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Deilys Romero

Deilys Romero has been a writer at Radar Panamá since its launch in 2026. A business administrator with a specialisation in accounting, she covers the economy, companies, taxes, corporations and SME management with a practical approach. Based between Panama and Colombia, she closely follows the business activity of both countries. Her articles rely on primary sources (DGI, MEF, INEC, Superintendency of Banks, Official Gazette) and on interviews with practising professionals.

Credentials

  • Degree in Business Administration, specialisation in Accounting
  • Economy, companies and tax writer at Radar Panamá
  • Specialty: corporations, foundations, special regimes, banking and taxation in Panama

Topics

EconomyCompaniesTaxesCorporations & foundationsBankingResidency & immigration

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

Profiles

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242 Posts
How to get to Bocas del Toro from Panama City: flight, bus and boat
05
Nov
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By Deilys Romero
Lifestyle

How to get to Bocas del Toro from Panama City: flight, bus and boat

In short: To get to Bocas del Toro from Panama City, the fastest option is the Air Panama flight from Albrook airport to Isla Colón, with four daily departures and a scheduled duration of one hour. By land, the trip goes through the Albrook Grand Terminal, David and the port of Almirante, where a boat crosses to the island. The published ferry between Almirante and Isla Colón leaves at 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon and takes 1 hour 40 minutes. Contents of this guide Ways to reach Bocas del Toro By air from Albrook By land: bus and boat from…
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Panamanian Christmas food: tamales, arroz con guandú, turkey, ham and ron ponche
04
Nov
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By Deilys Romero
Lifestyle

Panamanian Christmas food: tamales, arroz con guandú, turkey, ham and ron ponche

In short: Panamanian Christmas food centers on tamales, rice with pigeon peas (arroz con guandú), a roast meat (turkey, ham or pork leg) and ron ponche for the toast. The Christmas Eve dinner is often served close to midnight, and tamales are eaten all through December. Recipes change from one family to the next, and the sources checked agree on the basics: corn dough wrapped in leaves, tender pigeon peas with rice, and a milk and rum drink. Contents of this guide What is eaten on Christmas Eve and Day Tamales Rice with pigeon peas Turkey, ham and pork leg…
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Series and films coming in November to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and HBO Max
04
Nov
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By Deilys Romero
Lifestyle

Series and films coming in November to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and HBO Max

In short: November brings the third season of The Empress to Netflix (November 12), The Rings of Power season 3 to Prime Video (November 11), Percy Jackson and the Olympians season 3 to Disney+ (November 20) and Blade Runner 2099 to Prime Video (November 25). Netflix also adds Black Doves season 2 (November 5) and The Altruists (November 19). HBO Max has City of God: The Fight Rages On (November 8) and Infamia (November 13). Dates come from official announcements and media listings; each country's catalog can vary. Contents of this guide Netflix Prime Video Disney+ HBO Max How to…
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Taboga Island from Panama City: how to get there, ferry times and what to do
04
Nov
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By Deilys Romero
Lifestyle

Taboga Island from Panama City: how to get there, ferry times and what to do

In short: To reach Taboga Island from Panama City, travelers take a ferry at the Amador Causeway, in the lobby of the Centro Comercial Fuerte Amador, and the crossing takes about 30 minutes. The operator Taboga Express publishes four daily departures from Amador and a fifth on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. An ID or passport is required to board, and the round-trip fare is listed on its website at 24 dollars. Because service and fares have shifted over the past year, they are worth confirming with the operator before going. Contents of this guide How to get to Taboga from…
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Panama dry season: when it starts and the weather month by month
04
Nov
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By Deilys Romero
Lifestyle

Panama dry season: when it starts and the weather month by month

In short: Panama's dry season, called "verano" (summer) in everyday speech, runs from December to April according to the national weather institute IMHPA, although in Panama City the driest months are January, February and March. October is the wettest month of the year. In 2026 El Niño is still active, and IMHPA links it to a possible earlier start or longer dry season without giving a start date. Contents of this guide When the dry season starts Weather month by month The Pacific and the Caribbean differ The 2026 dry season and El Niño What to expect when traveling Myths…
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Christmas bonus for retirees and pensioners in Panama: who gets it, how much and when it is paid
28
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Christmas bonus for retirees and pensioners in Panama: who gets it, how much and when it is paid

In short: Updated on 28 October 2026. As of that date, the Social Security Fund (CSS) has not announced the payment date for the December 2026 Christmas bonus. The bonus exists by law: B/. 60.00 for retirees and pensioners of the Disability, Old Age and Death and Occupational Risk programs on the second-fortnight December payroll, plus B/. 100.00 for one pension bracket. It is not the thirteenth-month pay. Contents of this guide What the Christmas bonus is Legal basis, amounts and who gets it When it is paid How to collect it and what to do if it does not…
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Aguinaldo in Panama: the thirteenth month payment, when it is paid and how it is calculated
28
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Aguinaldo in Panama: the thirteenth month payment, when it is paid and how it is calculated

In short: Panamanian law does not use the word aguinaldo: the legal bonus workers receive in three installments a year is called the thirteenth month payment (décimo tercer mes). The deadlines are 15 April, 15 August and 15 December, and the next one falls due on Tuesday, 15 December 2026. Social security contributions and income tax apply to each installment. The word "aguinaldo" does appear in Panamanian law, but for a separate Christmas gratuity that an employer gives by choice or by agreement. Checked on 28 October 2026. Contents of this guide What aguinaldo means in Panama Who is paid…
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Air conditioner that leaks or smells in Panama: causes and what to check
27
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioner that leaks or smells in Panama: causes and what to check

In short: An air conditioner that leaks or smells in Panama usually points to water that is not leaving where it should: a clogged drain, a condensate pan that does not drain, or dirty filters. Staff can check the filter and switch the unit off if water falls near electrical installations. Refrigerant, the internal pan and any burning smell belong to a technician. Contents of this guide Why it leaks Why it smells Panama's humidity and the risks What to check and what needs a technician Preventive and corrective Myths and facts Frequently asked questions Sources Why an air conditioner…
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Change the resident agent of a Panama company: steps, deadlines and what the law says
27
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Companies

Change the resident agent of a Panama company: steps, deadlines and what the law says

In short: Changing the resident agent of a Panama company is possible: the company approves a new agent, who must be a licensed lawyer or a law firm, the previous agent resigns before the Public Registry, and the new one is registered through a public deed with a statement of compliance. The resignation is registered at no cost. Beyond 90 calendar days without an agent, the Registry suspends corporate rights. Contents of this guide What the law says How the change is made If the agent resigns How to check the agent Who can be an agent Myths and facts…
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Certificate of existence and good standing in Panama: how to request it and get it apostilled
26
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Companies

Certificate of existence and good standing in Panama: how to request it and get it apostilled

In short: The certificate of existence and good standing in Panama is the company certificate the Public Registry issues to confirm that a company is registered and in force, and it can be requested online or at the Vía España office. The official form offers five types, from Standard to History. How recent it must be is set by whoever asks for it: AMPYME and MICI, for example, ask for no more than three months. To use it abroad it is apostilled, and a company with an unpaid single annual fee does not get the ordinary certificate. Last verified: 26…
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Klara and the Sun: review of Taika Waititi’s film about loneliness and machines
22
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Lifestyle, Shows

Klara and the Sun: review of Taika Waititi’s film about loneliness and machines

In short: Klara and the Sun is the adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro's novel, written and directed by Taika Waititi, with Jenna Ortega as Klara, an Artificial Friend designed to keep a teenager company. It reaches cinemas on 22 October, according to Cinemex. It is a slow, intimate story about loneliness. My take: it wraps around you slowly and does not let go until the end, and Ortega is the best part of it. Film details Director and screenplayTaika WaititiBased onThe novel "Klara and the Sun" by Kazuo IshiguroLeadJenna Ortega (Klara)CastAmy Adams, Steve Buscemi and Natasha Lyonne, among othersRelease22 October in…
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Air conditioning in rented offices and law firms in Panama: who pays for central air
21
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioning in rented offices and law firms in Panama: who pays for central air

In short: In a rented office, who pays for central air and equipment maintenance is decided first by the lease and then by the law: Law 93 of 1973 makes the landlord responsible for the repairs needed to keep the property and its installations fit for their use, and the tenant for deterioration caused by their fault or negligence. In a horizontal property (PH) building, the shared system is maintained from the common expense fees under Law 284 of 2022. Neither law mentions air conditioning, so air conditioning maintenance for offices and law firms in Panama depends largely on what…
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Air conditioning in museums and convention centers in Panama: stability, humidity and large halls
21
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioning in museums and convention centers in Panama: stability, humidity and large halls

In short: Air conditioning in museums and convention centers in Panama answers two different problems. In a museum, the goal is stable humidity and temperature to protect collections. In a convention center, the goal is a system that copes with large halls that go from empty to full in minutes. Public conservation guidelines call for stable relative humidity of 40% to 60% for sensitive collections and warn that mold risk rises above 65% to 75%. Between events or openings, maintenance is planned with a calendar, a report per visit and a history per unit. Last verified: 20 October 2026. Each…
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Air conditioning and duct cleaning in beauty salons and spas in Panama: odors, chemicals and humidity
21
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioning and duct cleaning in beauty salons and spas in Panama: odors, chemicals and humidity

In short: The air conditioner in a beauty salon or spa in Panama cools the room and removes some humidity, but it does not clear the vapors from dyes, acetone or hairspray; outdoor air and exhaust at each station do that. Panama has no ventilation standard for salons. The references are a 2020 guide from the Ministry of Health (MINSA), US occupational health studies and the ASHRAE 62.1 technical standard, which is not mandatory here. A space that feels heavy usually combines little outdoor air, built-up humidity and clogged filters, and all three can be checked. Last verified: 20 October…
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Air conditioning, ducts and exhaust in bakeries and pastry shops in Panama: oven heat and maintenance
21
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioning, ducts and exhaust in bakeries and pastry shops in Panama: oven heat and maintenance

