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Daniela Bohórquez

Daniela Bohórquez has been a writer at Radar Panamá since its launch in 2026. She has lived and worked between Panama, Italy and New York, which gives her a comparative view of how business is done in each market. She writes about travel, tourism, real estate and trends, with special attention to reviews of destinations, hotels, residential projects and services. Her pieces draw on official sources (Panama Tourism Authority, Tocumen, ACP, WTTC) and on her own visits and enquiries.

Credentials

Tourism, real estate and trends writer at Radar Panamá
Based across three markets: Panama, Italy and the United States
Specialty: verified reviews of destinations, hotels, projects and services

Topics

Tourism Medical tourism Real estate & construction Health & wellness Lifestyle

Corrections and enquiries: redaccion@radarpanama.com. All articles follow the editorial policy.

Profiles

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270 Posts

Aarón Gómez answers: where a Panamanian small business with a tight budget should start digital marketing

06

Nov

By Daniela Bohórquez

Interviews, Professional Services & Technology

Aarón Gómez answers: where a Panamanian small business with a tight budget should start digital marketing

In short: Aarón Gómez, a specialist in web positioning and artificial intelligence answers, says a Panamanian small business with a tight budget has no single answer on where to start: it depends on whether people already search for what it sells. If demand exists, his practical order is to claim and complete the Google profile, build one page per service and keep ads for a concrete, measurable offer, with social media last if the business is not visual. Each month, an owner only needs three numbers: how many real inquiries arrived, where they came from and how many became a…

Aarón Gómez answers: how a Panamanian small business can use AI for content without losing credibility

06

Nov

By Daniela Bohórquez

Interviews, Professional Services & Technology

Aarón Gómez answers: how a Panamanian small business can use AI for content without losing credibility

In short: Aarón Gómez, a specialist in web positioning and AI-generated answers (SEO, GEO and AEO), argues that a small business can use AI for the first draft of its content, but that a person with judgment must verify and sign it. His rule: AI speeds up the form, it does not replace judgment or the source. He proposes checking every fact against its source in five steps, anonymizing any customer information before pasting it into a tool, and setting aside two hours a week to answer customers' real questions in writing. According to its documentation, Google evaluates the quality…

Aarón Gómez answers: how to get Google and AI to use your text as the answer

06

Nov

By Daniela Bohórquez

Interviews, Professional Services & Technology

Aarón Gómez answers: how to get Google and AI to use your text as the answer

In short: Aarón Gómez, a specialist in web positioning and artificial intelligence answers, explains that AEO means writing a page so that a search engine or an AI can pull its paragraph as the direct answer. His core rule: the concrete answer goes in the first two lines and the company introduces itself afterwards. He recommends three kinds of structured data (Organization, LocalBusiness and FAQPage) and FAQs built from real customer questions. Radar Panamá checks his answers against Google's documentation: the FAQ rich result is now shown only to well-known government and health sites, and traffic from AI answers is…

Aarón Gómez answers: how to check if AI mentions your business

06

Nov

By Daniela Bohórquez

Interviews, Professional Services & Technology

Aarón Gómez answers: how to check if AI mentions your business

In short: a Panamanian business owner can check in ten minutes, with no paid tools, whether ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot mention their business: ask each of them five questions a real customer would ask, note where the business appears and repeat the exercise every two weeks. That is the method described by Aarón Gómez, a specialist in web ranking and AI answers with 8 years of experience, in a written interview with Radar Panamá. His thesis: GEO is not a separate discipline with new tricks but well-done SEO with a focus on clarity and structure. Google, for its part, says…

Aarón Gómez answers: why your website brings no clients and what to do first

06

Nov

By Daniela Bohórquez

Interviews, Professional Services & Technology

Aarón Gómez answers: why your website brings no clients and what to do first

In short: according to Aarón Gómez, a web positioning specialist, the first thing that goes wrong when a Panamanian business website brings no clients is that it does not show up when someone searches for what the business sells, even if it does show up for the company name. His diagnosis starts with indexing in Google Search Console and with whether there is one page for each service. His range, which he presents as his own experience and not as published data, is 2 to 4 months for the first signals and 6 to 12 months for consolidated results. And…

How much energy and water does artificial intelligence use: verified figures

05

Nov

By Daniela Bohórquez

How much energy and water does artificial intelligence use: verified figures

In short: A text query to an AI assistant can use anywhere from 0.24 Wh, the median Google measured for Gemini, to more than 29 Wh in the most power-hungry models of an academic study. The gap comes from what gets counted, which model is measured and what task is asked. Data centers worldwide used about 415 TWh in 2024, 1.5% of global electricity, and the International Energy Agency projects about 945 TWh in 2030. For water, figures range from 0.26 ml to 45 ml per query depending on the scope of the measurement. Contents of this guide The key…

El Valle de Antón from Panama City: how to get there, what to do and when to go

05

Nov

By Daniela Bohórquez

El Valle de Antón from Panama City: how to get there, what to do and when to go

In short: El Valle de Antón is about 2.5 hours from Panama City, according to the Tourism Authority, and can be reached by car along the Pan-American Highway to Las Uvas or by direct bus from the Albrook Grand Terminal, platform 48. Inside the crater of an inactive volcano there are trails, hot springs, a Sunday market and the El Níspero zoo. The climate is mild, and the dry season, December to April, is the most comfortable for hiking. Contents of this guide How to get there from Panama City Trails and La India Dormida Hot springs, market and wildlife…

Things to do with kids in Panama City during the year-end school holidays

04

Nov

By Daniela Bohórquez

Things to do with kids in Panama City during the year-end school holidays

In short: For year-end school holidays with kids in Panama City there are museums, a nature park and outdoor spaces, each with hours and entry fees published by the site itself. The Biomuseo and the Canal Museum charge resident children B/. 6.00 and B/. 2.50, and Metropolitan Natural Park keeps its trails open every day, holidays included. The third school term ends on 11 December 2026, according to Radar's school calendar. Contents of this guide When the holidays start Places, hours and fees Museums Parks and outdoors Planning a day Myths and facts Frequently asked questions Sources When children's year-end…

November movie releases in Panama: films, dates and where to watch them

04

Nov

By Daniela Bohórquez

November movie releases in Panama: films, dates and where to watch them

In short: November movie releases in Panama start on Thursday, November 5, with The Cat in the Hat, Wild Horse Nine, Pinocchio Unstrung and the Rocky re-release at Cinemark, plus Godzilla Minus Zero on Cinépolis's list. The biggest title of the month is The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping, on November 19. Cinemark also schedules the Stray Kids concert screening on Saturday, November 7. Dates can change, and each week's schedule is confirmed week by week. Contents of this guide November release calendar The films people are talking about Where to watch and how to confirm a showing What…

Nature parks near Panama City: hours, entrance and trails

04

Nov

By Daniela Bohórquez

Nature parks near Panama City: hours, entrance and trails

In short: The nature parks closest to Panama City are the Metropolitan Natural Park, the Cerro Ancón Natural Reserve, Soberanía National Park and Camino de Cruces National Park. The Metropolitan opens its trails every day, from 7:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with entry of 2 dollars for national and resident adults and 5 dollars for foreigners. Cerro Ancón receives visitors from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For Soberanía and Camino de Cruces, the Ministry of Environment runs an online reservation system, and no amounts appear on the pages consulted. Contents of this guide Which ones and how to choose Hours…

Panamanian Football League: standings, playoffs, schedule and where to watch

04

Nov

By Daniela Bohórquez

Panamanian Football League: standings, playoffs, schedule and where to watch

In short: The Panamanian Football League (LPF) is in the final stretch of the Apertura regular season. As of 4 November, after 14 of 16 rounds, Plaza Amador leads the East Conference with 33 points and San Francisco leads the West with 26. Round 15 is played on 6 and 7 November. Under the initial calendar reported by La Prensa, the playoffs are on 14 and 15 November, the semifinals between 21 and 27 November, and the final on 5 December. TVMAX and TVN Pass broadcast matches, and RPC at least one in round 15. Contents of this note Where…

November 3 and 4 parades in Panama: routes, schedule and street closures

28

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

November 3 and 4 parades in Panama: routes, schedule and street closures

In short: Updated on October 28, 2026. As of this date, the official schedule published is Panama City's: parades on Tuesday, November 3 at 9:00 a.m. and Wednesday, November 4 at 8:00 a.m., on two routes (Casco Antiguo and Vía España), with closures from 6:00 a.m. Coclé, Herrera, Los Santos and Veraguas canceled theirs. For November 5 in Colón, November 10 and November 28, no schedule is confirmed. Contents Which parades and what time Routes and participants Street closures and detours Safety and live coverage Other November parades Is November 4 a holiday? FAQ Sources Which parades take place on…

Inverter or conventional air conditioning for a commercial space in Panama

27

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Inverter or conventional air conditioning for a commercial space in Panama

In short: An inverter air conditioner uses a variable-speed compressor, while a conventional one uses a fixed-speed compressor that switches on and off. According to ENERGY STAR, the variable-speed type runs slower and more efficiently under a light load, but loses that advantage if the unit is undersized. None of the official sources consulted publishes a savings percentage for a space in Panama, so the decision is made unit by unit. Contents of this guide How each technology works Reading efficiency What Panama regulates Maintenance and service life Which unit you have and what a survey decides Myths and facts…

Power of attorney in Panama: types, granting it from abroad and the apostille

27

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Companies

Power of attorney in Panama: types, granting it from abroad and the apostille

In short: A power of attorney in Panama is the mandate that one person grants before a notary so that another can act on their behalf, and it can be general or special. From abroad it is signed before a local notary or a Panamanian consul and arrives apostilled or authenticated. Panama has been party to the Hague Apostille Convention since 4 August 1991. The Civil Code sets no general term: a power lasts until it is revoked or ends. Contents of this guide What it is and before whom it is granted Types of power How it is granted…

Air conditioning maintenance in banks and financial branches in Panama

21

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioning maintenance in banks and financial branches in Panama

In short: Air conditioning maintenance for banks and financial branches in Panama is easiest to run under a single contract built site by site, with one report per branch. No Panamanian HVAC rule applies to banking, but the Superintendency of Banks' Agreement 11-2018 requires every bank to keep a business continuity plan, and a branch's cooling equipment is part of the infrastructure that plan has to protect. The starting point is an asset survey that records what equipment each site has and which units are critical. Climatiza Panamá serves the Bank Area (Área Bancaria) with a dedicated page. Last verified:…

Air conditioning maintenance for shops in shopping centers in Panama: what to check and who is responsible

21

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioning maintenance for shops in shopping centers in Panama: what to check and who is responsible

