The logistics of moving to Panama are manageable, but three things routinely catch people out: pets require paperwork started weeks before departure, opening a bank account is far stricter than expats expect, and your foreign driver’s licence is only valid for 90 days. Plan those three early and the rest of the move is straightforward.

Here is the practical sequence, in the order you should tackle it.

Should you ship your belongings or buy new?

For most people moving to Panama, shipping a full container is not worth it. Furniture is available locally, tropical humidity is unkind to some materials, and import duties plus port handling erode the savings quickly.

What is usually worth bringing: personal effects, quality electronics, specialist tools or hobby equipment, and anything with sentimental value. What is usually not: bulky furniture, appliances designed for other voltages, and anything you could replace locally for a few hundred dollars.

One genuine advantage exists for residency applicants — certain visa categories have historically allowed a one-time household-goods import concession. Whether you qualify depends on your visa type and current rules, so confirm with your immigration attorney before booking a shipper rather than assuming.

How do you bring a dog or cat to Panama?

Panama does not require a government import permit for household dogs and cats arriving from the United States, but the health documentation is strict and time-sensitive. The sequence:

1. Vaccinations — rabies plus core vaccines are required, with no exemption for rabies-free countries. Rabies titer testing is not required.

2. Parasite treatment — internal and external, within 30 days of travel.

3. Veterinary examination — a USDA-accredited vet must examine your pet and complete the official international health certificate within 10 days of departure.

4. USDA endorsement — the certificate must then be endorsed by the USDA.

5. Consular endorsement — the endorsed certificate must be stamped by a Panamanian consulate before you fly.

6. Home quarantine — pets are subject to a 40-day home quarantine after arrival. This is served at your residence, not in a facility, but it is a real requirement.

Start this roughly two months out. The 10-day examination window combined with USDA and consular endorsement turnaround is where timelines go wrong. Canadians and other nationalities should verify their own country’s equivalent endorsement chain, as the process differs.

Why is opening a Panamanian bank account so difficult?

Panama’s banking sector applies strict compliance screening, and foreigners are routinely surprised by how much documentation is required. Expect to provide:

• Government-issued identification (passport)

• Proof of income — employment letter, pension statement, or business records

• Proof of address

• A bank reference letter from your existing institution

• A qualifying opening deposit

Minimum opening deposits typically run $1,000–$10,000 for personal accounts, and $5,000–$25,000 or more for corporate accounts, depending on your profile and the bank.

Non-residents can open accounts, but approval depends heavily on your documentation and which bank you approach. Two practical points: banks vary enormously in their appetite for foreign clients, and having local representation — an attorney or an established agency introduction — materially improves your odds. Property owners and residency holders generally have an easier path than pure non-residents.

What about a driver’s licence?

You may drive on your foreign licence for the first 90 days in Panama. Once you become a legal resident, you are expected to obtain a Panamanian licence within 90 days.

The good news: if your home country has a reciprocity agreement with Panama — and most do, including the US and Canada — you exchange your licence without sitting a written test. You will generally need your valid foreign licence, passport with immigration stamp, residency documentation, a blood-type test, and a basic medical/vision check.

Your first 90 days: a working checklist

Should you rent before you buy?

Almost always, yes — and we say that as an agency that sells property. Neighbourhoods in Panama City differ sharply block by block in noise, traffic, walkability, and building quality, and the difference between Coronado, Boquete, and the city is a lifestyle decision you cannot make well from abroad.

Renting for three to six months costs relatively little against a purchase price and consistently produces better buying decisions. Use that window to test commutes, hospital access, and whether the climate in your chosen area actually suits you.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a visa to move to Panama?

Many nationalities can enter as tourists for an initial period, but living there long-term requires residency. The common routes are the Pensionado programme, the Qualified Investor Visa, and the Friendly Nations Visa — see our guides on each.

How long does the 40-day pet quarantine last and where is it served?

It is a 40-day home quarantine served at your residence in Panama, not in a government facility. Plan your arrival accommodation accordingly.

Can I open a Panamanian bank account before I arrive?

Generally not remotely — most banks require an in-person interview. Gather your documentation, particularly the bank reference letter, before you travel.

Is it hard to bring a car to Panama?

Import duties and the registration process make importing a vehicle expensive and slow. Most expats buy locally instead, despite higher sticker prices.

Planning a move and want to see neighbourhoods in person? Book a free consultation — we will build an itinerary around how you actually intend to live.

Sources

• PetTravel — Panama Pet Import Requirements

• Relofirm — How to Open a Panama Bank Account (2026)

• ExpatDen — Getting a Panama Driver’s License (2026)

• GlobalBanks — Panama Bank Account for Foreigners