In short: Air conditioning maintenance for bakeries in Panama splits into three fronts that should not be mixed: the heat the oven adds to the production room, the comfort and humidity of the customer counter, and the hood with its duct, which is a separate matter. US occupational health agencies list bakery workers among those exposed to hot environments and say an indoor workplace can become a hazard when air conditioning is missing or ventilation is insufficient. No Panamanian climate-control standard specific to bakeries or pastry shops was found. This guide therefore separates what to check in the A/C and…
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Air conditioning in beach houses and apartments in Panama: what to do when the home sits closed for months
21
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Air conditioning in beach houses and apartments in Panama: what to do when the home sits closed for months

In short: Air conditioning in a beach house or apartment that sits closed for months comes down to moisture control: the EPA sets a goal of indoor relative humidity below 60%, ideally between 30% and 50%, and drain pans that are clean and unobstructed. With the unit off or barely running, indoor air stops drying and mold shows up on reopening. The routine for a seasonal home has three moments: what the unit does during the absence, what gets checked on return, and who looks after the condenser when the building has a management office. Salt air already has its…
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Air conditioning in pharmacies and laboratories in Panama: temperature, humidity and records
21
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Air conditioning in pharmacies and laboratories in Panama: temperature, humidity and records

In short: Air conditioning and temperature control in pharmacies in Panama have no dedicated HVAC standard, but the regulation of Law 419 sets the essentials: the premises must keep a temperature suited to the products stored and record temperature and relative humidity at least twice a day. The range for each medicine is not set by the Ministry of Health (MINSA): the manufacturer defines it. The words "air conditioning" do not appear in the decree, so the obligation is the outcome (controlled, documented conditions) and not the equipment. For warehouses and distributors, the same decree adds calibrated recorders, alarms and…
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Kitchen exhaust hood cleaning in Panama restaurants: how often, according to NFPA 96
20
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Kitchen exhaust hood cleaning in Panama restaurants: how often, according to NFPA 96

In short: According to the inspection table in NFPA 96, a commercial kitchen exhaust system is inspected monthly for solid fuel cooking, quarterly for high-volume cooking, every six months for moderate volume and once a year for low volume. Cleaning follows when the inspection finds grease buildup, not a fixed calendar. No published Panamanian rule adopting that table for hoods was found, so it works as an international technical reference and not as a confirmed legal duty. Each restaurant should set its frequency by what it cooks and how many hours it operates. Last verified: 20 October 2026. Every figure…
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Air conditioning maintenance in horizontal property buildings in Panama: what it should cover and who decides
20
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Air conditioning maintenance in horizontal property buildings in Panama: what it should cover and who decides

In short: Central air conditioning in a horizontal property (PH) building is maintained from common expenses, and a chain decides: the Owners' Assembly approves the budget, the Board of Directors approves contracts and the administrator carries them out, under Law 284 of February 14, 2022. A sound contract spells out equipment, tasks, frequencies and a written report, and the ASHRAE preventive maintenance checklist is a useful reference for that scope. Last verified: 20 October 2026. Every fact links to its official source. Contents of this guide What is a common area and how it is paid Who decides and how…
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Panama Economic Substance Law: Who Is Affected and From When
19
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama Economic Substance Law: Who Is Affected and From When

In short: Panama's economic substance law is Law 526 of May 28, 2026. It reaches Panamanian entities that belong to a multinational group and earn foreign-source passive income. It applies from the 2027 fiscal period. An entity that shows staff, premises, decision-making and spending in Panama keeps that income outside the tax base; one that does not pays 15% on net income. An offshore company that is not part of a multinational group falls outside the scope the text defines. Last verified: 19 October 2026. Every fact links to its official source. Contents What it is and who it reaches…
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Residence Permit for Multinational Company Workers in Panama (SEM): Requirements and Validity
19
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Residence Permit for Multinational Company Workers in Panama (SEM): Requirements and Validity

In short: A foreign employee of a company holding a Multinational Headquarters (SEM) license does not apply for a separate work permit: Law 41 of 2007 created the Permanent Personnel Visa, processed at the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI), which gives the right to work and live in Panama. The ID card lasts five years and can be renewed for the same period, unless the contract sets a shorter term. Family members have their own dependent visa. Last verified: 19 October 2026. Every fact links to its official source. Contents of this guide Which permit applies and who qualifies…
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Open a Bank Account in Panama from Mexico: Documents, Apostille and Source of Funds
19
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Open a Bank Account in Panama from Mexico: Documents, Apostille and Source of Funds

In short: A person or company in Mexico can open an account at a Panamanian bank without living in Panama: for a foreigner, the banking rule treats the passport as the identity document. Being Mexican does not change the right to open one, but it shapes the file behind the profile: tax number, proof of income, origin of funds and, for a company, its incorporation and beneficial owner. Apostille is not in the rule, although each bank decides which foreign documents it wants apostilled. The final decision is always the bank's. Last verified: 19 October 2026. Each fact links to…
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How Much Electricity a Business Air Conditioner Uses
16
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

How Much Electricity a Business Air Conditioner Uses

In short: Updated in October 2026. There is no single figure for how much electricity a business's air conditioning uses: it depends on equipment power, hours of use and condition. There is one weighty reference, though: according to a 2017 La Prensa report citing Panama's Energy Secretariat, air conditioners account for 42% of electricity demand in the commercial sector. According to the sources cited here, what raises the bill most is dirty or neglected equipment: dirty condensers and coils, filters left unchanged and maintenance only when something breaks. Contents of this guide How much air conditioning weighs in a business…
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Innovation Ecosystem in Panama: How a Startup Chooses Its Base
16
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Innovation Ecosystem in Panama: How a Startup Chooses Its Base

In short: A startup deciding where to set up in Panama compares five things: the legal regime of the base, support for incubation, access to public funds, the community it will work with and the real state of the building. Panama has official sources for each point: Law 32 of 2011 and MICI for free zones, and SENACYT for incubation and non-reimbursable funds. Innovation Smart District (ISD) presents itself on its website as an ecosystem with a free zone license inside Green Valley Panamá. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide Five criteria to compare The layers of Panama’s…
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Studying Medicine in Panama: Admission Requirements and What to Expect
15
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Health & Wellness

Studying Medicine in Panama: Admission Requirements and What to Expect

In short: to study medicine in Panama, Universidad Latina de Panamá offers the Doctor of Medicine and Surgery program and asks, besides the general entry documents, for requirements specific to its Faculty of Health Sciences: a chest X-ray with report, a vaccination card, a psychological test, a knowledge test in physics, mathematics, biology and chemistry, diagnostic tests in English and information technology, and a first aid course. Foreign students add an apostille, validation and translation of their documents. Updated October 2026. Contents of this guide The program according to the website Entry requirements checklist If the high school diploma is…
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Buying Pre-Sale in Panama: Purchase Promise, Payments and Handover
15
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Buying Pre-Sale in Panama: Purchase Promise, Payments and Handover

In short: Buying pre-sale in Panama means securing a unit that does not exist yet: it is reserved, a purchase promise is signed, installments are paid during construction, the unit is handed over and the deed is signed and registered at the end. According to the Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP) buying guide, the promise records the price, payment plan, estimated delivery date and penalties. Law 284 of 2022 adds minimum contents for the promise on a new home and obligations for the developer. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide The stages, from reservation to deed Reservation and purchase…
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Restaurant Air Conditioning, Kitchen Exhaust and Cold Rooms in Panama
15
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Restaurant Air Conditioning, Kitchen Exhaust and Cold Rooms in Panama

In short: Updated in October 2026. Climate control in a Panama restaurant splits into three systems: kitchen exhaust, refrigeration (walk-in coolers and cold rooms) and dining room air. According to the Climatiza website, any of the three can keep the restaurant from operating, and exhaust carries the most risk because grease built up in hoods and ducts makes fires easier to start and spread. The reference cleaning schedule comes from the international standard NFPA 96 and runs from monthly to yearly depending on cooking volume. Contents of this guide The three systems in a restaurant Kitchen exhaust: hood, filters and…
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Offices in an Innovation Free Zone in Panama: How to Choose
15
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Offices in an Innovation Free Zone in Panama: How to Choose

In short: An office in a Panama free zone is not chosen on space alone. A company moving in needs its own free zone company license, which the National Free Zones Commission approves within a maximum of ninety days, and one of the application documents is a certification from the zone's promoter authorizing the installation (Law 32 of 2011, articles 26 and 27). Innovation Smart District (ISD) states on its website that it holds a free zone license and that its first building, Marie Curie, offers space to create and work. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide What…
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Credit Transfer at Panama Universities: Limits, Grades, Process
14
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Credit Transfer at Panama Universities: Limits, Grades, Process

In short: credit transfer, called "convalidación" in Panama, means a university recognizes courses already passed elsewhere. According to the oversight form of the Technical Commission for Academic Development (CTDA) that quotes Executive Decree 539 of 2018, credits can be transferred only up to a maximum of 60% of the study plan of the university doing the recognition. The Universidad Latina de Panamá website adds that courses must be equivalent in credits, content, level and duration, within the same academic degree level, with a minimum grade of C (71) for bachelor's programs and B (81) for graduate programs. Updated October 2026.…
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Apartments in Costa del Este: Waterfront Towers and How to Choose
14
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Apartments in Costa del Este: Waterfront Towers and How to Choose