In short: Air conditioning maintenance for a shop in a shopping center in Panama depends on where the line falls between the center's system and the tenant's unit, and that line is set by the lease, not by an air conditioning standard, because no specific one was found. Panama's leasing law requires the landlord to make the repairs needed to keep the property and its installations fit for use, but it allows exclusions by decree. For the shop's own unit, the ASHRAE preventive maintenance checklist works as a voluntary technical reference: filters, drains, coils and a written report. Last verified:…

Air conditioning in universities and schools in Panama: classrooms, maintenance and the school calendar

21

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioning in universities and schools in Panama: classrooms, maintenance and the school calendar

In short: Air conditioning maintenance in schools and universities in Panama is best organized around the breaks in the school calendar, the only times when classrooms, laboratories and auditoriums are empty. The Meduca calendar sets three terms with a one-week student break between them and a close in December. The US EPA describes preventive HVAC maintenance as an early warning system and proposes a written plan with inspections, filters, grilles and drains. The starting point is an equipment inventory for each building, with work assigned to each break. Last verified: 21 October 2026. Every fact links to its official source.…

Air conditioning in theaters, auditoriums and event halls in Panama: comfort with a full house

21

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioning in theaters, auditoriums and event halls in Panama: comfort with a full house

In short: Air conditioning for theaters and auditoriums in Panama is planned around a single variable, the audience: an empty hall and a full one are two different buildings in thermal terms. Comfort therefore depends on cooling and dehumidifying before people walk in, on keeping the equipment able to respond when the house fills up, and on scheduling maintenance for the off-season. Panama has no specific air conditioning standard for performance venues; the available references are public EPA guidance and the ASHRAE 62.1 technical standard, cited here only as a non-mandatory reference. Last verified: 20 October 2026. Every fact links…

Air conditioning in gyms and sports centers in Panama: humidity, odors and maintenance

21

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioning in gyms and sports centers in Panama: humidity, odors and maintenance

In short: Gym HVAC and ventilation in Panama deals with more heat and water vapor than an office does, because people exercising, locker rooms and showers add moisture all day. When the unit cools but does not control that moisture, the result is a stuffy smell, condensation on cold surfaces and filters that clog sooner. The EPA recommends keeping relative humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%. Clean condensate pans, up-to-date filters and a reviewed ventilation setup are the core of maintenance. Last verified: 21 October 2026. Every fact links to its official source. Contents of this guide Why…

Air conditioning and duct cleaning in call centers in Panama: maintenance for an office that rarely shuts down

21

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioning and duct cleaning in call centers in Panama: maintenance for an office that rarely shuts down

In short: Call center HVAC maintenance in Panama revolves around one condition: the floor is almost never empty, so inspections are spread across units or sections instead of done all at once. The EPA's building air quality guide explains that more occupants, more lighting or heat-producing equipment such as computers change the cooling load of an area. In practice that calls for a preventive calendar, filters and drains kept current, and CO2, humidity and temperature readings taken in mid-afternoon. No Panamanian thermal comfort standard for offices was found; ASHRAE is used only as a non-mandatory technical reference. Last verified: 21…

Air conditioning maintenance in stores and supermarkets in Panama: how often and how to save energy

21

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioning maintenance in stores and supermarkets in Panama: how often and how to save energy

In short: Air conditioning maintenance in stores and supermarkets in Panama has no frequency set by law: operating hours, surroundings and how critical each unit is decide it. The US Department of Energy's operations and maintenance guide estimates that a preventive program saves 12% to 18% over waiting for equipment to fail. To cut the power bill without losing comfort, clean filters and coils, sensible schedules and well-set thermostats count for more than new equipment. In the contract, what matters is having in writing what gets checked and which report is delivered. Last verified: 21 October 2026. Every figure links…

Why does the office air conditioning smell damp? Causes and what to check

20

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Why does the office air conditioning smell damp? Causes and what to check

In short: An office air conditioner smells damp almost always because of standing water or damp dirt in the condensate pan, the coil, the filters or the ducts. The EPA recommends keeping relative humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%, and HVAC drip pans clean and unobstructed. The office can check accessible filters, leaks and humidity with a hygrometer without opening the unit. If the smell persists, a technician is the next step. Last verified: 20 October 2026. Every fact links to its official source. Contents of this guide Common causes Symptom, cause and next step Recommended humidity What…

Predictive air conditioning maintenance in hotels in Panama: what is measured and how often

20

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Predictive air conditioning maintenance in hotels in Panama: what is measured and how often

In short: Predictive maintenance decides when to act based on the measured condition of each unit, not on the calendar. The US Department of Energy's operations and maintenance guide defines it as measurements that detect the onset of degradation and estimates savings of 8% to 12% over a preventive-only program. In a hotel, that means tracking a few variables per unit, such as temperatures, current, pressures and drain status, and watching room humidity. The starting point is an organized equipment inventory with history. Last verified: 20 October 2026. Every figure links to its official source. Contents of this guide Corrective,…

Student Visa in Panama: Study Permit, Requirements and Validity

19

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Student Visa in Panama: Study Permit, Requirements and Validity

In short: A foreigner who will study full time in Panama needs the temporary permit for education reasons issued by the National Immigration Service (SNM), often called a student visa. It is granted for one year and can be extended up to six, according to Executive Decree 3 of 2026. While it is in force, working is prohibited, except for the professional practice and internships that the school requires. Anyone who accumulates more than six years of study can move to a permanent residence subcategory created in February 2026. Last verified: 19 October 2026. Every fact links to its official…

Residence Permit for Professionals in Panama With a University Degree

19

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Residence Permit for Professionals in Panama With a University Degree

In short: The professional residence permit is a category of Panama's National Immigration Service for foreigners who hold a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, as long as the profession is not reserved to Panamanians by the Constitution or by law. The official form asks for the usual immigration documents, the degree apostilled or authenticated and, for a foreign degree, a homologation certificate. A provisional permit comes first, and the permanent one can be requested afterwards. Professions with their own law, such as engineering, architecture or health, also require their own licence. Last verified: 19 October 2026. Every fact links to…

Directors and Officers of a Panama Corporation: Duties and Liability

19

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Directors and Officers of a Panama Corporation: Duties and Liability

In short: Panama's Law 32 of 1927 requires a Board of Directors of at least three adults and a president, a secretary and a treasurer elected by that board. Directors do not have to be shareholders, and the law sets no nationality or residence for them. One person can hold several officer posts if the articles of incorporation or bylaws allow it, but the three directors must be different people. Liability toward creditors appears in article 64 and is limited to specific cases. Last verified: 19 October 2026. Every fact links to its official source. Contents of this guide How…

Mini Storage in Panama City: Which Branch Is Closest

16

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Mini Storage in Panama City: Which Branch Is Closest

In short: Supreme Storage has four mini storage branches in Panama City: Costa del Este (Ave. Marina del Norte), Paitilla (Calle Ramón H. Jurado), Vía Brasil (next to the IDAAN) and Bella Vista (Calle 41 Este). According to the company website, all of them offer climate-controlled facilities, 24-hour security, humidity and pest control, covered parking and the same sizes, from 2 m² to more than 100 m². The practical choice depends on proximity to home or office and on the hours. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide The four branches compared Costa del Este Paitilla Vía Brasil Bella…

Houses for Sale in Panamá Norte: What to Compare Before Choosing

16

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Houses for Sale in Panamá Norte: What to Compare Before Choosing

In short: Comparing houses for sale in Panamá Norte comes down to access, lot size, the urban setting, the horizontal property regime and the state of construction. According to Green Valley's website, its house offering is PH Mar Mediterráneo, with three models on single-family lots of at least 400 m². Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide Panamá Norte and how to get there The three PH Mar Mediterráneo models The setting Green Valley describes What to compare between developments PH regime, fees and permits Steps before reserving Financing Frequently asked questions Sources Panamá Norte and how to get…

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim Step by Step

15

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

How to File a Travel Insurance Claim Step by Step

In short: Filing a travel insurance claim starts before the claim itself: in an emergency, local emergency services are called first and the assistance center second. Then come keeping original invoices and medical reports, filing the claim and waiting for an answer. According to the ASSA Travel website, claims analysts respond within the following 10 days. If the insurer does not resolve it, there is a route through the Superintendency of Insurance and Reinsurance. Information read in October 2026. Contents of this guide The right order Before the trip During the emergency Afterwards: documents and claim If the claim is…

Permanent Residency in Panama: From Provisional to Permanent

15

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Permanent Residency in Panama: From Provisional to Permanent

In short: In several residency routes, Panama's National Immigration Service first grants a two-year provisional permit and, once that period has passed, the foreigner can apply for permanent residency with the same requirements as the initial application, except the criminal record certificate and the cheques. The card is issued by Immigration, and the optional cédula E by the Electoral Tribunal. Official Immigration forms reviewed in October 2026; fees and requirements should be confirmed with the institution before filing. Contents of this guide From provisional to permanent: the two-year rule How long the provisional lasts by route Steps to apply for…

Moving in Panama: When a Storage Unit Makes Sense

15

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Moving in Panama: When a Storage Unit Makes Sense

In short: A storage unit makes sense when there is a gap between two stages of a move: an apartment handed over unfurnished, a new house that is not ready yet, a renovation that forces rooms to be emptied, or leaving the country with an uncertain return. According to the Supreme Storage website, these are the cases its mini storage units are meant for, with contracts for individuals starting at one month. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide When a storage unit makes sense The most common cases Which size for which move How to organise the move…

The Diplomat, season 4: review of two marriages on the edge of collapse

15

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Shows

The Diplomat, season 4: review of two marriages on the edge of collapse

In short: The fourth season of The Diplomat arrives complete on Netflix on 15 October, with eight episodes, according to Netflix Tudum. It picks up where it left off: Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) discovers that her husband, Hal, and President Grace Penn are involved in the theft of a Russian weapon. My take: it is not only politics, it is a drama about two marriages on the edge of collapse, and this season is more intense, twisted and thrilling than the earlier ones. Series details LeadKeri Russell (Kate Wyler)CastRufus Sewell (Hal Wyler), Allison Janney (Grace Penn) and Bradley Whitford (Todd…

Schools in Panamá Norte: What There Is and How to Choose

15

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Schools in Panamá Norte: What There Is and How to Choose

In short: Panamá Norte has both public and private schools, and inside Green Valley sits the Metropolitan School of Panama (MET), a private school with an International Baccalaureate curriculum taught in English. According to the school's website, it serves ages 3 to 18. For any private school, the Organic Education Law works as a checklist: authorization from the Ministry of Education, approved curricula and school type. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide What there is in Panamá Norte The school inside Green Valley What the law requires of a private school How to choose, step by step Commute…

Used Car History in Panama: Debts, Plate Status and Claims

14

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Used Car History in Panama: Debts, Plate Status and Claims

