Freelance/Digital Nomads in Panama

Introduction

Panama during the last few years has become an appealing destination for freelancers and digital nomads due to its strategic location, robust internet infrastructure, and favorable climate.

For a complete guide to relocate yourself as freelancer in Panama read our full article: Freelance/Digital Nomads in Panama

Visa and Residency Options

Panama offers various visa options that may be attractive to digital nomads. Aside from all the various types of visas, Panama has recently issued, decree No. 198 of March 7, 2021, that creates a short-term remote worker visa specifically designed for digital nomads wanting to live and work in Panama temporarily. For this kind of Visa, every applicant (employee or self-employed) must fill out a form issued by the National Migration Service, where the applicant agrees to pay any repatriation costs.

Digital entrepreneurs and Remote employers

This Visa is designed for remote employers working for foreign companies. It is quite easy to apply for this kind of Visa, in particular, you must meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate that the functions of your employment are performed abroad.
• An annual minimum income from a foreign source of $36,000.
• Proof of their income by bank statements, properly authenticated.
• You must fill out a form issued by the National Immigration Service, where the applicant will agree to assume the costs of repatriation if necessary.
• Health Insurance with coverage within Panama and for a time that covers at least the duration of the visa.
• A sworn declaration that the applicant will not accept any job offers in Panama.
• Any further documentation demonstrating details on the position held in the company.

Freelance workers – Self-employed

This Visa is designed for self-employed workers working for foreign companies. Requirements:

• Certificate of existence of the foreign company must establish the place where it is located.
• Proof of their income by bank statements, properly authenticated.
• Health Insurance with a coverage within Panama and for a time that covers at least the duration of the visa.
• Certificate of the company registered abroad duly apostilled.
• A sworn declaration executed before a notary public detailing the company’s commercial relationships with clients, the services provided, the revenue generated from these services, and a description of the company’s business activities and objectives.
• Any further documentation demonstrating details on the position held in the company.

Health Insurance in PanamaIntroduction

Health insurance is one the key elements of Panama’s healthcare architecture, providing residents and expatriates alike access to medical services. In this article, we discuss the type of health insurance available in Panama, the pros and cons they offer, the costs involved, and considerations for choosing the right policy.

For more information read this guide: Health Insurance in Panama

Panama Health System in Brief

The healthcare system in Panama includes both the public sector, which is open to all residents, and the private one, which provides access to care faster and under better conditions. Most doctors and medical practitioners in Panama have been trained internationally, hence the standard of care.

Types of Health Insurance in Panama

1. Public Health Insurance: Provided by the Social Security Fund (Caja de Seguro Social – CSS), is mainly financed by contributions from salaries. It provides comprehensive coverage including hospital stays, doctor visits, and prescriptions. Expatriates employed in Panama are obligated to contribute to this system.
2. Local Private Health Insurance: Private insurance policies in Panama can be acquired from both local and international insurance companies. These policies offer access to the best private hospitals in town, ensuring faster appointments and services. Due to the treatment quality, many people living in Panama prefer to only go to private facilities since they do not rely on public healthcare. The Public sector can be unreliable sometimes because of the high number of patients.
3. International Private Health Insurance: For people who travel frequently or those who reside outside of Panama for an extended time, international health insurance packages give the best flexibility. These policies are typically more expensive but provide coverage worldwide.

Private Health Insurance

Benefits of Private Health Insurance in Panama:

• Quality of Care: Panama’s private clinics and hospitals are high-rated and will provide a level of service comparable to the U.S. or Europe.
• Affordability: Compared to North America and Europe, the price of insurance premiums are relatively cheap.
• Access to Private Healthcare: Health insurance offered by the private sector enables people to stay in private hospitals and clinics, which are usually modern with high-quality facilities and highly skilled staff.
• Fast Service: In contrast with public healthcare, privatized healthcare services provide quicker appointments.

Learn Spanish in Panama City

Spanish is the official language but many Panamanians speak English, especially in the healthcare sector and tourist areas. Learning Spanish can significantly enhance your experience and help you integrate into the community. 

To find tips and the best place to learn Spanish read the full article: Where to Learn Spanish in Panama City

Recommended Spanish Schools in Panama City

Below is a list of the most remarkable schools where you can learn Spanish, each offering unique experiences and programs tailored to different needs and preferences.

• Spanish Panama Language School: A Canadian-Panamanian directed Spanish language school known for its professional and well-educated teachers. They have a 20-year history of successfully teaching Spanish to foreigners and offer a variety of customized Spanish courses for different levels and needs. They also offer salsa dance classes!
• Casco Antiguo Spanish School: Located in the Casco Antiguo neighborhood of Panama City, this school offers lessons for all levels and purposes. It also offers free weekly activities and volunteer programs.
• EPA! Spanish School: With locations in Panama City and Boquete, EPA! offers Spanish language courses alongside special programs that include fun activities for a full immersion into the Hispanic language. 

Learning Spanish in Panama City offers not only language skills but also a deep dive into the local culture, facilitated by a variety of school programs and extracurricular activities.