In short: Costa del Este is a planned district of Panama City, in the Juan Díaz corregimiento, with waterfront towers and access via the Corredor Sur. According to the Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP) website, two of its projects sit in that corridor: Ipanema Waterfront Residences, under construction, with 1 to 3 bedroom apartments in two towers of 20 and 23 floors, and Altamarina Ocean Front, in pre-sale. When choosing, it helps to compare construction status, the real commute and what the contract says about floor area and handover. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide What Costa del Este…
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Beneficial Owner in Panama: What Is Declared and Who Files It
14
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Beneficial Owner in Panama: What Is Declared and Who Files It

In short: The beneficial owner of a Panamanian company is the natural person who, directly or indirectly, owns it, controls it or exercises significant influence over it. The company does not file that data: its resident agent, a lawyer or law firm, records it in a private system run by the Superintendency of Non-Financial Subjects (SSNF). According to the consolidated text of Law 129 of 2020, registration is due within fifteen business days of the company's registration, and access is limited to competent authorities. Law text reviewed in October 2026. Contents of this guide What the register is and who…
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Smart City in Panama: What It Is and Ten Criteria to Evaluate One
13
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Smart City in Panama: What It Is and Ten Criteria to Evaluate One

In short: A smart city is an urban model that plans infrastructure, mobility, green space, services and technology together; technology is a tool and not the only criterion. In Panama, Green Valley presents itself as the country's first smart city, with 200 hectares in Panamá Norte and lots for developers. This guide proposes ten criteria for telling such a project apart from a conventional development. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide What a smart city is Ten criteria to evaluate one How Green Valley applies them on its website What changes for a developer How to use the…
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Humidity in Panama: Protecting Stored Furniture, Clothes, Papers
13
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Humidity in Panama: Protecting Stored Furniture, Clothes, Papers

In short: humidity is one of the main causes of deterioration in stored furniture, clothes and documents, and it is managed through the relative humidity of the space. The EPA guide on mold recommends keeping it below 60%, ideally between 30 and 50%, and the US National Park Service puts it between 45 and 55% for collections and always below 65%. A climate-controlled unit with humidity control, like the one Supreme Storage describes, aims to maintain those conditions. Contents of this guide Why humidity damages stored items Which humidity range is recommended What gets damaged first How to prepare what…
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Travel Insurance: Cancellation, Interruption and Delay Coverage
13
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Travel Insurance: Cancellation, Interruption and Delay Coverage

In short: A travel insurer and an airline do not pay for the same things. The airline answers for transport, under whatever law applies to the flight. The insurance answers for the events and limits its policy sets. According to the ASSA Travel website, its plans include trip cancellation, trip interruption and trip delay from 12 hours, with different limits in Silver, Gold, Platinum and Europe. Plan data read in October 2026. Contents of this guide Who pays for what The published limits by plan Four scenarios and who answers What the airline owes in Europe What to check before…
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Panama Earthquake: What Happened, Help and How to Donate
13
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama Earthquake: What Happened, Help and How to Donate

In short: updated October 13, 2026. The earthquake of Friday, October 9 struck at 12:56 p.m. Panama time, and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) measured it at magnitude 7.7; other official sources and media use 7.5. According to the SINAPROC tally as of October 12, 7,480 people are affected across nine provinces, and the United Nations records no deaths. This guide covers what happened, where to ask for help, which health facilities changed their services and how to donate only through verified channels. Contents of this guide What happened: magnitude, time and place Official tally of damage and affected people…
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Panama Carnival: Dates, Holidays and Main Parades
13
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Lifestyle, Trends

Panama Carnival: Dates, Holidays and Main Parades

In short: Panama's 2027 Carnival covers the four days before Ash Wednesday, which falls on February 10: Saturday, February 6, through Tuesday, February 9, 2027. Only Tuesday, February 9, is a public holiday by law under article 46 of the Labor Code, and anyone who works that day earns a 150 percent surcharge. Monday, February 8, is a normal working day in the private sector unless the employer agrees otherwise. As of this note, checked on October 13, 2026, neither the Tourism Authority nor local organizing committees have published the 2027 program. In this guide The four days Holiday and…
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New Year’s Eve in Panama: Plans, Events and What Is Open
13
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Lifestyle, Trends

New Year’s Eve in Panama: Plans, Events and What Is Open

In short: as of 13 October 2026, the only year-end plan confirmed in Panama is the New Year's Eve party on 31 December listed in the Panama City Mayor's Office Christmas agenda, with no venue or program published yet. Hotel parties, concerts that night, Metro hours and traffic measures have no announcement for this year. Fireworks rules exist on paper, but there is no new national measure for 2026. Contents of this guide What is confirmed, with dates Fireworks: what the rules and firefighters say Hotels, dinners and concerts on 31 December What opens, what closes and how to get…
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Panama School Calendar: Terms, Breaks and Holidays
13
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama School Calendar: Terms, Breaks and Holidays

In short: updated on 13 October 2026. According to Executive Decree No. 49 of 2025, published in the Official Gazette, Panama's 2026 school year ends with classes on Friday 11 December and closes with a balance and graduation week from 14 to 18 December. The calendar applies to public and private schools, runs 42 weeks and is split into three terms with two one-week breaks. For 2027, La Estrella reported that Executive Decree No. 43 set the start of classes for Monday 1 March. Contents of this guide 2026 school calendar dates End of the school year and year-end break…
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Thirteenth-Month Pay in Panama: Dates, Rules and Calculation
13
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Thirteenth-Month Pay in Panama: Dates, Rules and Calculation

In short: Thirteenth-month pay is a bonus that every private-sector employer in Panama must pay in three installments, due by April 15, August 15 and December 15 each year. The third installment of 2026 falls due on Tuesday, December 15. In practice each installment equals one third of a month's pay, calculated on what the worker earned in the period. Checked on October 13, 2026. Contents of this guide What it is and who receives it The three installments and their dates How it is calculated, with an example Public and private sector If the employer does not pay Frequently…
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Overtime in Panama: Day, Night and Mixed-Shift Surcharges Explained
13
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Overtime in Panama: Day, Night and Mixed-Shift Surcharges Explained

In short: Panama's Labor Code sets three surcharges for overtime: 25 percent when the extra hour falls in the daytime period, 50 percent in the nighttime period or when it extends a mixed shift that began by day, and 75 percent when it extends a night shift or a mixed shift that began at night. The cap is three overtime hours a day and nine a week. The surcharges are in article 33. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide The three surcharges in article 33 Day, night and mixed shifts How many overtime hours are allowed How pay…
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Selling a Car in Panama Without Intermediaries: Documents and Contract
13
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Selling a Car in Panama Without Intermediaries: Documents and Contract

In short: Selling a car privately in Panama takes three things in order: paperwork in good standing, a written contract and a verified payment before the keys change hands. According to the ASSA Market website, posting the listing is free, there are no sales commissions, and the site offers a guide and a sample contract. The transfer registers the change of owner with the Municipality and the ATTT, and the Panama City Mayor's Office lists the Single Vehicle Ownership Registry and the current-year inspection certificate among its requirements. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide What to have ready…
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Bruxism: Signs, Night Guards and What a Dentist Does
12
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Health & Wellness

Bruxism: Signs, Night Guards and What a Dentist Does

In short: Bruxism is grinding or clenching the teeth, awake or asleep, and according to the UK NHS it is often related to stress or anxiety. It does not always need treatment. When there are worn teeth, jaw pain or headaches, a dentist may recommend a night guard, a protector worn during sleep. Scientific reviews show that a splint is a viable option, but that the evidence on how well it treats bruxism itself is limited. According to its website, Dental Life Panamá includes bruxism treatment and occlusal splints in its oral rehabilitation service. Contents of this guide What bruxism…
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HVAC Asset Survey: What It Is and When a Building Needs One
12
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

HVAC Asset Survey: What It Is and When a Building Needs One

In short: an HVAC asset survey is the technical inventory of all the air conditioning equipment in a building or premises: what it is, where it sits, which model and age, its condition and which units are critical. According to the Climatiza website, it is the first step in moving from reacting to breakdowns to a preventive plan. It is most useful for towers, corporate buildings, hotels, multi-site chains and any operation that has grown in stages. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide What it is and what it is for When a building needs one The nine…
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Panama Free Zone Tax Incentives: What Law 32 Says
12
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Panama Free Zone Tax Incentives: What Law 32 Says

In short: Law 32 of 2011 exempts companies established in free zones from "all direct and indirect taxes, contributions, fees, duties and national levies" on their operations, but keeps several payments: dividends at 5%, an annual tax of 1% of capital with a floor and a cap, the selective consumption tax, labor and social security contributions, and income tax on operations aimed at the national territory. The text read sets no exemption period. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide What the exemption covers Tax by tax Income tax: foreign versus domestic The exemption period Immigration and labor benefits…
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Master’s Degree in Panama: How to Choose and What Admission Requires
12
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Master’s Degree in Panama: How to Choose and What Admission Requires

In short: choosing a master's degree in Panama comes down to four things: the field, the format, the program's current resolution and the entry documents. According to its website, Universidad Latina de Panamá groups its master's programs into six fields, says they usually last 1 to 2 years and asks for a bachelor's diploma, transcripts, a resume and an ID document to enroll. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide Which master's fields are listed How long a master's lasts What is asked for admission How to choose between options Credits from another master's Frequently asked questions Sources Which…
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Travel Insurance for the US and Canada from Panama: What to Cover
11
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Travel Insurance for the US and Canada from Panama: What to Cover