In short: A used car's history in Panama does not come from a single report: it is built from several checks. The Panama City Mayor's Office lets owners look up plate status and vehicle obligations, the law requires the previous municipality's clearance for second-hand cars, and the transfer asks for the current-year inspection certificate. According to the ASSA Market website, the "Buen historial" badge means the car has no reported claims in its last 5 years insured with ASSA. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide What makes up a car's history Panama City Mayor's Office lookups What the…

Receding Gums: Causes and When a Graft Is Needed

14

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Health & Wellness

Receding Gums: Causes and When a Graft Is Needed

In short: Gum recession is the pulling back of the tissue that covers the tooth root: the root is exposed and the tooth looks longer. Associated factors include age, hygiene, brushing technique and force, bite interferences and each person's anatomy. Not every recession needs surgery. When it is treated, a gum graft is one of the procedures that cover exposed roots and, according to the periodontics page of Dental Life Panamá, the periodontist decides after the diagnosis. Contents of this guide What gum recession is Causes and associated factors When treatment is needed What a gum graft is and what…

Installing Air Conditioning in a Business in Panama: Seven Stages

14

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Installing Air Conditioning in a Business in Panama: Seven Stages

In short: installing air conditioning in a commercial space in Panama is a seven-stage project and not just buying a unit. According to the Climatiza website, the stages run from the site survey and thermal load calculation to the technical proposal, execution, commissioning, documented handover and follow-up. The two that weigh most, according to the company, are the load calculation and the handover with drawings and a maintenance plan. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide The short answer The seven stages, one by one What kind of project it is What a technical proposal should include Installation errors…

Setting Up a Technology Company in a Panama Free Zone: Steps

13

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Setting Up a Technology Company in a Panama Free Zone: Steps

In short: a technology company sets up in a Panama free zone with an established company license, which the National Free Zones Commission approves within a maximum of ninety days under Law 32 of 2011. The path runs through choosing the activity category, holding the zone promoter's certification, filing the application through a lawyer with the study and documents required by Executive Decree 62 of 2017, and then meeting the investment and employment deadlines. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide Which category fits a technology company The steps, in order Who does what After the license Foreign staff…

In-House or Outsourced Payroll in Panama: Which Fits Which Company

13

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

In-House or Outsourced Payroll in Panama: Which Fits Which Company

In short: in-house payroll suits companies with few employees, stable processes and someone trained in labor law; outsourced payroll suits those with several pay modalities, work peaks or a risk of errors with the social security fund (CSS) and the tax authority (DGI). In both cases the company remains the employer and must review what is filed. One legal distinction matters: outsourcing payroll calculation is not the same as outsourcing staff, and Panama's Labor Code regulates the latter with joint liability. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide Two different things: outsourcing payroll and outsourcing staff In-house versus outsourced…

Panama Social Security Fund: Payments, Contributions, Appointments

13

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama Social Security Fund: Payments, Contributions, Appointments

In short: updated on 13 October 2026. The surge of interest in the Social Security Fund has a verifiable cause: the earthquake of Friday 9 October damaged the institution's facilities, and the CSS announced a 90-day plan to keep medical care and pension payments going. According to Telemetro, the next payments to retirees and pensioners are Monday 19 October by bank transfer (ACH) and Tuesday 20 October by cheque. Contributions are checked in Mi Caja Digital, and appointments now depend on which facilities remain open. Contents of this guide What changed: the earthquake and the 90-day plan Payments to retirees…

Concerts in Panama in January and February: Festivals, Tickets

13

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

Concerts in Panama in January and February: Festivals, Tickets

In short: As of October 13, 2026, the music event with a confirmed date, venue and ticket seller for January 2027 in Panama is the Panama Jazz Festival, running January 14 to 16, with a gala by Paquito D'Rivera and Danilo Pérez on January 14 at the Teatro Ateneo. No concerts have an open listing for February 2027 on the ticket sites checked. A "Pachanga Latin Fest" in Panama with a date or ticket sale could not be found either. This guide covers only what is confirmed and does not repeat the concerts left in 2026 calendar. Contents of this…

Cyber Monday in Panama: When It Is and How to Shop Safely

13

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

Cyber Monday in Panama: When It Is and How to Shop Safely

In short: Cyber Monday 2026 falls on Monday, November 30, three days after Black Friday on Friday, November 27. It is the online sales day and, as of October 13, 2026, there is no nationwide announcement with official dates. Online purchases fall under the same rules of Law 45 of 2007 on advertising, price, invoices and warranty, but there is no general right to return something just because the buyer changed their mind. In this guide When Cyber Monday is in Panama How it differs from Black Friday Which Panamanian stores announce it How to shop online safely Consumer rights…

Christmas in Panama: Parades, Lights and Events With Dates

13

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

Christmas in Panama: Parades, Lights and Events With Dates

In short: Panama City's Christmas season officially opens on Sunday, December 6, 2026, with the tree lighting at Mirador Pacífico on the Cinta Costera, and the Christmas parade follows on Saturday, December 12, along the same waterfront rather than on Calle 50. The Panama City Mayor's Office announced both on October 7, 2026, as part of the City of Star 2026 International Christmas Festival. Checked on October 13, 2026; start times have not been published. What this guide covers The confirmed dates The festival calendar in one table Where the lights go on The parade on the Cinta Costera Outside…

Panama December Holidays: Dates, Long Weekends and What Closes

13

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

Panama December Holidays: Dates, Long Weekends and What Closes

In short: December 2026 has four mandatory rest days in Panama: Tuesday the 8th (Mother's Day), Sunday the 20th (national mourning), Monday the 21st (the 20th carried over because it falls on a Sunday) and Friday the 25th (Christmas). The 24th and the 31st, both Thursdays, are not holidays. The long weekends that come automatically run from Saturday the 19th to Monday the 21st and from Friday the 25th to Sunday the 27th. As of October 13, 2026, no decree makes Monday the 7th a day off and turns the 8th into a bridge. Updated in October 2026. Contents of…

University in Panama with a Foreign High School Diploma: Requirements

13

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

University in Panama with a Foreign High School Diploma: Requirements

In short: a high school graduate from abroad who wants to enter a university in Panama needs, besides ID, the secondary diploma and transcripts apostilled, the Certificate of Revalidation from the Ministry of Education (MEDUCA) and, if the documents are not in Spanish, a translation by an authorized public translator. That is what the Universidad Latina de Panamá website details. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide Which documents are asked for In what order they are processed What MEDUCA revalidation is Apostille and translation Extra requirements for health programs Mistakes that delay admission Frequently asked questions Sources Which…

Travel Insurance for Older Adults: Age Limit and Pre-existing Illness

13

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Travel Insurance for Older Adults: Age Limit and Pre-existing Illness

In short: according to the ASSA Travel website, the travel insurance accepts insured people from 6 months to 80 years old; from 71 to 80 a surcharge applies and the medical expense coverage drops to 50% of the plan amount. The general conditions define a pre-existing condition with a 2-year window for treatment and symptoms and a 5-year window for hospitalizations or surgery. The US CDC recommends that people over 75 start looking for specialized policies early. Updated October 2026. Contents of this guide Maximum age and what changes from 71 Table by age bracket How much is left in…

Living Next to Golf in Panama: The Reserve and Bosco di Santa María

13

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Living Next to Golf in Panama: The Reserve and Bosco di Santa María

In short: Santa María is an urban community in Panama City with an 18-hole golf course designed by Nicklaus Design and managed by Troon Golf, according to its official website. Within that setting, Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP) offers The Reserve, with 2 to 4 bedroom apartments and townhomes facing the course, and Bosco di Santa María, with villas, apartments and penthouses from 100 to 478 m². Updated in October 2026: models, stage and availability are confirmed with GLP. Contents of this guide The Reserve, Bosco and Oceana in one table The Santa María community and its golf course The Reserve:…

Apostille and Official Translation of Documents for Panama: Guide

12

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Apostille and Official Translation of Documents for Panama: Guide

In short: A foreign public document to be used in Panama is apostilled in the country that issued it, if that country is a party to the 1961 Hague Convention, and is translated into Spanish when it is in another language. Panama has been a party since August 4, 1991. Updated in October 2026. If the country of origin is not a party, the route goes through consular legalization. In the other direction, a Panamanian document for use abroad is apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MIRE), with an online request for the electronic apostille. Contents of this guide…

Business Warehouse in Panama: Inventory, Dock and Contracts

12

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Business Warehouse in Panama: Inventory, Dock and Contracts

In short: a commercial warehouse in Panama is chosen on four things: the size the inventory needs, how goods are loaded and unloaded, the conditions inside and the contract term. According to the Supreme Storage commercial solutions page, the company offers flexible space in Vía Brasil, Bella Vista, Costa del Este and Paitilla, with a level dock for cars, vans and 20 and 40 foot containers, and 6, 12 and 24 month plans. Contents of this guide What to look at first in a commercial warehouse Size by type of inventory Dock, unloading and equipment 6, 12 and 24 month…

RM3, C1 and C2 Zoning in Panama: What Can Be Built on Each Lot

12

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Real Estate & Construction

RM3, C1 and C2 Zoning in Panama: What Can Be Built on Each Lot

In short: A zoning code such as RM3, C1 or C2 sets what a lot can be used for and how intensively: high-rise residential, retail or services. In Panama it is assigned and certified by the Ministry of Housing and Territorial Planning (MIVIOT). Green Valley describes five lot types for developers on its website, with surface areas from 1,000 to 4,500 square meters depending on the code. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide What a zoning code is Green Valley's codes, one by one RM3 and RM3-C2: high-rise buildings C1 and C2: retail and services How to check…

Vacation in Panama: How Many Days Are Owed and How They Are Paid

12

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

Vacation in Panama: How Many Days Are Owed and How They Are Paid

In short: In Panama, every worker is entitled to paid annual leave of thirty days for each eleven continuous months of work, at one day for every eleven days of service, under article 54 of the Labor Code. If the relationship ends before the period is completed, the proportional days are paid in cash. The pay equals one month of salary, calculated on the average of the last eleven months when the pay includes commissions or other variable amounts. Updated in October 2026 using the text that includes reforms up to Law 44 of 1995. Contents of this guide How…

Used Car Inspection in Panama: What Gets Checked

11

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Used Car Inspection in Panama: What Gets Checked

In short: the inspection of a used car in Panama can mean the mandatory vehicle check or an extra workshop review. According to the ASSA Market website, its inspection is optional, takes 15 to 30 minutes, covers ten vehicle systems and is carried out only by workshops authorized by the platform. Once the report is correct and sent, the Inspected badge appears on the listing within 24 to 48 hours. Updated October 2026. In this guide Two checks that are not the same The ten systems it covers How the badge is obtained What to ask the workshop When it…

