Duty for vehicle importation is approximately 27 – 30 percent of CIF value
  • Vehicle must be moved to customs office to be appraised
  • Documents required:
    • Passport
    • Commercial Invoice
    • Pollution Certificate (unless it is a watercraft)
    • Consular document (authorized)
    • Certificate of Tax Payment
    • Original Bill of Lading
  • Health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination required (by USDA accredited veterinarian)
  • Quarantine (30 days) may be required. Dogs, cats and healthy pets will not be quarantined provided:
    • Two weeks prior to travel, shipper must file an application for home quarantine
    • Cats or dogs must be vaccinated for rabies between 30 days and 12 months prior to entering Panama
    • Health certificate must be endorsed by the Panamanian Consulate in origin country
    • Rabies certificate should also be included for endorsement

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

One important consideration when moving to Panama is the visa process. It is advisable to consult with the Panamanian Embassy or consulate in the USA to understand the visa requirements and options available to you.

Another important consideration is healthcare. Panama has a good healthcare system with modern facilities and trained medical professionals. It is recommended to arrange for health insurance to ensure you receive the necessary coverage.

Top reasons for moving to Panama from USA

Panama can be a dream destination for the expats. Here is a list of reasons that can support your decision to move to this Central American country –

Easy visa process or residency permits

There are visa waivers for many countries in Panama. If you are a resident of the USA or The UK, you can move to Panama and live there without a visa for 180 days.

However, when you decide to move to Panama from the USA for a long term, work there and live there, then the process differs and you must obtain a valid work permit and required visa to support your move to this Central American country. To live in this stunning tropical country for a lifetime you will need a residency visa.

Panama offers a wide range of visa options to choose from as per your requirements. Once you satisfy the required eligibility criteria you will be able to obtain the required document to move to Panama and live there. Some of the visas available include –

  • Work visa
  • Investment visa
  • Pensioner or retirement visa
  • Friendly nations visas and more.

In fact, the country’s immigration laws are considered to be amongst the most liberal in the whole of Western Hemisphere!

Affordable and modern healthcare in Panama

Panama is a study in age-old tradition and fast paced modernity! The country has a healthcare system that is hailed as very modern and has many qualified doctors and hospitals to support the healthcare system of the country.

When you are moving to Panama from the USA for a longer term and to be a resident, you will need to sign up for a national healthcare plan. This healthcare plan in Panama is affordable and comprehensive. However, it is noticed that the best healthcare services are offered at private hospitals.

Low cost of living

Now, here is another perk of moving to Panama from the USA – low cost of living and easy process to own property! This may come as a blessing! Consider this comparison – living in Panama can be 25% cost effective compared to living in a mid-size American city! Added advantage is the law that allows even foreigners to buy property in Panama. When you are moving to Panama from the USA to live here long term, both these aspects can take a lot of tension out of the international relocation and post relocation settling down in a new geography.

Favorable income tax rates

Now, here is another piece of good news. Panama offers favorable income tax exemptions, which means more savings! Here are a few things that can clear the picture for you.

Employees and self-employed professionals in Panama who are earning less than $11,000 USD will not be subject to income taxes

Employees and self-employed professional who are earning between $11,000 USD and $50,000 USD can pay a 15% tax rate only on net income

Income earned outside the country is tax free in Panama. This is due to Panama’s territorial tax system. As per this system taxes are levied on income earned within the territory of o. f this country

Excellent climate & culture

Panama offers a year round sunny, tropical climate. This can be a great relief from the freezing cold winter season when you are relocating to Panama from the USA.

The country also offers vibrant culture and boasts of a welcoming society. The residents of Panama are known for their friendly nature. The rich cultural heritage that Panama offers has influences from Latin America, Spain, and other parts of the world and is vibrant and warm to offer you a great place to settle down.