1. Gather important documents

Have these documents Apostilled by your government within 3 months before applying for a Panama immigration visa, a Panama driver's license, and opening a Panama bank account. Suggested items include:

• Marriage and birth certificates
• Naturalization, passport, proof of citizenship, green card, etc.
• Social security cards
• Vaccination, medical and dental records
• Insurance policies
• Academic records and diplomas
• Employment records
• Proof of residency (utility bills, statement with your name and address, etc.)
• Driver's licenses
• Living will and testament
• Original reference letter from your bank (two banks are highly recommended) addressed to a specific local Panamanian bank and signed by a bank official

An Apostille is an internationally recognized method of authenticating official government-issued documents such as marriage and birth certificates and driver's licenses.

2. Panama Immigration Visas

Do your research to find out which one would be the best fit for you and your family. Panama has various permanent residency programs for entire families, including investors, businessmen, pensioners, job offers, and even for citizens of 50 "friendly nations". These are nations with professional and economic ties with the Republic of Panama. Some of 50 friendly nations for Panamanian visa include Germany, Canada, Republic of Korea, Canada, Great Britain, France, USA, Belgium, and many more. Get an immigration lawyer to learn about more specific immigration visas if necessary.

3. Customs Duty and Taxes

Do research on new vehicles and luxury items you are planning to bring or ship to Panama

4. Vaccination

Do research on types of vaccines needed before relocating to Panama. The U.S Center for Disease Control recommends contacting your doctor to determine what vaccines are necessary depending on your health, vaccination history, and the area in Panama to which you will move. For example, make sure you are up to date with diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT) vaccine, poliovirus vaccine, and routine inoculations for mumps/ measles/ rubella (MMR). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends Hepatitis A vaccine to most travelers because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Panama, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

5. Bring your pets to Panama

Panama requires rabies vaccines and specific forms for your vet and other documents. It may be required that your pet goes into quarantine. Consider giving your pet identification microchip if necessary. Find a pet carrier.

6. International moving and shipping companies

Contact international moving and shipping companies to get a quote for transportation of belongings. It takes approximately a month for goods to arrive, so plan to schedule your shipment accordingly.

7. Vehicle insurance

Ensure you have the correct insurance if you plan to operate a vehicle internationally. Select a vehicle insurance which can be used in Panama.

8. Property insurance

There are international personal property insurance programs that include transit and destination coverage and protections of items damaged during the shipping process. Some insurance providers offer relocation and expat insurance.

9. Medical Insurance

It is advisable that you buy insurance that you buy insurance that covers travel to Panama. However, if you are flying to Panama City's International Airport (Tocumen), there you will receive a brochure explaining Panama's free medical insurance program provided by the government which covers you and your family for the first 30 days. After this period, you can purchase health insurance in Panama.

10. Prescription Medications

If you or a family member takes prescription drugs, acquire additional quantities and a copy of the medical file pertinent to the condition. Keep them in your carry-on bags in case other bags get lost during transit.

11. Bank and Credit Card Accounts

Notify your bank of your relocation so that they won't mistake you for an identity theft fraudster. Also, consider online international banking as it might be convenient for you in terms of making transfer or manage funds between countries.

12. International Driving Permit

This permit must be obtained which should be carried with your original driver's license whenever driving.

13. Cancel Subscriptions

Cancel all newspapers, magazines, or any publication subscriptions which will be mailed to your former address. Consider complete appropriate forms at the post office to ensure your mail is delivered to your new address.

14. VOIP Phone Service

We recommend using VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone service, also known as broadband phone service. It is an affordable communication method for expats to make local, long-distance, and international calls, all included in a monthly fee.

15. Hotel & Flight Reservations

Make appropriate arrangements as soon as you confirm your travel date.

16. Do a research on your new home

Learn about the country's history, culture before moving to make sure you are prepared with necessary knowledge to adapt quickly to your new home. Research the neighborhoods, schools, employment markets, real estate prices, and Panama's expat community for networking.

Contact us for Panama relocation and/or housing consultation, or call us at Panama: (507) 264-5302 or USA: (718) 407-0665.