Dentures or Implants: What Changes and When an Overdenture Fits

11

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Health & Wellness

Dentures or Implants: What Changes and When an Overdenture Fits

In short: A conventional denture rests on the gum and is taken out for cleaning; an overdenture is also removable but is fixed to implants; and a fixed prosthesis on implants is not removed. In 2002 the McGill consensus proposed the mandibular overdenture on two implants as the first-choice treatment for people with no teeth in the lower jaw. A 2022 review in Periodontology 2000 cites five-year survival of 97.1% for fixed prostheses on implants and 95% to 100% for overdentures. Updated in October 2026. Radar Panamá infographic with the article's comparison at a glance. Download infographic (PNG) Contents of…

BTU per Square Meter: Why It Is Not Enough to Size Air Conditioning

11

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

BTU per Square Meter: Why It Is Not Enough to Size Air Conditioning

In short: a BTU per square meter figure gives a first idea, but it cannot decide the equipment for a commercial space. According to the Climatiza website, correct sizing is calculated on the real conditions of the site and not on square meters, and an oversized unit starts and stops constantly. Guidance from the US Department of Energy and ENERGY STAR agrees: excess capacity leaves the space cold and damp. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide The short answer What drives the cooling load besides floor area A worked example and why it does not carry over to…

Panama Free Zone License: Requirements by License Type

11

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama Free Zone License: Requirements by License Type

In short: Panama's free zone regime is organized around three licenses: promoter, operator and established company. Law 32 of 2011 creates them and the National Free Zones Commission, attached to the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI), approves them. Their requirements are detailed in Executive Decree 62 of 2017. Whoever promotes a zone needs at least two hectares and an investment of no less than 250,000 balboas, and a company that wants to set up inside needs a certification from the promoter of that zone. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide The three licenses and who grants each…

Online Degrees in Panama: What Is Offered and How to Verify Approval

10

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Online Degrees in Panama: What Is Offered and How to Verify Approval

In short: an online degree in Panama is checked by reading the resolution that approves it and the university's status with the National Council for University Evaluation and Accreditation (CONEAUPA). According to its website, Universidad Latina de Panamá lists six online bachelor's degrees and two online master's programs, each with a resolution from the Technical Commission for Academic Development (CTDA). Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide Which online degrees are listed How to check that a degree is approved CTDA and CONEAUPA: what each one does What to review before enrolling Common mistakes Frequently asked questions Sources Which…

Travel Insurance for Europe from Panama: When It Is Required

10

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Travel Insurance for Europe from Panama: When It Is Required

In short: Panamanians do not need a visa for stays of under 90 days in the Schengen area, and according to the European Union Delegation to Panama medical insurance of 30,000 euros or more is a recommendation, not an entry requirement. The figure becomes mandatory for anyone applying for a short-stay visa, under article 15 of the Visa Code. The ETIAS authorization is not yet running and, as of this writing, no start date is confirmed. Updated October 2026. Contents of this guide When it is required and when it is recommended Visa, ETIAS and insurance: what applies to each…

Beach Houses Near Panama City: Playa Caracol, Playa Dorada and Bayside

10

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Beach Houses Near Panama City: Playa Caracol, Playa Dorada and Bayside

In short: Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP) lists three projects on its website with houses or townhouses near the sea: The Tides at Playa Caracol (Chame), Playa Dorada (Vacamonte) and Bayside. According to the official project pages, Bayside is 20 km from Panama City, Playa Dorada about 30 minutes from downtown and Playa Caracol more than 70 km away. All three mention a beach club and round-the-clock security. Updated in October 2026: unit type, availability and stage of each project should be confirmed with GLP, because the pages are general. Contents of this guide The three projects in one table The…

Resident Agent in Panama: What It Does, the Law and How to Choose

10

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Resident Agent in Panama: What It Does, the Law and How to Choose

In short: The resident agent of a Panamanian company is the lawyer, or law firm, that the company appoints to meet the obligations Panamanian law assigns to that role. One of them is registering the company and its beneficial owners in the system run by the Superintendency of Non-Financial Subjects (SSNF). Updated in October 2026. Before hiring one, it is worth checking that the agent is a licensed lawyer or law firm, that it is registered with the SSNF, and which data and documents it will ask the company for each year. Contents of this guide What it is and…

Air conditioning by the sea in Panama: how salt air attacks equipment and what to do

09

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Air conditioning by the sea in Panama: how salt air attacks equipment and what to do

In short: salt air attacks the aluminum fins and joints of the outdoor air conditioning coil. Manufacturers such as Lennox, Carrier, Trane and Daikin describe it as corrosion and offer specific protections. In the districts of Panama and San Miguelito, annual average relative humidity is 75.7%, according to official data. No source sets a risk distance for Panama: in its condensing unit installation guide, Trane asks for a coastal kit at one mile or less from the sea, and Carrier warns that salt can travel up to two miles inland. Contents of this guide What salt does to the equipment…

Luxury Apartments in Panama: A Comparison of GLP Projects

08

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Luxury Apartments in Panama: A Comparison of GLP Projects

In short: Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP) presents five high-profile residential projects in Panama City on its website: Oceana, The Reserve, Ocean House and Bosco di Santa María, all inside Santa María Golf & Country Club, plus Ocean Reef Islands, on the bay. There is no official definition of a "luxury apartment," so this guide compares what each official page states in writing (area, unit type, views, amenities and security) and offers criteria for deciding. It includes no prices and ranks nothing: availability for each project must be confirmed with GLP. In this guide Five GLP projects in Panama City A…

08

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

Documents to Open a Bank Account in Panama as a Foreigner: Checklist by Profile

In short: A foreigner opening a personal account in Panama presents, at a minimum, a valid passport (or a cédula E or permanent resident card, if already a resident), a tax identification number, and a document showing where income comes from. That is what Agreement 1-2026 of the Superintendency of Banks sets. Each bank adds its own items: bank or personal references, forms and, in some cases, a link to Panama. Apostille and official translation depend on where each document was issued and on what the bank asks for. Checked on October 8, 2026. Contents of this checklist What banks…

Air duct cleaning in Panama: when it is due and how to check it was done right

07

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air duct cleaning in Panama: when it is due and how to check it was done right

In short: air ducts are cleaned when an inspection justifies it, not on a calendar. NADCA's ACR standard (NADCA) lists accumulated particles, odors, visible dirt, mold, pests, water or smoke damage and fire risk as reasons. The EPA, in its home guide, does not recommend routine cleaning. A well-done service starts and ends with an inspection and is delivered with written and visual records. In restaurant kitchens, NFPA 96 sets how often to inspect exhaust ducts. Contents of this guide When cleaning is due How to check it was done right Restaurant kitchens The Climatiza Panamá process Frequently asked questions…

Which Online Store AI Recommends in Panama: 10 Shopping Questions

07

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Companies, Rankings

Which Online Store AI Recommends in Panama: 10 Shopping Questions

In short: On October 7, 2026, Radar Panamá put 10 shopping questions to ChatGPT, each in a fresh conversation and in Spanish. ChatGPT named 16 stores and platforms across 9 of the 10 answers. Novey appeared in 3 answers; Rodelag, Panafoto, Félix, Do it Center and Riba Smith in 2 each; the other 10 appeared once. On delivery apps and customer service, ChatGPT said there is no single winner and no official ranking. No store paid to appear, and the study measures visibility to AI, not quality. Contents of this study How it was done What ChatGPT recommended for each…

Carrie by Mike Flanagan on Prime Video: review of an adaptation that hurts because it is current

07

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Shows

Carrie by Mike Flanagan on Prime Video: review of an adaptation that hurts because it is current

In short: Carrie is the new adaptation of Stephen King's novel that Mike Flanagan releases on Prime Video on 7 October, with all eight episodes available at once, according to EntertainmentNow. Summer H. Howell plays Carrie White. It has less horror than you might expect and, in exchange, a sharp social portrait of bullying in the social media age. My take: the wait was worth it. Series details CreatorMike Flanagan, from Stephen King's novelLeadSummer H. Howell (Carrie White)CastSamantha Sloyan (Margaret White) and Matthew Lillard, among othersEpisodes8, all available at onceRelease7 October on Prime Video Date, format and cast details according…

Panama Visas: What Is Needed to Enter, to Stay and to Reside

07

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama Visas: What Is Needed to Enter, to Stay and to Reside

In short: Panama has three different permissions that people often mix up: the one that allows entry (an entry visa or an exemption, depending on nationality), a temporary stay as a tourist or visitor, which under the rules does not exceed 90 days, and residency, which is granted under a specific category of the National Migration Service. Holding the first does not give the second or the third. This guide sorts out the three layers and summarizes the residency routes, with the lesser-known ones explained from the official fact sheets. Checked on October 7, 2026. Contents of this guide Three…

Toy Story 5: what critics say about Pixar’s film on toys and technology

06

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Shows

Toy Story 5: what critics say about Pixar’s film on toys and technology

In short: Toy Story 5, directed by Andrew Stanton, was released on 19 June 2026 and appears in the list of films showing in Panama. Woody, Buzz and Jessie face Lilypad, a tablet with ideas of its own, in a clash between handmade play and technology. Critics are mostly positive: Deadline celebrates it as a return to form for Pixar, and more nuanced reviews, such as Otros Cines's, see a somewhat repeated approach offset by prodigious animation and action and comedy scenes among the best in the saga. Film details DirectorAndrew StantonScreenplayAndrew Stanton and Kenna HarrisVoicesTom Hanks, Tim Allen and…

120 a los 65: Payment Calendar, Requirements and How to Enroll

05

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

120 a los 65: Payment Calendar, Requirements and How to Enroll

In short: Updated on October 5, 2026. The next 120 a los 65 payment is the fourth and last of the year: November 16 to 27, 2026 through the Tarjeta Clave Social card, and November 30 to December 4 in hard-to-reach areas, according to the annual calendar of Panama's Ministry of Social Development (MIDES). The program pays B/.120.00 a month to Panamanians aged 65 or older who have no retirement benefit or pension and live in poverty or vulnerability. Enrollment is free and open all year at MIDES offices. Contents of this guide When 120 a los 65 pays Payments…

Concerts in Panama: Dates, Venues and Tickets for the Rest of the Year

05

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Shows

Concerts in Panama: Dates, Venues and Tickets for the Rest of the Year

Update, 16 October 2026: the concerts on 6 October (Apocalyptica), 11 October (Stratovarius) and 15 October (Greeicy) have already taken place. The table keeps those dates as a record; the rest are still ahead. In short: Between October 6 and December 26, 2026, Panama has at least 16 concerts with a verified date, venue and ticket seller. Estadio Rommel Fernández hosts two: the Mother's Day tribute show with Marc Anthony and Wisin (December 7) and Rawayana (December 10). Beéle plays Plaza Figali on November 27. Romeo Santos, Arcángel and Kapo have already performed this year, and neither they nor Roa…