In short: for Canada, Panamanians who have held a Canadian visa in the past 10 years or hold a valid US non-immigrant visa can apply for an eTA instead of a visa, for air travel only, according to the Government of Canada. In both countries the risk that insurance covers is the same: medical care abroad usually has to be paid on the spot, and medical evacuation, according to the US CDC, runs from 25,000 dollars within North America to more than 250,000 dollars. Updated October 2026. Contents of this guide What each country asks and what insurance covers ASSA…
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Margaritaville and Armonía: Panama Residences With a Rental Program
11
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Margaritaville and Armonía: Panama Residences With a Rental Program

In short: Two Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP) projects combine housing with rental: Margaritaville Beach Resort & Residences at Playa Caracol, where the brand announces an optional rental program and an opening in mid-2027, and Armonía Cinta Costera, which includes apart-hotel units aimed at tourist and corporate rentals, according to GLP. Updated in October 2026: the sources reviewed publish no return figures and no terms for the rental scheme, which should be requested in writing before buying. Contents of this guide Margaritaville and Armonía side by side Margaritaville at Playa Caracol Armonía and its apart-hotel What is stated and what is…
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Annual Single Fee for Panama Companies: Who Pays and When It Is Due
11
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Annual Single Fee for Panama Companies: Who Pays and When It Is Due

In short: Corporations, limited liability companies and other legal entities registered in Panama pay an annual single fee (tasa única) of 300 balboas, and private interest foundations pay 350 for the first fee and 400 afterwards, under article 318-A of the Fiscal Code. The due date depends on the registration month: July 15 for entities registered from January to June and January 15 for those registered from July to December. Updated in October 2026. Paying late costs a surcharge of 50 balboas per year or fraction, and prolonged default brings a fine, suspended Public Registry services and, after ten periods,…
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Mini Storage in Panama: Which Size to Choose by What You Store
11
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Mini Storage in Panama: Which Size to Choose by What You Store

In short: the size of a mini storage unit in Panama is chosen by what is being stored, not by the number of boxes. According to the Supreme Storage website, categories run from the 2 m² Locker to Special spaces of more than 100 m², and an advisor calculates the exact space. Boxes and beds fit the smallest sizes, appliances and furniture the Small, a full house the Medium, and a container's worth of inventory the Medium or Large. Contents of this guide The short answer The six size categories How to calculate square meters Common mistakes when choosing How…
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Land for Sale in Panamá Norte: Access, Zoning and How to Evaluate It
10
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Land for Sale in Panamá Norte: Access, Zoning and How to Evaluate It

In short: The land for sale in north Panama City that Green Valley offers consists of urbanized lots for developers and builders inside a 200 hectare project, according to its developers page. Before buying any plot in the area, four things need checking: the property record and its owner, the zoning code, the real access routes and the utilities. Updated in October 2026. Contents of this guide Which land is sold in Panamá Norte and to whom Published access routes and travel times Standalone plot or lot in a planned community How to evaluate a plot step by step Common…
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Severance Pay in Panama: What Is Paid and How It Is Calculated
10
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Severance Pay in Panama: What Is Paid and How It Is Calculated

In short: A final settlement (liquidación) is the last payment a worker receives when the employment relationship ends. Under the Labor Code, in an open-ended contract it includes the seniority premium (one week of pay for each year worked, article 224), proportional vacation (one day for every eleven worked, article 54) and, if the dismissal is unjustified or the cause is economic, the indemnity in article 225. Updated in October 2026 using the text that includes reforms up to Law 44 of 1995. Contents of this guide What the settlement includes, by cause Seniority premium Indemnity for unjustified dismissal Worked…
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Buying a Used Car in Panama: A Step-by-Step Checklist
10
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Buying a Used Car in Panama: A Step-by-Step Checklist

In short: buying a used car from a private seller in Panama falls into four phases: choose and make contact, check the vehicle, pay with proof, and complete the transfer. The documents required by the Panama City Mayor's Office and the ATTT mark what to ask the seller before paying. According to the website of ASSA Market, the marketplace for used cars between private parties, inspection at an authorized workshop is optional and the sales contract is a template for voluntary use. Updated October 2026. In this guide The four phases of the purchase Phase 1: choose and make contact…
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Crown or Implant: When Each Fits and What a Bridge Is
10
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Health & Wellness

Crown or Implant: When Each Fits and What a Bridge Is

In short: A crown restores a tooth that still exists; a bridge and an implant replace a tooth that is missing. The ADA (MouthHealthy) says a crown is used when too little tooth remains to hold a large filling, to protect a weak tooth, to restore a broken one, to cover misshapen or discoloured teeth, to anchor a bridge or to cover an implant. A fixed bridge rests on other teeth, whereas an implant is anchored in the bone. According to systematic reviews, crowns on natural teeth reach between 90.4% and 98.5% five-year survival depending on the material, and implant-supported…
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Beach apartments in Panama: areas and how to choose
09
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Beach apartments in Panama: areas and how to choose

In short: beach apartments in Panama are best chosen in this order: first the area and the intended use, then what photos do not show, such as the PH bylaws and their short-term rental rules, beach access, nearby services, distance to the city and the type of title. The Pacific coast has areas of very different character: Coronado, the Playa Blanca and Río Hato resort strip, San Carlos, Pedasí with Playa Venao, and West Panama. Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP) has Playa Caracol (The Tides), Playa Dorada, Bayside and Altamarina Ocean Front in West Panama and Chame. In this guide Beach…
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Panama Bank Account Without Residency: Limits and Options
08
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Panama Bank Account Without Residency: Limits and Options

In short: Yes: a foreigner without residency can open a personal account in Panama. Agreement 1 of 2026 of the Superintendency of Banks identifies a foreign client by passport and does not make residency a condition for opening; each bank decides based on its own risk analysis. What is left out is simplified opening with its B/.5,000 cap, which the rule reserves for nationals and for foreign residents. Remote opening requires geolocation of the applicant, and banks have until June 30, 2027 to adapt. Checked on October 8, 2026. Contents of this guide What the rule allows a non-resident Limits…
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Why a Panama Bank Rejects a Foreigner’s Account and What to Do
08
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Why a Panama Bank Rejects a Foreigner’s Account and What to Do

In short: A bank in Panama can decline a foreigner's account when its risk assessment is not satisfied, and Agreement 1 of 2026 of the Superintendency of Banks lists what the bank reviews: source of funds, financial profile, valid identification, tax residence, country links and the risk of the activity. Being a foreigner or a non-resident does not appear by itself as a high-risk cause in that rule. After a refusal, the usual route is to fix the file and apply again; where a complaint applies, the Superintendency publishes the procedure. Sources checked on October 8, 2026. Contents of this…
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Teeth Whitening in Panama: In the Office or at Home
07
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Health & Wellness

Teeth Whitening in Panama: In the Office or at Home

In short: Teeth whitening lightens the colour of natural teeth and comes in three forms: in the dental office, with gel applied by the dentist; at home, with custom-made trays supervised by the dentist; and with over-the-counter products. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), only natural teeth change colour: crowns, implants and tooth-coloured restorations do not lighten. The Cochrane review of home-based bleaching concludes that bleaching agents whiten teeth compared with placebo, with low to very low certainty of evidence, and that sensitivity and irritation are the most common effects. Updated in October 2026. Radar Panamá infographic with the…
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Family Reunification in Panama: Who Can Apply, What It Requires and What Slows It Down
07
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Family Reunification in Panama: Who Can Apply, What It Requires and What Slows It Down

In short: Family reunification is the demographic-grounds residence category of Panama's National Immigration Service (SNM) for people with a family tie to a Panamanian or to a resident. It has three main routes: married to a Panamanian, a foreigner with a Panamanian child aged five or older, and a dependent of a provisional, permanent or national sponsor. In all three, the first permit is provisional for two years and permanent residence is requested afterward. Data checked on October 7, 2026 in the SNM's official requirement sheets and in Executive Decree 320 of 2008. Contents of this guide What it is…
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Armonía Cinta Costera: New Apartments in Panama City
06
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Armonía Cinta Costera: New Apartments in Panama City

In short: Armonía Cinta Costera is a new-apartment project by Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP) in Panama City. According to the official GLP website, it is a short walk from Avenida Balboa and the Cinta Costera, near the Casco Antiguo, with 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, apart-hotel units and an integrated commercial area. The original article on Venta de apartamentos Panamá describes three models of 45, 55.98 and 66.62 m². Before buying off-plan or under construction, it is worth reviewing the contract, the horizontal property rules, the fees and the financing conditions. Contents of this guide Where Armonía is The…
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PASE-U: Payment Calendar, ID Check and How to Collect
05
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

PASE-U: Payment Calendar, ID Check and How to Collect

In short: Updated October 28, 2026. As of this date, IFARHU has not published an official date or schedule for the third PASE-U payment of 2026. The second payment has started: according to La Estrella de Panamá on October 20, citing IFARHU director general Carlos Godoy, it began that week in Herrera, Los Santos and Veraguas (La Estrella and TVN add Coclé), with B/.15.2 million for 136,989 students, and no day announced for the rest of the country. The first payment ran from July 7 to October 9, according to the official calendar. The program pays B/.90 per payment in…
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Black Friday in Panama: When It Is and How to Shop Smart
05
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Lifestyle, Trends

Black Friday in Panama: When It Is and How to Shop Smart

In short: Black Friday 2026 falls on Friday, November 27, the day after US Thanksgiving, and Panama follows the same date. Saturday, November 28 is a national holiday in Panama, so this year the sales day sits right next to a holiday. As of October 5, 2026, no nationwide Black Friday campaign has been officially announced. The local sales event, Panamá Black Weekend, already took place from October 2 to 4. Contents of this guide When Black Friday is in Panama Black Friday vs. Panamá Black Weekend Key dates and November holidays Consumer rights Online shopping and mail forwarders Checklist…
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Gingivitis vs Periodontitis: Symptoms and Treatment
05
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Health & Wellness