Panama National Team: Next Match, Opponent and Schedule

05

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Sports

Panama National Team: Next Match, Opponent and Schedule

Updated October 5, 2026. The Panama national team's next match will be in November 2026, in the quarterfinals of the 2026/27 Concacaf Nations League, a home and away series inside the November 9 to 17 window. At the time of writing there is no confirmed opponent, exact date, kickoff time or venue: the bracket pairs Panama with the best group winner, and the group stage was finishing this week. The most recent match was Panama against Ecuador on Monday, October 5 in Tokyo, which Panama won 7 to 6 on penalties after a 1 to 1 draw, according to the…

Panama Motor Show reopens on Wednesday 7 October: hours and what to see in its second week

05

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

Panama Motor Show reopens on Wednesday 7 October: hours and what to see in its second week

Update, 16 October 2026: the Panama Motor Show 2026 has ended (it closed on Sunday 11 October). This note is kept as a record of what the fair offered. In short: the Panama Motor Show reopened on Wednesday 7 October at 2:00 p.m. and ran until Sunday 11 at the Panama Convention Center in Amador, after pausing on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6. From Wednesday to Friday it opened from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Saturday from 12 noon to 9:00 p.m. and on Sunday, the last day, from 12 noon to 7:00 p.m., according to Panatickets, the official…

Wisdom Teeth: When to Remove Them and What Recovery Looks Like

05

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Health & Wellness

Wisdom Teeth: When to Remove Them and What Recovery Looks Like

In short: Wisdom teeth are removed when there is disease or a concrete risk: persistent pain, gum infections, decay, damage to neighboring teeth or cysts. When they cause no symptoms, the decision is individual: a Cochrane review found not enough evidence to remove or keep them as a routine, and teeth that are kept need regular check-ups. A panoramic X-ray is the test that helps decide. Surgery usually lasts from a few minutes to 40, and most of the discomfort is concentrated in the first few days. Contents of this guide When to remove them and when watching is enough…

Braces or Invisalign: Which One Fits the Case

05

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Health & Wellness

Braces or Invisalign: Which One Fits the Case

In short: braces stay fixed to the teeth throughout treatment and, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), can treat most bite problems. Invisalign is a system of clear, removable aligners that are almost invisible, must be worn at least 22 hours a day and do not suit every case. The choice depends on the diagnosis, the patient's discipline and the budget, and it is made by the orthodontist after an assessment, not by a preference formed beforehand. Contents of this guide Braces or Invisalign: the short answer When each one fits Who decides: the diagnosis Faster, more painful,…

Dental Veneers in Panama: When They Fit and When They Do Not

05

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Health & Wellness

Dental Veneers in Panama: When They Fit and When They Do Not

In short: Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or resin bonded to the front of a tooth to change its color, shape or size. They are usually suggested for healthy teeth with stains that do not respond to whitening, worn edges, small gaps or irregular shapes, and are postponed or ruled out when there is active decay, gum disease, uncontrolled teeth grinding or marked crowding. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), enamel is removed to place them and the treatment is not reversible, so the decision rests on a dental evaluation. Contents of this guide What dental veneers…

Panama Residency for US and Canadian Citizens: Routes, Documents and Common Mistakes

05

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama Residency for US and Canadian Citizens: Routes, Documents and Common Mistakes

In short: Both the United States and Canada appear in the official Friendly Nations list, so citizens of either country can apply for Panamanian residency under that route, which starts with a two-year provisional permit and requires a job offer, a property of at least B/.200,000.00 or a fixed-term deposit of the same amount. Retirees with a lifetime pension of at least B/.1,000.00 a month, larger investors, spouses and parents of Panamanians, and remote workers on a short stay each follow a different track. The main practical difference between the two nationalities is the paperwork: both need an apostilled criminal…

Oceana Residences & Skyhomes in Santa María: Collections and Area Guide

05

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Oceana Residences & Skyhomes in Santa María: Collections and Area Guide

In short: Oceana Residences & Skyhomes is a residential project by Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP) inside Santa María Golf & Country Club in Panama City. According to the official listing, it sits 10 minutes from the city and is organized into penthouses, flex luxury apartments and skyhomes. The project website details five collections: Pooldeck, Penthouses, Town Homes, Residences 180 Plus and Residences. This guide summarizes what the official pages confirm, what the Santa María neighborhood offers, and what is worth asking the developer before choosing. In this guide Where it is and what Santa María is The five Oceana collections…

Apartments for Sale in Punta Pacífica and Ocean Reef Islands

05

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Apartments for Sale in Punta Pacífica and Ocean Reef Islands

In short: Punta Pacífica is a residential sector of land reclaimed from the sea in the San Francisco district of Panama City, with a hospital, a shopping mall and apartment towers. Buyers searching for apartments for sale there often also come across Ocean Reef Islands, the Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP) development that, according to its official website, sits on two artificial islands "facing Punta Pacífica" and has a private marina. The project includes villas, apartments and penthouses, and choosing among them depends on size, privacy and the status of each project. In this guide What Punta Pacífica is Services near…

If AI recommends dental clinics, here is what a Panama clinic should check

04

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Health & Wellness

If AI recommends dental clinics, here is what a Panama clinic should check

In short: when asked which dental clinic they recommend in Panama, Perplexity and Brave AI named 33 clinics in 101 mentions across 20 queries in the Radar IA study, and only one, Clínica Ford Dental Spa, appeared in 15 of the 18 answers that included names. What surprised me most while running it was not who won, but why: the clinics AI recommends tend to share something that has little to do with the quality of their treatments. They have Google reviews, one page per treatment with the specialist's name, an English version, a presence in medical tourism guides, and…

K-dramas coming to Netflix: releases from October to December

04

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Shows

K-dramas coming to Netflix: releases from October to December

In short: several major K-dramas reach Netflix between October and December. First is Dead-End Job, with Lee Jae Wook and Go Min Si, on 30 October. Next come the film Possible Love, by Lee Chang-dong, on 6 November, and the crime series Blue Road on 20 November. In addition, Doctor X and 100 Days of Deception air weekly from early October. The dates come from specialist press and may change; the end of the article lists which titles still have no confirmed day. Netflix originals: the firmest dates TitleDateWhat it is Dead-End Job30 October8-episode series, fantasy and horror with humour,…

Dismissal in Panama: Just Causes, Letter, Notice and Severance

04

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

Dismissal in Panama: Just Causes, Letter, Notice and Severance

In short: In Panama, an employer can dismiss a worker on an open-ended contract only for a just cause provided by law and following the formalities of the Labor Code (articles 211 to 214). The dismissal must be notified in writing, with the date and the specific causes. The 30-day notice, or its payment, is required by article 212 only when certain workers are dismissed without cause, such as those with under two years of service. Updated in October 2026 using the text that includes reforms up to Law 44 of 1995. Contents of this guide The general rule and…

Ranking of SEO and GEO agencies in Panama: who works on AI engine visibility

03

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Professional Services & Technology, Rankings

Ranking of SEO and GEO agencies in Panama: who works on AI engine visibility

In short: Radar Panamá reviewed the agencies that offer search engine optimization (SEO) and AI engine optimization (GEO and AEO) services from Panama, and selected nine with a declared focus on the discipline, a verifiable track record in the Panamanian or regional market and a website that backs up what it says. Centria Group heads the list as the only one with its own scientific research line on measuring brand presence in AI, on top of two decades of history and a Panama base since 2013. This is not a ranking by revenue or audited results: it is a map…

Social security contributions in Panama: what the employee pays, what the employer pays and what changed

02

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Companies

Social security contributions in Panama: what the employee pays, what the employer pays and what changed

In short: in Panama the employee contributes 9.75% of salary to the Social Security Fund and the employer 13.25% since April 2025, a rate that will rise to 14.25% in March 2027 and 15.25% in March 2029 under Law 462 of 2025. Added to that are the education insurance, 1.25% from the employee and 1.5% from the employer, and occupational risks, paid only by the company. The reform did not change the retirement age, 57 for women and 62 for men, nor the 240 contributions needed for a pension, but it created a system of individual accounts with a solidarity…

Panama Residency by Marriage to a Panamanian: Provisional, Permanent and What Happens in a Divorce

02

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama Residency by Marriage to a Panamanian: Provisional, Permanent and What Happens in a Divorce

In short: Marrying a Panamanian does not grant residence automatically. A foreigner married to a national and living with the spouse can apply to the National Immigration Service (SNM) for a two-year provisional residence permit and, once that term ends, request permanent residence. The file includes a marriage interview and proof of the marital home. Data checked on October 7, 2026 in the SNM's official sheet RD1 and in articles 220 to 223 of Executive Decree 320 of 2008. Contents of this guide How residence by marriage works Provisional and permanent: what changes Documents in the file Cohabitation, interview and…

October releases in Panama: the films and series coming to cinemas and streaming, with dates

01

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Shows

October releases in Panama: the films and series coming to cinemas and streaming, with dates

In short: October 2026 opens in Panama's cinemas with Digger, Alejandro González Iñárritu's film starring Tom Cruise, and Verity, both from Thursday 1 October according to the Cinemark Panama listings. Then come Street Fighter (15 October in Latin America), DC's horror film Clayface (22 October) and Klara and the Sun with Jenna Ortega (22 October). On streaming, the biggest names are VisionQuest, Marvel's series on Disney+ (13 October in Latin America), season four of The Diplomat on Netflix (15 October), Mike Flanagan's Carrie on Prime Video (7 October) and Lupin Part 4 (23 October). This guide includes only titles with…

Panama’s November holidays: 5 national days, which weekday they fall on, long weekends and what closes

01

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

Panama’s November holidays: 5 national days, which weekday they fall on, long weekends and what closes

In short: November 2026 brings five national dates in Panama: Tuesday 3 (Separation from Colombia), Wednesday 4 (National Symbols Day), Thursday 5 (Consolidation of the Separation, celebrated in Colón), Tuesday 10 (First Cry of Independence in La Villa de Los Santos) and Saturday 28 (Independence from Spain). Four are mandatory rest days under Article 46 of the Labour Code: 3, 5, 10 and 28. The 4th is not a public holiday for private companies, although the Government usually closes public offices and schools. None falls on a Sunday, so there are no automatic transfers; the 28th, falling on a Saturday,…

01

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Companies

JETOUR in numbers: what stands behind the brand and what it means for buyers in Panama

In short: JETOUR is the SUV brand that the Chinese group Chery created in 2018. According to its own press releases, it sold 622,590 vehicles in 2025, 9.5% more than the previous year, and operates in more than 100 countries with over 2,000 sales and service points; Business Review credits it with more than 2.5 million cumulative customers as of August 2026. It assembles the T2 in Malaysia and Pakistan and has industrial projects in South Africa and Egypt. For anyone buying in Panama, that scale does not guarantee good service by itself, but it lowers the risk of the…

SOUEAST S08 DM in Panama: seven-seat plug-in hybrid versus the BYD Song Plus

01

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

SOUEAST S08 DM in Panama: seven-seat plug-in hybrid versus the BYD Song Plus

In short: The SOUEAST S08 DM is a seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV making its Panama debut at the Panama Motor Show 2026, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 11 October at the Panama Convention Center in Amador, through Petromotors, the official distributor of SOUEAST and JETOUR. It pairs a 1.5 turbo petrol engine with a 150 kW electric motor and an 18.4 kWh battery, giving up to 107 km of electric range on the NEDC cycle (85 km WLTP). Against the BYD Song Plus DM-i, the rival it is most often compared with, it adds a third row and…

JETOUR X70 FL in Panama: seven seats, versions and what to check before deciding

01

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

JETOUR X70 FL in Panama: seven seats, versions and what to check before deciding

In short: The JETOUR X70 FL is the seven-seat SUV that Petromotors, the brand's official distributor, sells in Panama in two versions, Comfort and Signature. Both share a 1.5 turbo engine with 154 hp and 230 Nm, a six-speed automatic gearbox, front-wheel drive, six airbags, a 540° camera, a panoramic roof and a 7-year or 200,000 km warranty. The Signature adds LED headlights, leather upholstery, a powered tailgate, a wireless charger and eight speakers. Its weak point is clear: it does not offer autonomous emergency braking. Against rivals such as the Toyota Rush, the Kia Carens or the Mitsubishi Xpander…

How much does a car depreciate in Panama? Year-by-year table and the factors that weigh on resale

01

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

How much does a car depreciate in Panama? Year-by-year table and the factors that weigh on resale

In short: A new car in Panama loses value from the day it leaves the dealership, but there is no single official figure: the country has no public database of resale prices. As a general industry estimate, not a Panamanian measurement, a vehicle loses between 15% and 20% of its value in the first year and reaches the fifth with around half of its original price. The real pace depends on age, mileage, service history, remaining warranty, the supply of used units of the same model and confidence in workshops and parts. This guide explains how depreciation is measured, what…

JETOUR G700 or Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: which off-roader suits Panama

01

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

JETOUR G700 or Toyota Land Cruiser Prado: which off-roader suits Panama

In short: The JETOUR G700 and the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado compete for the same buyer in Panama with opposite recipes. The G700 is a ladder-frame plug-in hybrid off-roader with 892 hp, 1,135 Nm, 100 km of electric range on the WLTC cycle, 230 mm of ground clearance and a 900 mm wading depth. The Prado 250 relies on a 2.8 turbodiesel with 201 hp and 500 Nm, permanent 4WD and five stars in the Australian ANCAP test. The G700 wins on performance, equipment and everyday electric use; the Prado, on track record, service network and resale value. The choice…

Plug-in hybrids and electric cars in Panama: models on sale and Panama Motor Show premieres

01

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Plug-in hybrids and electric cars in Panama: models on sale and Panama Motor Show premieres

In short: the plug-in hybrid offer in Panama includes models from JETOUR, BYD, Changan, Jaecoo, GAC, Lynk & Co and Toyota, according to Deagencia's hybrid report, plus the premiere of the SOUEAST S08. The Panama Motor Show 2026, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 11 October at the Panama Convention Center in Amador, is the fair's edition with the most electrified premieres. There are at least six plug-in hybrids and seven electric cars confirmed among launches and new arrivals: the JETOUR G700 and the new T2 plug-in hybrid with AWD, the Soueast S08, the Jaecoo J7 and J8, the…

Vehicle Transfer in Panama: Requirements and Steps

01

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Vehicle Transfer in Panama: Requirements and Steps

In short: transferring a vehicle in Panama takes two stages: first at the Panama City Mayor's Office, with the digital transfer card and the vehicle and party documents, and then at the ATTT Single Vehicle Registry, which issues the registration in the buyer's name. According to the Mayor's Office page and the ATTT listing on Panamá Digital, the documents change depending on whether the parties attend in person, whether an agent acts, and whether either party is a company. Updated October 2026. Neither official source publishes the total processing time. In this guide The transfer in two stages Stage 1:…

Panama Motor Show 2026: opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there and where to park

01

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

Panama Motor Show 2026: opening hours, ticket prices, how to get there and where to park

Show hours: Wednesday to Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Saturdays from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m.; Sundays from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. Closed on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 October. In short: the Panama Motor Show 2026 opens in two blocks, from Friday 2 to Sunday 4 October and from Wednesday 7 to Sunday 11, at the Panama Convention Center in Amador. There is no show on Monday 5 or Tuesday 6. On weekdays and Fridays it opens from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Saturdays from 12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 12:00 to…

Néstor Romero brings GEO to the Quality Leadership University MBA in Panama

01

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Companies

Néstor Romero brings GEO to the Quality Leadership University MBA in Panama

In short: Néstor Romero, researcher and chief operating officer of Centria Group, gave a series of master classes in June in the Master of Business Administration at Quality Leadership University (QLU) in Panama City. The subject was generative engine optimization (GEO) and how it differs from traditional SEO: in a search engine companies compete for a position in a list, in AI they compete for a place inside a single answer. Romero asked the future executives to keep one question in mind: when artificial intelligence talks about their sector, what will it say about their company. What was taught The…

Possessory rights versus property title in Panama: what each is, how to verify and how to obtain title

01

Oct

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Possessory rights versus property title in Panama: what each is, how to verify and how to obtain title

In short: in Panama there are two ways to "have" land and only one is ownership. A title is a property registered in the Public Registry, with a real folio, that can be mortgaged, insured and sold with certainty. A possessory right is the recognised occupation of national land, proven with witnesses, surveys and years of use, and it only becomes ownership after an adjudication procedure before the National Land Administration Authority. Only 35% of the territory is cadastred, according to that agency's head in May 2026, and in July 2026 a police operation dismantled a network selling possessory land…

Driving licence for foreigners in Panama: 90 tourist days, validation and renewal

30

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

Driving licence for foreigners in Panama: 90 tourist days, validation and renewal

In short: a tourist can drive in Panama on their home-country licence for 90 days and cannot obtain a Panamanian licence, under the Traffic Regulations of Executive Decree 640 of 2006. Anyone who obtains immigration status must validate their foreign licence, once only, at Sertracen, the only entity authorised to issue licences: it takes the valid physical licence, a certification from the issuing authority apostilled or legalised, the immigration card or E cédula, blood type and a vision and hearing check. The licence lasts up to four years, two for those over 70, costs 40 balboas, a price unchanged since…

Jetour G700: price, technical sheet and performance of the hybrid off-roader in Panama (2026)

30

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Jetour G700: price, technical sheet and performance of the hybrid off-roader in Panama (2026)

In short: the Jetour G700 is a ladder-frame off-roader with an 892 hp plug-in hybrid system, sold in Panama from 60,000 dollars in the 5-seat version and 68,000 in the 6-seat version, ITBMS included, according to Petromotors, the brand's official distributor. It promises around 100 km in electric mode, 900 mm of wading depth and a 7-year or 200,000 km warranty. It is the flagship of Zongheng, Jetour's premium line, and is built in Fuzhou, China, on the GAIA off-road platform. Panama was the first country in the Americas to receive it, in January 2026, and its official launch was…

30

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Companies

A team from Panama and Spain researches how to measure brand presence in AI

In short: a team of researchers linked to institutions in Panama, Spain, Nicaragua and the United States, led by Néstor Romero, chief operating officer of Centria Group, has completed a scoping review on how brand presence in generative AI answers is measured. The study, under peer review at a Central American scientific journal, concludes that no scientifically validated instrument yet exists to measure that presence, that available metrics fall into seven overlapping families with no common framework, and that Spanish-language literature on the subject is almost invisible to international circuits. The team's next step is to build and validate a…

How long each immigration procedure takes in Panama: regulated and estimated timelines and what lengthens them

29

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Data, Professional Services & Technology

How long each immigration procedure takes in Panama: regulated and estimated timelines and what lengthens them

In short: Panama's National Immigration Service does not publish how long it takes to resolve a residence permit. Only one deadline is written in a rule: the qualified investor's 30 days. Everything else is a market estimate: three to six months for pensionado and Friendly Nations, two to four for foreign professional, thirty to sixty days for digital nomad. What Immigration does publish are its figures: 16,457 applications resolved in the first half of 2026 with a 97% approval rate, and the fines and fees of each phase. This guide separates what is regulated from what is estimated and explains…

29

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Data, Professional Services & Technology

Panama’s eight residency routes compared: which suits each profile, budget and timeline

In short: Panama has at least eight residency routes for foreigners, and none is "the best": each fits a profile. Someone drawing a 1,000 dollar pension gets immediate permanent residency without investing; a citizen of one of the more than 50 Friendly Nations gets it with a job or 200,000 dollars; someone with 300,000 for a new property gets it in 30 days as a qualified investor; a remote worker for foreign clients only gets an 18-month stay. This table compares the economic requirement, type of residency, duration and legal basis of each route using official data. The eight routes…

Why does Panama not produce global stars to match its talent?

29

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Sports

Why does Panama not produce global stars to match its talent?

In short: Panama has won four Olympic medals in its history, the latest Atheyna Bylon's silver at Paris 2024. It has Mariano Rivera and Rod Carew in baseball's Hall of Fame, Roberto Durán in boxing's, twelve Grammys for Rubén Blades and the documented birthplace of Spanish-language reggae. Yet in 2026 the national team left the World Cup with three defeats and no goals, only five Panamanians opened the Major League Baseball season and none plays in Europe's five big leagues. With a 160 million balboa budget for Pandeportes, more per head than its neighbours, the question is not how much…

Who does Panama build for?

29

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Data, Real Estate & Construction

Who does Panama build for?

In short: Panama has a housing deficit of 150,000 homes according to the Housing Ministry, or 322,755 according to the Chamber of Commerce, concentrated in the comarcas and in Darién. At the same time, construction permits grew 43.5% in the first four months of 2026, new home sales fell 34% in 2025 and 2,536 units were left unsold. Foreign investment in housing exceeded 841 million dollars in 2025 and buys 57% of everything priced above 120,000 dollars. With an average salary of 756 dollars a month, a 120,000 dollar home equals thirteen years of gross income. The question is who…

Does Panama depend too much on the Canal?

29

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

Does Panama depend too much on the Canal?