Gingivitis vs Periodontitis: Symptoms and Treatment

In short: gingivitis is inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial plaque, with redness and bleeding, and it reverses with professional cleaning and good hygiene at home. Periodontitis is the advanced stage: the infection spreads below the gum line, destroys the bone and tissues that support the teeth and, left untreated, can loosen them or lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis does not reverse, but specialized treatment and steady maintenance can stop it from progressing. Contents of this guide Gingivitis and periodontitis: what they are Comparison table Warning signs and when to seek care Treatment at each stage Risk factors How…
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How Long Do Dental Implants Last? What the Studies Show
05
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Health & Wellness

How Long Do Dental Implants Last? What the Studies Show

In short: in a systematic review and meta-analysis published in the Journal of Dentistry (Howe and colleagues, 2019), 96.4% of dental implants were still in place at 10 years. After adjusting for patients lost to follow-up, the figure dropped to 93.2%. The titanium screw usually outlasts the crown on top of it, and the result depends mostly on gum health, hygiene, regular check-ups and habits such as smoking and teeth grinding. Losing an implant over the years is uncommon, but possible. Contents of this guide How long implants last: what the studies show What it depends on and what to…
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Invisalign in Panama: How It Works, Duration and Candidates
05
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Health & Wellness

Invisalign in Panama: How It Works, Duration and Candidates

In short: Invisalign is an orthodontic system of clear, removable, custom-made aligners that move the teeth gradually. According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), they are worn 20 to 22 hours a day and each set lasts one to two weeks. Duration depends on the case, and so does the cost: at Dental Life Panamá, the clinic's page says the exact quote and a time estimate based on a 3D plan are given at the assessment. Healthy gums and teeth are required before starting, and retainers are used afterward. Contents of this guide What Invisalign is and how it…
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Verity in Panama cinemas: what critics say about the thriller with Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson
05
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Lifestyle, Shows

Verity in Panama cinemas: what critics say about the thriller with Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson

In short: Verity, directed by Michael Showalter and based on Colleen Hoover's novel, has been showing in Panama since 1 October, according to the Cinemark listings. It stars Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett. International critics have received it coolly: Variety calls it a limp thriller and The Hollywood Reporter a dumb mystery, although Gold Derby notes that some critics see it as the best Hoover adaptation so far. Film details DirectorMichael ShowalterScreenplayNick Antosca, from Colleen Hoover's novelCastAnne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh HartnettGenrePsychological and erotic thrillerDistributionAmazon MGM StudiosIn PanamaShowing since 1 October This article summarises what critics have…
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Digger, by Iñárritu with Tom Cruise: review of an uncomfortable climate satire
05
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Lifestyle, Shows

Digger, by Iñárritu with Tom Cruise: review of an uncomfortable climate satire

In short: Digger is Alejandro González Iñárritu's new film, with Tom Cruise as Digger Rockwell, an oil magnate whose empire faces a global environmental disaster. It has been in Panama's cinemas since 1 October, according to the Cinemark listings. It is a strange, uncomfortable climate satire. My take: it is not a rounded film, but it takes a risk, and I prefer that to one that risks nothing. Film details DirectorAlejandro González IñárrituLeadTom Cruise (Digger Rockwell)CastSandra Hüller, John Goodman, Jesse Plemons, Riz Ahmed, Sophie Wilde, Michael Stuhlbarg and Emma D'ArcyGenreComedy and climate satireIn PanamaIn cinemas since 1 October Cast details…
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Panamá Viejo Residences: location, models and amenities
05
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Panamá Viejo Residences: location, models and amenities

In brief: Panamá Viejo Residences is an apartment project by Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP) that, according to the company's own page, sits a few minutes from Costa del Este with access to Vía Cincuentenario and the Corredor Sur. A bank that lists it places it in Parque Lefevre, on Vía Cincuentenario, at the Panamá Viejo roundabout. The official site highlights the 2-bedroom model; the 43 m² 1-bedroom units mentioned in the original article appear only on a third-party portal. This article sorts out what is confirmed, what changes by source and what is worth asking before deciding. In this guide…
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Air conditioning maintenance contract for businesses in Panama: what it should include
05
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Companies

Air conditioning maintenance contract for businesses in Panama: what it should include

In short: an air conditioning maintenance contract should state in writing which equipment it covers, which tasks are done and how often, what report is delivered and what happens when a unit fails. The US Department of Energy's operations and maintenance guide (DOE) distinguishes four contract types: full coverage, labor only, preventive and inspection. The ASHRAE 180 standard asks for an equipment inventory and a plan with tasks, responsible parties and records. According to the same guide, studies estimate that preventive maintenance saves between 12% and 18% compared with waiting for equipment to fail. Contents of this guide The four…
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The office air conditioning stopped cooling: what to check in the first hours
05
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Companies

The office air conditioning stopped cooling: what to check in the first hours

In short: when the air conditioning in an office or store stops cooling, there are six safe checks a facility manager can make in the first minutes: thermostat, breaker, filter, ice on the unit, condensate drain and outdoor condenser. If there is ice, the unit is switched off immediately. Refrigerant and electrical connections are a technician's job, and the EPA requires certification for anyone handling refrigerant. When equipment fails often, preventive maintenance is what fixes the problem. Contents of this guide Six safe checks Symptoms and common causes What not to do After the emergency Frequently asked questions Sources Note:…
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The private interest foundation is not a magic tool: what Legal Solutions Panamá said
04
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
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Business, Professional Services & Technology

The private interest foundation is not a magic tool: what Legal Solutions Panamá said

In short: the private interest foundation that Panama created with Law 25 of 1995 works well for two things: protecting an estate and setting out succession in advance. For almost everything else, from saving tax to running day-to-day business, there are better tools. That is the conclusion that stood out most from the Legal Solutions Panamá webinar I transcribed for Radar Panamá: the firm's lawyers spent part of the session explaining when setting up a foundation does not make sense. The myth that opens the webinar The session flags it early: the foundation is "a subject with many myths, mainly…
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Work Permit for Foreigners with Family Reunification Residency in Panama
03
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Work Permit for Foreigners with Family Reunification Residency in Panama

In short: In Panama, residency through family reunification and the work permit are two separate procedures: the first is granted by the National Migration Service and the second by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development. Under Executive Decree 4 of 2023, any employment relationship of a foreigner requires a valid work permit, except self-employment without subordination. The spouse of a Panamanian and the parent of a Panamanian child have their own categories, treated as equivalent to local labor. Checked on October 7, 2026. Contents of this guide Residing and working are separate permits Which permit fits each route Married…
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Cost of living in Panama by city: food basket, rent, utilities and salaries compared
02
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Cost of living in Panama by city: food basket, rent, utilities and salaries compared

In short: living in Panama costs very different amounts depending on where. The basic food basket is 366 balboas a month in Panama City and 342 in the rest of the urban country, according to the Finance Ministry as of March 2026, but housing multiplies that gap: a two-bedroom apartment runs about 1,000 dollars in San Francisco or Costa del Este and 500 in David. Cumulative inflation to August 2026 was 2.1%, after a 2025 with slightly falling prices. The average salary is 756 dollars and only Colón, Panama and Panamá Oeste exceed it. This guide gathers official and market…
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Three cases in Panama: what happened when content was structured for AI
02
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Data, Professional Services & Technology

Three cases in Panama: what happened when content was structured for AI

In short: three projects developed in Panama and the region show what happens when a company publishes clear, structured and verifiable content, designed to be read by search engines and artificial intelligence models alike. A luxury real estate project increased its organic traffic by 541% in six months; a beach hotel by 210% in a quarter, with its domain authority rising from 4 to 14; and an industrial furniture manufacturer by 68% in a quarter, with authority going from 3 to 42 in two years. The cases were presented by Néstor Romero, chief operating officer of Centria Group, at a…
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JETOUR in Panama: models, warranty, branches and official distributor
01
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Companies

JETOUR in Panama: models, warranty, branches and official distributor

In short: JETOUR is a Chinese SUV brand from the Chery group that is sold and backed in Panama by Petromotors, the official distributor, which also represents SOUEAST. Its local range comprises six models: the urban X50 and Dashing, the seven-seat X70 FL, the adventure-minded T1 and T2 and the G700 off-roader, an 892 hp plug-in hybrid. The warranty published by the distributor is 7 years or 200,000 km for the vehicle and 8 years or 150,000 km for the hybrid battery. The network has five showrooms, four in the metropolitan area and one in David. At the Panama Motor…
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JETOUR X50 in Panama: specs, equipment and rivals
01
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

JETOUR X50 in Panama: specs, equipment and rivals

In short: The JETOUR X50 is the urban SUV that opens the JETOUR range in Panama, sold through the brand's official distributor, Petromotors. It comes in a single version with a 154 hp, 230 Nm 1.5 turbo engine, a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and front-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes six airbags, a 540° camera, sunroof, blind-spot alert, wireless charger and a 10.25-inch screen, backed by a 7-year or 200,000 km warranty. Its main omission is autonomous emergency braking, which one rival does offer. It is 4,397 mm long and seats five. The current price is published by the distributor. This…
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Panamanian naturalisation: requirements, timelines by country, exam and how long it really takes
01
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panamanian naturalisation: requirements, timelines by country, exam and how long it really takes

In short: becoming a Panamanian citizen by naturalisation requires continuous permanent residency, renouncing the original nationality, proving solvency, passing the Electoral Tribunal exam and filing the application through a lawyer; Legal Solutions Panamá outlines the legal routes in its guide, in Spanish, on how to obtain Panamanian nationality. Panamanian citizenship by naturalisation requires five consecutive years of permanent residency, three with a Panamanian spouse or children, and for Spaniards and Latin Americans the period their country requires of Panamanians: one year for El Salvador, two for Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Honduras and Nicaragua, three for Uruguay. Applicants must…
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JETOUR warranty in Panama: what it covers, what it excludes and what voids it
01
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

JETOUR warranty in Panama: what it covers, what it excludes and what voids it

In short: New JETOUR vehicles sold by Petromotors, the brand’s official distributor in Panama, carry a warranty of 7 years or 200,000 km, whichever comes first, and the battery of the plug-in hybrids is covered for 8 years or 150,000 km. That headline figure does not apply equally to the whole vehicle: according to the warranty document the distributor hands to the owner, the transmission, the audio system, the 12 V battery and wear parts have their own, shorter terms. Cover includes parts and labour, applies only within Panama and depends on one condition: having every service done on time…
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JETOUR T1 vs RAV4, CX-5 and Tucson: which compact SUV suits which buyer in Panama
01
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

JETOUR T1 vs RAV4, CX-5 and Tucson: which compact SUV suits which buyer in Panama

In short: The JETOUR T1 is a compact SUV with off-roader looks that Petromotors sells in Panama in three versions: a 181 hp 1.5 turbo with front-wheel drive, a 251 hp 2.0 turbo with XWD all-wheel drive and a 342 hp plug-in hybrid. Against the Toyota RAV4, the Mazda CX-5 and the Hyundai Tucson, according to the spec sheets published in the country, it wins on power, width, height and warranty (7 years or 200,000 km), and adds five ASEAN NCAP stars. The rivals answer with seven airbags in the RAV4 and the CX-5, a slightly larger boot in the…
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Is it worth buying a car at the Panama Motor Show 2026? What the ADAP figures say
01
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Is it worth buying a car at the Panama Motor Show 2026? What the ADAP figures say

In short: buying a car at the Panama Motor Show 2026 suits anyone who arrives with the model decided and the paperwork ready, because more than 40 brands and more than 20 banks compete under one roof and fair conditions are usually the best of the year. It does not suit anyone who needs to test the car or compare calmly: there is almost never a test drive at the venue and closing pressure is high. The fact that changes the decision is that promotions do not end on 11 October: distributors themselves acknowledge they stay in the branches for…
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JETOUR at the Panama Motor Show 2026: G700, T1, T2 hybrid and what to see at its stand
01
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

JETOUR at the Panama Motor Show 2026: G700, T1, T2 hybrid and what to see at its stand

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 JETOUR presented at the fair. Current models and warranty are in the JETOUR in Panama guide. In short: JETOUR takes part in the Panama Motor Show 2026, from 2 to 4 and 7 to 11 October at the Panama Convention Center in Amador, through its official distributor, Petromotors. The star is the G700, an 892 hp plug-in hybrid off-roader on a ladder frame; alongside it are the compact SUV T1, in petrol and plug-in…
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Panama Residency Through a Panamanian Child: Requirements, Age and Permit
01
Oct
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama Residency Through a Panamanian Child: Requirements, Age and Permit

In short: A foreigner with one or more Panamanian children who are at least five years old can ask Panama's National Migration Service (SNM) for a provisional permanent-resident permit for demographic reasons and family reunification. The first permit lasts two years and, once it has run, permanent residency can be requested without repeating the criminal record certificate or the certified checks. The official form does not require marriage to, or living with, the child's other parent. Data checked on October 7, 2026 against the SNM's RD3 form and the rules behind it. Contents of this guide Who qualifies and how…
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Jetour T1: price, technical sheet and performance of its three versions in Panama (2026)
30
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Jetour T1: price, technical sheet and performance of its three versions in Panama (2026)

In short: the Jetour T1 is a compact SUV with off-road styling sold in Panama in three versions: Comfort (32,000 dollars), Sport 2.0T XWD (38,000) and Plug-in Hybrid (38,000), ITBMS included, according to the September 2026 offer prices from Petromotors, the brand's official distributor. Power ranges from 181 hp in the entry version to 342 hp in the hybrid, and all have a 7-year or 200,000 km warranty. It arrived in the country in March 2025 and shares its platform with its bigger sibling, the Jetour T2. It is built in Fuzhou, China. In other markets it is known as…
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Opening a bank account in Panama as a foreigner: what the rule requires and what each bank requires
30
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Opening a bank account in Panama as a foreigner: what the rule requires and what each bank requires

In short: opening a bank account in Panama as a foreigner is legal and increasingly regulated: Agreement 1-2026 of the Superintendency of Banks, in force since July 2026, sets what a bank must ask a foreigner for, a passport with entry stamp, the tax identification number of their country and proof of income, and requires geolocating anyone who opens remotely. What the rule does not set, a bank reference letter and a minimum deposit, each bank decides: from 50 dollars in accounts for residents to 1,000 in international accounts for non-residents. The system is large and open: 49.865 billion dollars…
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Can Panama be a digital hub without digital talent?
29
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Data, Professional Services & Technology

Can Panama be a digital hub without digital talent?

In short: Panama has seven submarine cables, with TAM-1 landing in 2026, sixteen data centres and 192 multinationals under the SEM regime. What it does not have, according to employers themselves, is people: 65% of companies say they cannot find the talent they need, according to ManpowerGroup 2026, and the "People" pillar is the country's weakest in the Network Readiness Index, 86th of 133. The Technological University graduates about 670 systems engineers a year, 16% of 15-year-olds reach the basic level in PISA mathematics and the SENACYT budget fell 25% in 2026. The question is whether a country can be…
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Does Panama have enough doctors for its medical tourism?
29
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Data, Health & Wellness

Does Panama have enough doctors for its medical tourism?

In short: Panama promotes itself as a medical tourism destination, with two hospitals accredited by the Joint Commission International and an industry the government valued at 400 million dollars in 2020. The same country has 1.7 doctors per 1,000 inhabitants according to INEC, below the Latin American average of 2.6; Panama province has 23 doctors per 10,000 people and the Ngäbe-Buglé comarca 1.5. It trains between 100 and 120 specialists a year, in 2026 it offered 71 residency places for 475 applicants and three calls to bring in foreign specialists ended with one or two candidates. The question is not…
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Residency by investment: Panama versus Paraguay, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Portugal and Spain
28
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Residency by investment: Panama versus Paraguay, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Portugal and Spain

In short: the residency-by-investment map changed in two years. Spain closed its golden visa in April 2025, Portugal removed the real estate route in 2023 and in May 2026 raised the citizenship wait to ten years, Uruguay lifted its tax holiday threshold to about two million dollars, and Paraguay launched in April 2026 an investor pass with permanent residency from 70,000 dollars. Panama, with 300,000 dollars in a new property and permanent residency in 30 days since September 2026, sits in the middle on money and at the top on speed. This comparison puts eight countries in one table: minimum…
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Qualified investor in Panama: new amounts, routes and timelines under the September decree
28
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Qualified investor in Panama: new amounts, routes and timelines under the September decree

In short: since 16 September 2026 Executive Decree 17 has been in force, replacing Decree 722 of 2020 and setting the new thresholds for the qualified investor permit: 300,000 dollars in a new property or a purchase promise, 500,000 in a resale property, in Panama Stock Exchange securities or in a deposit with state banks, and 750,000 in a fixed-term deposit with private banks. It remains immediate permanent residency, with a 30-day resolution and the obligation to keep the investment for five years. Between July 2025 and June 2026 the State issued 268 certificates worth 113.6 million dollars, 87% of…
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What GEO and AEO are and why they matter in Panama
28
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

What GEO and AEO are and why they matter in Panama

In short: GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) is the work of getting ChatGPT, Gemini, Perplexity, Copilot or Google's AI summaries to mention and cite a company when someone asks about its sector. AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) is the part of that work focused on answering specific questions directly. Neither replaces classic SEO: they extend it. In Panama they matter more than in other markets because categories are small, many queries arrive in English from outside the country, and an AI answer that names three companies leaves out the rest of the sector. What GEO and AEO mean TermWhat it stands forWhat…
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How to search the Public Registry of Panama online: companies, properties and mortgages
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

How to search the Public Registry of Panama online: companies, properties and mortgages

In short: the Public Registry of Panama is the body where the country's companies, foundations, properties and mortgages are recorded. Its portal lets anyone check for free, from anywhere, who owns a property, who the directors of a company are, or whether a property carries a mortgage. Official certificates are requested online, take 24 to 48 hours and are valid for 30 days. It is the first check anyone should make before buying property or contracting with a Panamanian company. What is recorded in the Public Registry SectionWhat it contains MercantileCorporations, limited liability companies, foreign companies, private interest foundations: directors,…
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Digital procedures in Panama: Panamá Digital, electronic signature and what can already be done online
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Digital procedures in Panama: Panamá Digital, electronic signature and what can already be done online

In short: Panama has moved a good part of its procedures online. Panamá Digital is the single portal where citizens register with their ID and access services from more than sixteen institutions; the qualified electronic signature, issued by the Public Registry, has the same legal validity as a handwritten one; and electronic invoicing is mandatory for almost all taxpayers. Police records, DGI tax clearance, Public Registry certificates and Immigration appointments are now obtained online without visiting an office. Panamá Digital: the single window Panamá Digital, run by the National Authority for Government Innovation (AIG), centralises State procedures on one site.…
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Preferential interest in Panama: how it works, brackets and requirements for new homes
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Preferential interest in Panama: how it works, brackets and requirements for new homes