In short: the Panama Canal delivered 2.965 billion balboas to the National Treasury in fiscal year 2025, a record, and directly accounts for around 3% of GDP, 7.7% when indirect effects are included, according to the IDB. The 2023-2024 drought cut transits by 20% and the State still collected more, because the Canal Authority raised tolls and auctioned slots. With the transport sector growing 14.5% in 2025, the most of any sector, the question Panama avoids is what would happen if the volume stopped coming back: through another drought, a Mexican corridor or a political dispute with the United States.…

Radar AI: which SUV artificial intelligence recommends in Panama

27

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, CompaniesRadar AI

Radar AI: which SUV artificial intelligence recommends in Panama

In short: Radar Panamá asked two artificial intelligence engines, Perplexity and Brave AI, which SUV to buy in Panama, in Spanish and English, with ten questions per engine. When the question is generic ("which SUV to buy"), the AI answers with Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia and Mazda, and no Chinese brand appears. When the question mentions Chinese brands or JETOUR, the brand appears in every answer, always with its 7-year or 200,000-kilometre warranty and its distributor. In total, JETOUR was mentioned in 10 of the 20 answers. The most useful finding: one engine got the distributor's name and the warranty…

Panama’s creators and streamers with the biggest audiences: ranking and what they can earn

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

Panama’s creators and streamers with the biggest audiences: ranking and what they can earn

In short: no Panamanian creator publishes what they earn, so the only honest ranking is by audience, which is public. On YouTube the singer Boza leads with 1.3 million subscribers, followed by Jesús Nunca Falla (1 million) and Eliza Ibeth (917,000). In live streaming the scene is small: the Panamanian streamer with the biggest audience on Kick, voltexd, has around 26,000 followers and 210 average viewers. With those figures and each platform's public rates you can estimate what each level generates, and the conclusion is clear: in Panama creators live off brands and events, not subscriptions. Ranking of Panamanian creators…

UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev, Yan vs. Dvalishvili and Panama’s Joselyne Edwards one step from the title

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Sports

UFC 333: Volkanovski vs. Evloev, Yan vs. Dvalishvili and Panama’s Joselyne Edwards one step from the title

In short: the big UFC event of the rest of the year is UFC 333, on October 24, 2026 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, with two title fights: Alexander Volkanovski defends the featherweight belt against undefeated Movsar Evloev, and Petr Yan and Merab Dvalishvili close their trilogy for the bantamweight title. For Panama, the story is Joselyne "La Pantera" Edwards: number one in the women's bantamweight rankings after three straight wins, waiting for the UFC to confirm her title shot against Kayla Harrison. UFC 333: two titles in one night FightWeightWhat is at stake Alexander Volkanovski vs. Movsar…

When Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three come out in Panama

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Shows

When Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three come out in Panama

In short: Avengers: Doomsday and Dune: Part Three, the two most anticipated films of the rest of the year, open on the same day: 17 December in Panama, according to the Cinemark listings, and 18 December in the United States. Doomsday brings Robert Downey Jr. back as the villain Doctor Doom, and Dune: Part Three closes Denis Villeneuve's trilogy. The Doomsday trailer drew around 503 million views in 24 hours, one of the biggest debuts in history. Before that come Street Fighter and Clayface in October and Jumanji in November. Dates may change; Cinemark notes this on its listings. Avengers:…

The Panama Metro: lines, fares, hours, how to pay and Line 3 to West Panama

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

The Panama Metro: lines, fares, hours, how to pay and Line 3 to West Panama

In short: the Panama Metro is the only metro in Central America. It has two lines in operation, Line 1 since 2014 between Albrook and San Isidro and Line 2 since 2019 between San Miguelito and Nuevo Tocumen, with a branch to the airport. The fare is 0.35 balboas on Line 1 and 0.50 on Line 2, paid with the rechargeable card that also works on the buses. It carries around 250,000 passengers a day. Line 3, a 25-kilometre monorail to West Panama, is under construction and will open in stages between 2027 and 2028. The two lines in service…

Panama for digital nomads: the remote worker visa, taxes and where to live

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

Panama for digital nomads: the remote worker visa, taxes and where to live

In short: Panama has a specific visa for remote work: the Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers, created by Executive Decree 198 of 2021. It allows anyone working for a foreign company or foreign clients with income of at least 36,000 dollars a year to live in the country for nine months, extendable by another nine. Income generated outside Panama pays no income tax. The dollar, connectivity and a time zone aligned with the United States explain why the country attracts this profile. The remote worker visa AspectCondition Duration9 months, extendable once for another 9 (18 in total) Minimum income36,000 dollars…

Vaccines and health requirements to enter Panama: yellow fever, insurance and what Tocumen asks for

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Health & Wellness

Vaccines and health requirements to enter Panama: yellow fever, insurance and what Tocumen asks for

In short: Panama requires no vaccine to enter from most countries. The only exception is the yellow fever certificate, mandatory only for travellers arriving from countries with a risk of transmission, mainly in Africa and South America, and given at least ten days before the trip. To enter you need a passport with three months' validity, an onward ticket and proof of funds. Health insurance is not mandatory, but recommended. What is asked for at Tocumen RequirementDetail PassportMinimum three months' validity on entry (six for some nationalities) Onward ticketBy air, land or sea, dated within the permitted stay Proof of…

How Panama’s health system works: Social Security Fund, MINSA and the private sector

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Health & Wellness

How Panama’s health system works: Social Security Fund, MINSA and the private sector

In short: Panama's health system has three pillars. The Social Security Fund (CSS) serves workers who contribute and their dependants. The Ministry of Health (MINSA) serves the whole population in health centres and public hospitals, for token fees. And the private sector, with internationally accredited hospitals in Panama City, serves those who pay directly or have insurance. A foreign resident can use all three; a tourist, MINSA and the private sector. The three pillars PillarWho uses itHow it is paid Social Security Fund (CSS)Salaried and self-employed workers who contribute, pensioners and their dependantsPayroll contribution: 9.75% from the worker and 13.25%…

Which developers and residential projects AI recommends in Panama: Radar AI study

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Rankings, Real Estate & ConstructionRadar AI

Which developers and residential projects AI recommends in Panama: Radar AI study

In short: Radar Panamá asked Perplexity and Brave AI which developers and which residential projects they recommend in Panama: 20 queries, 10 in Spanish and 10 in English, run on September 26, 2026, produced 106 mentions of 31 developers and 34 projects. Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP) appears in all 8 answers about developers, in both engines and both languages, followed by Empresas Bern with 6. Among projects, Oceana Santa María is the most mentioned (6), followed by Bosco di Santa María (5) and The Ivy (4). Santa María dominates the conversation: the AI names its towers in 9 of the…

Which dental clinics AI recommends in Panama: Radar AI study

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Health & Wellness, RankingsRadar AI

Which dental clinics AI recommends in Panama: Radar AI study

In short: Radar Panamá asked Perplexity and Brave AI which dental clinic they recommend in Panama: 20 queries, 10 in Spanish and 10 in English, run on September 26, 2026, produced 101 mentions of 33 clinics and dentists. Clínica Ford Dental Spa appears in 15 of the 18 answers that named clinics, followed by Pacific Dental Clinic at Hospital Punta Pacífica (11) and Clínica Arango Orillac (10). When the question narrows to Costa del Este the map changes: Dental One, Ford, Arango Orillac and Dental Life appear in all four answers, in both engines and both languages. No clinic paid…

How a video goes viral on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube: the signals the algorithms measure

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

How a video goes viral on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube: the signals the algorithms measure

In short: TikTok, Instagram and YouTube do not reward big accounts but each video on its own. All three systems test the content with a small group of users, measure how long they watch it, whether they finish it, whether they share or save it, and only then push it to larger audiences. Watch time and retention in the first few seconds are the strongest signal; shares and saves weigh more than likes. With around 1.9 billion monthly users on TikTok, more than 2 billion on Reels and tens of billions of daily views on Shorts, understanding that logic explains…

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games: dates, venues, new sports and Panama’s chances

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Sports

Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games: dates, venues, new sports and Panama’s chances

In short: the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games will be held from 14 to 30 July 2028 and will be the largest in history: 353 medal events at 49 venues spread across the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Baseball and softball return, as do cricket (in T20 format, absent since 1900) and lacrosse (since 1908), and flag football and squash make their debut. It is the third time the city hosts the Games, after 1932 and 1984. Panama, with four Olympic medals in its history, will look to expand on the delegation of eight athletes it took to Paris 2024. Contents…

Tourism in Panama: the figures of the sector’s best year and what they mean for business

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

Tourism in Panama: the figures of the sector’s best year and what they mean for business

In short: Panama closed 2025 with 3,004,266 international visitors, the first time it has passed three million, and tourism revenue of 6.583 billion dollars. In the first half of 2026 growth accelerated to 17.4%, with 1,755,998 visitors and spending of around 3.7 billion. Tocumen Airport moved almost 21 million passengers in 2025 and projects 23 million for 2026, cruises are growing 21.6% and international conferences have doubled. The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that the country's tourism GDP will grow 8.4% this year. Behind the figures lie concrete opportunities for hotels, transport, food, real estate and professional services. Contents…

Medical tourism in Panama: accredited hospitals, treatments and how to organise the trip

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Health & Wellness

Medical tourism in Panama: accredited hospitals, treatments and how to organise the trip

In short: Panama treats around 50,000 international patients a year in a private system with two hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International, Hospital Punta Pacífica and Clínica Hospital San Fernando, and a public network that expanded with Ciudad de la Salud, a 1,368-bed complex. The most requested procedures are dentistry, cosmetic surgery, orthopaedics and executive check-ups, with savings the sector's firms put at around half compared with the United States. Tocumen's connectivity, the dollar and proximity to North America explain the growth, but the patient should verify accreditation, the doctor's licence and insurance coverage before travelling. Contents of this…

Buying property in Panama as a foreigner: process, taxes and exemptions

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Buying property in Panama as a foreigner: process, taxes and exemptions

In short: a foreigner can buy property in Panama with the same rights as a Panamanian, in their own name or through a company, without needing to reside in the country. The process runs through a promise of sale, a title search at the Public Registry, a deed before a notary and registration. The seller pays the 2% transfer tax and the 3% advance on income tax; the buyer bears the notary, registration and lawyer costs. Since Law 66 of 2017 the primary residence is exempt from property tax up to 120,000 dollars of cadastral value and is taxed at…

Best real estate lawyers in Panama for foreign buyers: ranking of eight firms

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Companies

Best real estate lawyers in Panama for foreign buyers: ranking of eight firms

In short: buying property in Panama as a foreigner is legal and common, but the process has three points where a lawyer prevents losses: the title search at the Public Registry, the promise of sale and the deed with its taxes and exemptions. Radar Panamá ranked eight firms in Panama City with a real estate practice for foreign buyers according to their number of reviews and rating on Google as of 25 September 2026: Kraemer & Kraemer, Icaza González-Ruiz & Alemán, Chen Lee & Asociados, Legal Solutions Panamá, Badillo-Paz & Colucci, JSF & Asociados, Law Office of J. Gavrilidis and…

Panama as a digital hub: submarine cables, data centres and what it means for a technology company

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama as a digital hub: submarine cables, data centres and what it means for a technology company

In short: Panama is the point where the submarine internet cables linking North and South America, and the Caribbean with the Pacific, cross. Seven systems run through its waters today, TAM-1 arrived in 2026 with a capacity of 650 terabits per second, the Cabinet Council awarded two new 20-year concessions and Google announced in August 2026 the Americas Connect project, with the Alisios cable linking the Dominican Republic, Panama and Chile. On that network rest 14 data centres, the Multinational Headquarters regime, Ciudad del Saber and the Tocumen air hub. Radar Panamá explains what the country has, what it lacks…