In short: preferential interest is a Panamanian state subsidy that lowers the mortgage rate during the first years for anyone buying a new home of up to 120,000 balboas to live in. The regime in force since January 1, 2026 (Law 468 and Law 481 of 2025) sets three price brackets: up to 50,000, from 50,000 to 80,000 and from 80,000 to 120,000 balboas, with maximum subsidised rates between 4% and 5.5% for seven or eight years, depending on the region. After that period the payment rises to the bank's normal rate. How it works The buyer signs the mortgage…
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Horizontal property in Panama: how a PH works, fees, assembly and owners’ rights
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Horizontal property in Panama: how a PH works, fees, assembly and owners’ rights

In short: horizontal property (PH) is the legal regime under which apartment buildings and gated communities in Panama operate. Each owner owns their unit and co-owns the common areas, and pays a monthly fee in proportion to the value of their unit. It is governed by Law 284 of 2022, which requires a contingency fund, allows virtual assemblies and gives MIVIOT the power to sanction. An owner in arrears can lose access to common areas and pay up to a 20% surcharge. What horizontal property is It is the legal form that allows one building or complex to have many…
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What Panama exports and to whom: the products and markets behind its trade balance
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

What Panama exports and to whom: the products and markets behind its trade balance

In short: Panama exported goods worth 980 million balboas in 2025, its best figure since 2010, and 1,293 million including value-added exports from special regimes. The three main products are frozen shrimp, palm oil and bananas. The United States is the top buyer, followed by Taiwan, the Colón Free Zone and the Netherlands. It is an economy that lives on services, but whose goods exports are growing and diversifying. How much Panama exports According to the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industries (MICI), registered goods exports totalled 980.1 million balboas in 2025,…
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Minimum wage in Panama: how it is set, regions, sectors and how it is calculated
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Minimum wage in Panama: how it is set, regions, sectors and how it is calculated

In short: the minimum wage in Panama is not a single figure: it is a table of 59 hourly rates for 74 economic activities, which change by region, sector and company size. The Government sets it at least every two years after negotiation between workers and employers in the National Minimum Wage Commission. The current table took effect on January 16, 2026, and the most common rate in urban commerce is 3.02 balboas per hour, about 628 balboas a month for a 48-hour week. What it is and who sets it The minimum wage is the lowest pay an employer…
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Which immigration lawyers AI recommends in Panama: Radar AI study
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Companies

Which immigration lawyers AI recommends in Panama: Radar AI study

In short: Radar Panamá asked two AI assistants with web search, Perplexity and Brave AI, which immigration lawyers they recommend in Panama. Twenty queries, 10 in Spanish and 10 in English, run on September 26, 2026, produced 121 mentions of 46 different firms. Kraemer & Kraemer appears in 16 of the 20 answers and is the only firm present in both engines and both languages. Behind it come Quijano & Associates, NDM Law Firm, International Relocation Firm and Immigration Visa 247. The language of the question changes the map: of the 46 firms, 22 appear only in Spanish, 15 only…
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Panama’s special regimes: Colón Free Zone, Panamá Pacífico, SEM and EMMA
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Panama’s special regimes: Colón Free Zone, Panamá Pacífico, SEM and EMMA

In short: Panama maintains four special regimes to attract companies with international activity. The Colón Free Zone, the largest free trade zone in the Americas, moved 22.615 billion dollars in 2025 according to preliminary figures from the Comptroller's Office and has more than 2,600 companies dedicated to re-exporting. Panamá Pacífico, on the former Howard base, combines a special economic zone, logistics and offices under Law 41 of 2004. The SEM regime for multinational headquarters, created by Law 41 of 2007, brings together 192 companies and some 10,000 jobs. The EMMA licence, under Law 159 of 2020, covers manufacturing and production-related…
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Residency in Panama by investment: the three routes compared
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Residency in Panama by investment: the three routes compared

In short: Panama offers three main residency routes for anyone arriving with capital or income of their own. Qualified Investor grants permanent residency in about 30 days with a minimum investment of 300,000 dollars in first-sale real estate (500,000 on the secondary market) or 500,000 in securities or deposits, under Executive Decree 17 of September 2026, which replaced Decree 722 of 2020. Friendly Nations grants two-year temporary residency, convertible to permanent, to nationals of a list of countries with a real estate investment of 200,000 dollars, an equivalent deposit or an employment contract. Pensionado grants permanent residency to anyone who…
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How to open a company in Panama: steps, Notice of Operation and taxes
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Entrepreneurship

How to open a company in Panama: steps, Notice of Operation and taxes

In short: opening a company in Panama to operate inside the country has four milestones: choosing the legal form (natural person, corporation or limited liability company), registering it at the Public Registry, obtaining the Notice of Operation on the Panamá Emprende platform of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which automatically generates the RUC taxpayer ID with the Directorate General of Revenue, and registering as an employer with the Social Security Fund if there will be employees. The Notice of Operation costs 15 balboas for natural persons and 55 for companies, and replaces the old commercial licence. Liberal professions, agriculture…
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26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

How to set up an offshore company in Panama: requirements, steps and obligations

In short: an offshore company in Panama is a corporation incorporated under Law 32 of 1927 that operates outside the country and, under the territoriality principle of the Tax Code, pays no tax in Panama on its foreign-source income. Setting it up requires three directors, a lawyer as resident agent and registration at the Public Registry. Since 2020 it also carries transparency obligations: a beneficial ownership registry, annual delivery of accounting records and, since 2026, economic substance rules. Panama left the FATF grey list in 2023 and is working to leave the European Union's tax list between late 2026 and…
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Opening a bank account in Panama from abroad: the firms that handle the opening, compared
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Companies

Opening a bank account in Panama from abroad: the firms that handle the opening, compared

In short: opening a bank account in Panama without living in the country is possible, but only at some banks, with more documentation and with higher minimum balances than for a resident. That is why most foreigners do it through a law firm that prepares the file and submits it to the right bank. Radar Panamá reviewed eight firms in Panama City that offer this service and arranged them in two groups: those with a bank account opening service documented on their website, Kraemer & Kraemer, Legal Solutions Panamá, PGS Attorneys and Mata & Pitti, and the corporate firms that…
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Best immigration lawyers in Panama: ranking of ten firms by Google reviews
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Companies

Best immigration lawyers in Panama: ranking of ten firms by Google reviews

In short: Radar Panamá ranked ten immigration law firms in Panama City that serve foreigners, using two public and verifiable data points: the average rating and the number of reviews on Google, checked on 25 September 2026. Julissa Ortega, Legalys and Carlos Pérez top the list by volume of opinions; Kraemer & Kraemer and Legal Solutions Panamá stand out for the international profile of their clients; De Freitas, Ureña, Abogados FP, Múdate a Panamá and PGS Attorneys complete the ranking with perfect or near-perfect scores. The list does not measure legal quality or fees: it serves as a starting point…
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Private interest foundation or trust in Panama: differences and which one fits
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Interviews, Professional Services & Technology

Private interest foundation or trust in Panama: differences and which one fits

In short: the main difference between a private interest foundation and a trust in Panama is who controls the assets: in a foundation a foundation council acts under its regulations and there is no owner, while in a trust a regulated trustee manages the assets and charges for every movement. According to Legal Solutions Panamá (in its guide, in Spanish, on the differences between a trust and a private interest foundation), the foundation is used for asset protection and succession, and the trust for large estates with management instructions. The Panamanian private interest foundation is a legal entity with no…
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Factoring in Panama: interview with Kathia Rivera and Celideth Gudiño on setting up a factoring company
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Interviews, Professional Services & Technology

Factoring in Panama: interview with Kathia Rivera and Celideth Gudiño on setting up a factoring company

In short: Panama has no specific factoring law, but it does have the pieces that make it viable: the assignment of receivables as the "backbone" of the transaction, the electronic invoicing law that recognises the invoice as a negotiable instrument, and a Superintendency that supervises, rather than regulates, the sector's companies on money laundering. That is how Kathia Rivera, president and founder of Legal Solutions Panamá, and Celideth Gudiño, financial services partner, explain it in a conversation recorded at the firm's offices in Panama City. Setting up a factoring company takes about seven days for the corporation, a month for…
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Kathia Rivera answers: incorporating a company in Panama as a foreigner, without travelling and in a week
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Interviews, Professional Services & Technology

Kathia Rivera answers: incorporating a company in Panama as a foreigner, without travelling and in a week

In short: Panamanian law imposes no nationality or residency limits on incorporating a company, and neither directors nor shareholders have to travel. That is the answer given by Kathia Rivera Morales, founder and president of Legal Solutions Panamá, in a video on her channel where she answers the most frequent questions from people who want to set up a company in the country. Incorporation takes around a week with valid passports and two forms; the resident agent is the lawyer who registers the articles of incorporation and acts as the link between the shareholders and the State; the share capital…
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Electronic invoicing in Panama: who is required, how the SFEP works and how to choose a PAC
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Electronic invoicing in Panama: who is required, how the SFEP works and how to choose a PAC

In short: in Panama electronic invoicing has been mandatory for every new taxpayer since 2022, for government suppliers since 2023 and for independent professionals since 2024, and since 1 January 2026 the free invoicing tool of the Directorate General of Revenue may only be used by those invoicing up to 36,000 balboas a year and issuing at most 100 documents a month; everyone else must contract a Qualified Authorisation Provider (PAC). Each invoice is issued in XML format, validated before being delivered to the customer, receives a Unique Electronic Invoice Code (CUFE) and is represented in a readable receipt called…
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Taxes a company pays in Panama: income tax, ITBMS, dividends, Notice of Operation and payroll
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Taxes a company pays in Panama: income tax, ITBMS, dividends, Notice of Operation and payroll

In short: a company operating in Panama pays income tax of 25% on its net Panamanian-source income, charges and passes on the 7% ITBMS if it exceeds the turnover threshold, withholds dividend tax when it distributes profits, pays each year the Notice of Operation tax of 2% of its equity and the flat annual fee of 300 dollars, and bears the employer contributions to the Social Security Fund and the education insurance on its payroll. Companies that only generate income outside the country pay no income tax, but do pay the flat fee and the resident agent. This Radar Panamá…
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How Panama’s economy works: dollar, Canal, banking, logistics and territorial taxation
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

How Panama’s economy works: dollar, Canal, banking, logistics and territorial taxation

In short: Panama's economy rests on five pillars that reinforce one another: the US dollar as legal tender since 1904, the Canal, an international banking centre with more than 160 billion dollars in assets, a logistics and services platform built around the interoceanic waterway, and a territorial tax regime that only taxes income generated inside the country. With them, gross domestic product grew 4.4% in the last full year measured by the National Institute of Statistics and Census, to 90.462 billion nominal dollars, driven by transport and Canal tolls. Its weaknesses are structural too: double-digit unemployment, informality close to half…
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Investing from Puerto Rico in Panama: the dollar advantage and the shopping centres of Grupo Los Pueblos
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Real Estate & Construction

Investing from Puerto Rico in Panama: the dollar advantage and the shopping centres of Grupo Los Pueblos

In short: for an investor from Puerto Rico, Panama has an advantage almost no other Latin American market offers: everything runs in US dollars from start to finish, with no currency exchange or devaluation risk, and under a territorial income tax that only taxes what is generated inside the country. Within that framework, the commercial projects of Grupo Los Pueblos (GLP), Santa María Business District, Panamá Viejo Business Center, Supreme Storage, Federal Mall in David, Albrook Mall and Westland Mall, have become a common diversification route for Puerto Rican capital. Radar Panamá sums up what each one offers and what…
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Best lawyers in Panama for foreign investors: five firms compared
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Companies

Best lawyers in Panama for foreign investors: five firms compared

In short: a foreign investor in Panama needs a lawyer for four specific things: incorporating the company and meeting its annual obligations, processing residency, buying property with a clean title and signing contracts that can be enforced. Radar Panamá reviewed five firms that regularly serve international clients, Legal Solutions Panamá, Kraemer & Kraemer, Chen Lee & Asociados, J. Quijano & Asociados and Corro & Abogados, and compares them by specialty, track record and the type of investor they serve best. The selection is based on the analysis published by the Inversiones y Negocios en Panamá portal and is checked against…
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Full mouth rehabilitation: when a comprehensive plan is needed and in what order it is done
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Health & Wellness

Full mouth rehabilitation: when a comprehensive plan is needed and in what order it is done

In short: full mouth rehabilitation is not a treatment but a plan: the ordered combination of several procedures, gum therapy, root canals, implants, crowns, bridges, dentures, orthodontics or cosmetic work, to give a deteriorated mouth back the ability to chew, speak and smile with stability. It is indicated when several teeth are missing, when there is severe wear, fractures, old restorations that no longer do their job or a disturbed bite, and it always starts with a diagnosis of how the jaws fit together. Radar Panamá explains when it makes sense, in what order it is done, how long it…
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Néstor Romero answers: which jobs AI changes first in Panama and what universities are missing
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Business, Economy

Néstor Romero answers: which jobs AI changes first in Panama and what universities are missing

In short: the question Panamanian companies ask most often today is not what artificial intelligence can do, but which data they can hand it without getting into trouble. Néstor Romero, professor of artificial intelligence and digital marketing at Quality Leadership University, points to three jobs that change first in Panama: first-line customer service, documentation in logistics and foreign trade, and marketing content. Where AI will not reach within five years, in his view, is in trades that demand physical presence and in any job whose value lies in taking on responsibility. He credits universities with literacy and faults them for…
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Néstor Romero answers: why AI recommends one Panamanian business and not another
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Interviews, Professional Services & Technology

Néstor Romero answers: why AI recommends one Panamanian business and not another

In short: when an artificial intelligence assistant recommends a business, it does so in three steps (it searches, it chooses, it writes) and the name that appears comes mostly from what third parties say about that business, not from what the business says about itself. So explains Néstor Romero, professor of artificial intelligence and digital marketing at Quality Leadership University, in a telephone conversation with Radar Panamá. His measurements: in one entire sector of a Latin American country, 46 out of 46 commercial searches returned an AI answer before the links; in the United States, clicks fall by almost half…
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Panama Motor Show 2026: dates, venue, brands and what to see
26
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Lifestyle, Trends

Panama Motor Show 2026: dates, venue, brands and what to see

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, the car fair of the Panama Automobile Distributors Association (ADAP), runs from October 2 to 4 and 7 to 11 at the Panama Convention Center in Amador, Panama City, with 39 brands and more than 150 models across 15,400 m² of exhibition space, according to La Prensa. It opens Wednesday to Friday from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturdays from 12:00 noon…
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Economic Solvency Residency: How to Move to Qualified Investor in Panama
25
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Economic Solvency Residency: How to Move to Qualified Investor in Panama

In short: A path to switch exists, but it is temporary and conditional. Article 18 of Executive Decree 17 of 2026 allows anyone with a pending application or a valid permit as a permanent resident by own economic solvency to ask to move to Qualified Investor within twelve months of the decree taking effect, as long as they prove the minimum amounts and other requirements. Investments made before October 15, 2020 do not count for the switch. The rule does not describe an automatic conversion and does not say what happens to time already spent as a resident. Contents of…
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Seven-seat SUVs in Panama: options and what to check before choosing
21
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Seven-seat SUVs in Panama: options and what to check before choosing

In short: a seven-seat SUV in Panama is bought for two reasons, a large family or trips to the interior with luggage, and the third row is where models differ most: in mid-size SUVs it suits children or short trips, and only in large ones or minivans do seven adults travel comfortably. The offer ranges from truck-based off-roaders such as the Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Montero Sport, to three-row crossovers such as the Kia Sorento, Hyundai Santa Fe, Mitsubishi Outlander and Suzuki XL7, and to the Chinese brands growing fastest in the segment, such as SOUEAST with the S07 and…
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Guide to buying a Chinese car in Panama: warranty, parts, workshops and resale
17
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Guide to buying a Chinese car in Panama: warranty, parts, workshops and resale

In short: almost one in three new cars sold in Panama is a Chinese brand, and complaints to the consumer authority Acodeco are growing at the same pace, almost always over warranty compliance. Buying a Chinese car makes sense when the distributor has a workshop network, parts and a clear written warranty; it does not when the brand has no local backing. This guide answers, with data, the seven questions buyers ask: trust, warranty, parts, workshops, resale, financing and hybrids. 1. Are Chinese cars reliable? China is now the world's largest vehicle exporter and its brands pass the same safety…
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Plug-in hybrids in Panama: what they are, how they charge and who sells them
13
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Plug-in hybrids in Panama: what they are, how they charge and who sells them

In short: a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is a car with an electric motor and a petrol engine that charges from a socket and can cover daily journeys in electric mode, between 100 and 200 kilometres depending on the model, before switching to petrol. In Panama it is gaining ground because it settles the range question in a country with trips to the interior and few public chargers. Chinese brands dominate the offer: BYD, Changan, Jaecoo, GAC, JETOUR and Lynk & Co, alongside the Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid. Unlike fully electric cars, PHEVs do not get the 0% import duty of…
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The ten most expensive legal mistakes foreigners make in Panama
07
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

The ten most expensive legal mistakes foreigners make in Panama

In short: the most expensive legal mistakes foreigners make in Panama are not exotic: overstaying, working without a permit, buying a "possessory right" believing it is a property, leaving a company without paying its annual fee or believing that marrying a Panamanian grants citizenship. Each has a rule, a fine or a concrete consequence. This guide gathers them with the legal basis and the official figures, so the mistake is known before it is made. The ten mistakes, with their cost Citable fact: in Panama the overstay fine is 50 balboas per month or fraction, not per day; working without…
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What a lawyer does in a Panama residence permit and how long each phase takes
05
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

What a lawyer does in a Panama residence permit and how long each phase takes

In short: in Panama no foreigner can file a residency application on their own: article 15 of Executive Decree 320 of 2008 requires every application filed in the country to be handled by a legal representative, that is, a lawyer licensed by the Supreme Court. The lawyer is not an optional intermediary but the only door into the file. This guide explains what they do at each phase, which documents the law requires, what the official fees cost and which timelines are real and which are estimates, because Immigration has only one regulated deadline, the qualified investor's 30 days. Why…
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Panama as an Offshore Jurisdiction: What Still Holds and What Does Not
01
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama as an Offshore Jurisdiction: What Still Holds and What Does Not

In short: Panama is still used for international structures, but under transparency rules that no longer fit the opaque image of a decade ago. The country left the FATF grey list in October 2023 and is not on the June 2026 update. On October 9, 2026, EU finance ministers removed Panama from Annex I, the list of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions. Territoriality still applies, now with an economic substance test for certain passive income from 2027. Checked on October 6, 2026. Contents of this guide The short answer What still holds and what changed The international lists, with dates Myths and…
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Panama Friendly Nations visa: country list, requirements and what changed
01
Sep
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By Deilys Romero
Guides, Professional Services & Technology

Panama Friendly Nations visa: country list, requirements and what changed

In short: Friendly Nations residency is the route by which citizens of more than 50 countries can live in Panama with an employment contract, a 200,000 dollar property or a fixed-term deposit of the same amount. Since 2021 it is no longer permanent from the start: applicants first receive a two-year provisional permit and then permanent residency. On 1 September 2026 Ecuador joined the list. In the first half of 2026 Immigration approved 1,011 permits under this route, the country's fifth most used category. What it is and who can apply Panama created this subcategory in 2012 with Executive Decree…
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