The Panama Canal as an economic engine: how much it earns, how much it hands the State and what it depends on

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

The Panama Canal as an economic engine: how much it earns, how much it hands the State and what it depends on

In short: the Panama Canal is the largest source of direct income for the Panamanian State and the axis of its logistics platform. In fiscal year 2025 it billed 5.705 billion dollars, 14.4% more than the year before, and handed the National Treasury 2.965 billion in surplus, per-ton fees and charges, the highest figure in its history. From the time Panama took over its administration in 2000 through 2024 it had contributed 28.267 billion dollars, more than half of it earmarked for public investment. Radar Panamá explains how it generates that money, how it reaches the budget, which sectors live…

Oceana Residences & Sky Homes: what the luxury project inside Santa María Golf & Country Club offers

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Oceana Residences & Sky Homes: what the luxury project inside Santa María Golf & Country Club offers

In short: Oceana Residences & Sky Homes is a private community inside Santa María Golf & Country Club, about ten minutes from Panama City, with minimalist-design apartments, town homes and penthouses and views of the Pacific, the city or the 18-hole golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus. It adds a pool overlooking the sea, a gym, sauna, coworking space, wine deck and pet garden, inside a club with controlled access and more than 140 restaurants, schools, banks and hotels in the surroundings. Radar Panamá explains how the project is organised, which collections it offers and what kind of investor it…

Best residential projects in Panama for foreign investors: five developments compared

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Rankings, Real Estate & Construction

Best residential projects in Panama for foreign investors: five developments compared

In short: five developments currently draw the attention of foreign investors looking for new housing in Panama with rental and appreciation potential: Ipanema Residences in Costa del Este, Panamá Viejo Residences in the city, Playa Dorada and Bayside in Panamá Oeste, and Oceana in Santa María Golf & Country Club. Each one answers to a different profile, from the buyer who wants steady urban rental income to the one seeking luxury by the sea or the golf course. Radar Panamá sums up what each project offers, where it is and who it makes sense for, based on the analysis by…

How often to get a dental cleaning: the six-month rule and when it does not apply

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Health & Wellness

How often to get a dental cleaning: the six-month rule and when it does not apply

In short: the general recommendation is a professional dental cleaning every six months, but the right interval is set by each mouth: anyone with a history of gum disease, braces, diabetes, smoking or fast tartar build-up needs check-ups every three or four months, while someone with healthy gums and good hygiene can space them out. A cleaning removes the plaque and tartar a toothbrush cannot reach, especially below the gum line, and it is the cheapest way to prevent cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis, one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. Radar Panamá sums up what it includes,…

What a root canal is and when it is needed: how a tooth is saved in Panama

26

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Health & Wellness

What a root canal is and when it is needed: how a tooth is saved in Panama

In short: a root canal is the treatment that removes infected or inflamed dental pulp, cleans and seals the canals inside the root and saves a tooth that would otherwise have to be extracted. It is needed when deep decay, a fracture or a blow lets bacteria reach the nerve, and its warning signs are persistent pain, lingering sensitivity to hot or cold, a swollen gum or an abscess. With today's technology it is a comfortable procedure, with success rates above 90% according to the American Association of Endodontists, and almost always preferable to extraction. Radar Panamá explains what happens…

Best-selling car brands in Panama: the ADAP ranking

25

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

Best-selling car brands in Panama: the ADAP ranking

In short: Panama closed 2025 with 60,233 new cars registered, 10.8% more than in 2024, and the Panama Automobile Distributors Association (ADAP) projects 2026 could approach 70,000 units. Toyota remains the best-selling brand with almost one in five cars, followed by Kia and Hyundai. Behind the podium, the change comes from Chinese brands: Geely is now fourth, and JETOUR, which grew 58% in 2025 and 45% in the first half of 2026, holds sixth place in the market and second among Chinese brands. Best-selling car brands in Panama in 2025 #BrandUnits 2025ShareChange 1Toyota11,50719.1%+2.8% 2Kia7,62612.7%+2.3% 3Hyundai6,98511.6%-0.9% 4Geely3,1385.2%+33.8% 5Suzuki3,0945.1%+16.4% …JETOUR1,9993.3%+58.1% …Forthing1,2292.0%+69.1% …Kaiyi1,0661.8%+260.1%…

JETOUR G700: the SUV that crossed the Yangtze River and climbed Volcán Barú

23

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Lifestyle, Trends

JETOUR G700: the SUV that crossed the Yangtze River and climbed Volcán Barú

In short: on October 16, 2025, near the Chinese city of Wuhu, an SUV drove into the Yangtze River and came out on the other bank 22 minutes later, after covering 1,480 metres, most of it on the water and driven by a jet propulsion system. It was the JETOUR G700, the brand's high-end plug-in hybrid off-roader, and China's specialist press recorded it as the first SUV to cross the Yangtze by water. Seven months later, on May 20, 2026, the G700 was launched in Panama with an expedition to Volcán Barú, the country's highest point. It is one of…

New or Resale Property: How Much to Invest for Panama Residency by Investment

19

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

New or Resale Property: How Much to Invest for Panama Residency by Investment

In short: For permanent residency through real estate, Executive Decree 17 of September 8, 2026 sets B/.300,000.00 for a first-sale property (new, unoccupied and transferred by the developer) and B/.500,000.00 for a secondary-market property. New or resale does change the minimum: resale requires B/.200,000.00 more. In both cases the figure that counts is the lower of the price actually paid and the documented market value, minus real liens, and the investment must be held for five years. Checked on October 6, 2026. Contents of this guide What the rule requires by property type New versus resale: comparison table What to…

Why car brands launch their models in Panama

19

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

Why car brands launch their models in Panama

In short: Panama has become the place where several car brands present their models for the whole region. JETOUR launched the T1 in Panama for eleven Latin American markets in May 2025 and the G700 in May 2026, a day before Guatemala and a week before Mexico. The reason is a combination of logistics, market and fair: the Canal and ports on both oceans, the Colón Free Zone, a record new car market with more than 60,000 units a year, a buyer open to new brands and ADAP's Panama Motor Show, which gathers more than 40 brands every October. Two…

Almost one in three new cars in Panama is Chinese: the ADAP figures

15

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Economy

Almost one in three new cars in Panama is Chinese: the ADAP figures

In short: between January and July 2026, Chinese-brand cars accounted for 29.9% of new car sales in Panama, up from 24.5% a year earlier, according to the Panama Automobile Distributors Association (ADAP). Chinese brands grew 33.7% while the rest of the market grew 1.8%, and they explained 86% of total growth. Geely is now the country's fourth brand; JETOUR and Changan are the fastest growing. The rise comes with more complaints to the consumer authority Acodeco, almost all over warranty compliance, which makes after-sales service the deciding factor for buyers. The figures IndicatorJan–Jul 2025Jan–Jul 2026 New cars sold in Panama33,24336,452…

Bank Account for a Panama Offshore Company: Requirements and Due Diligence

13

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Bank Account for a Panama Offshore Company: Requirements and Due Diligence

In short: To open an account for a Panamanian offshore company, a bank asks for proof that the company exists and is in good standing (Public Registry certificate and articles of incorporation), the identification of its officers and signatories, the identification of its beneficial owners and written support for the source of funds, under Agreement 1-2026 of the Superintendency of Banks. An application stalls mostly when the bank cannot identify the natural person behind the company or when the financial profile does not match the declared activity. Each bank applies its own risk matrix, so approval is never guaranteed. Information…

What JETOUR is and why it wins awards on four continents

12

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Companies

What JETOUR is and why it wins awards on four continents

In short: JETOUR is the SUV brand of China's Chery group, the country's top car exporter for 23 consecutive years. It was founded in 2018, sold 622,590 vehicles in 2025, its record, and by August 2026 had entered more than 100 countries with more than 2.5 million cumulative customers. In the last two years it has collected recognition from independent third parties: the T2 was named South Africa's 2026 Car of the Year, the first Chinese brand to win it in 40 years; the Dashing, Nigeria's 2025 Car of the Year; the T1 scored five stars in ASEAN NCAP; and…

Corporation, S.R.L. or private interest foundation: which vehicle suits in Panama by use

08

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Business, Entrepreneurship

Corporation, S.R.L. or private interest foundation: which vehicle suits in Panama by use

In short: Panama offers three main legal vehicles and each serves a different purpose. The corporation (sociedad anónima), governed by Law 32 of 1927, is the most used for holdings, businesses with several shareholders and international structures: three directors, registered shares and a 300 balboa annual fee. The limited liability company, under Law 4 of 2009, is simpler, with one administrator and identified partners, and suits local operating SMEs. The private interest foundation, under Law 25 of 1995, is not for trading but for holding assets and planning succession, with 10,000 dollars of initial endowment and a flat fee of…

Offshore Company or Operating Company in Panama: How to Choose by Activity

07

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Offshore Company or Operating Company in Panama: How to Choose by Activity

In short: The difference between an offshore company and an operating company in Panama lies not in the type of company but in where the income is generated and what activity is carried out. A company that invoices, sells or provides services inside Panama needs a Notice of Operation (Aviso de Operación) and is taxed on that income. One that runs business, investments or assets outside the territory is, in general, outside Panamanian income tax, with its own compliance duties. From fiscal year 2027, an economic substance rule also applies to certain entities of multinational groups. Contents of this guide…

How to verify an immigration lawyer in Panama: licence, bar and scam warning signs

06

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

How to verify an immigration lawyer in Panama: licence, bar and scam warning signs

In short: in Panama anyone can check in two minutes whether a lawyer is real: the Supreme Court of Justice has a public licence search by name or number. Practising without a licence is a crime punishable by two to five years in prison, and yet between 2022 and 2026 Immigration, the Police and the National Bar Association have warned about fake lawyers, "fixers" and misuse of other lawyers' signatures who defraud foreigners with permits that are never filed. This guide gathers seven checks to make before handing over a passport or a payment. The seven checks Citable rule: in…

Panama pensionado visa: requirements, discounts by law and mistakes that delay the process

02

Sep

By Daniela Bohórquez

Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama pensionado visa: requirements, discounts by law and mistakes that delay the process

In short: Panama's pensionado visa grants immediate permanent residency to anyone who proves a lifetime pension of at least 1,000 dollars a month, or 750 if they buy a home worth 100,000 dollars or more. It is exempt from the repatriation deposit and the Treasury fee, and opens the door to the discounts of Law 6 of 1987: 25% in restaurants and on air fares, 50% in hotels on weekdays, 25% on electricity up to 600 kWh and 15 to 20% on medical services. The National Assembly approved an expansion of those discounts in August 2026, but the law has…