Is It Safe to Move to Panama in 2026? Expat Guide

On October 9, 2026, a magnitude 7.6-7.7 earthquake struck Panama. If you were planning a move, it is fair to ask whether the country is still a safe choice. This guide answers that without sales talk, and tells you what to check before you sign anything.

The short answer

For most expats, Panama’s established areas are reasonably safe, and the day-to-day risks are petty theft and traffic, not violent crime. The earthquake adds a new question: how safe is the specific building and area you choose? That is something you can verify.

1. Crime: what expats actually face

• Established expat neighborhoods in Panama City (Punta Pacifica, San Francisco, Obarrio, Costa del Este, Clayton) are described by expat guides as modern and secure, with petty theft and pickpocketing the main risk in crowded areas.
• Violent crime is concentrated in specific areas, such as parts of Colón Province. Travel advisories also warn against the Darién region.
• Some sources cite traffic accidents as a larger statistical risk than crime. Drive defensively and avoid night driving on unfamiliar roads.

Tip: crime varies block by block. Visit at different times of day before you decide.

2. Earthquakes: the honest picture

Panama is in a seismically active region, and the October 9 quake was strong and widely felt. Reports mention damage to homes, schools, health facilities and some public buildings, and many people evacuated buildings in Panama City, though early reports did not describe a large number of deaths.

What matters for you as a resident or buyer:

• Building age and quality matter more than the city. Panama has had seismic design requirements for decades, and engineering groups say buildings built under them are meant to withstand strong shaking. Still, a specific building’s condition after a quake has to be confirmed by an engineer, not assumed.
• Ask for the post-quake structural inspection report of any building you consider. If there is none, that is information too.
• Check the insurance. Panama’s horizontal property law (Law 284 of 2022) contemplates earthquake coverage for the whole building as a common expense. Ask which insurer, what it covers and the deductible.
• Ask about the Emergency Fund. The law requires a contingency fund (at least 1% of annual common-expense income). A healthy fund and a transparent board are good signs.

3. Buying or renting a condo: checklist after the quake

1. Written structural inspection by a licensed engineer, dated after October 9, 2026.
2. Building insurance policy: earthquake coverage, insurer, amount.
3. Last 2 years of owners’ meeting minutes (look for unresolved repair issues).
4. Reserve/contingency fund balance and any special assessments pending.
5. Elevators, pumps and gas systems inspected and working.
6. A local lawyer to review the title and the building’s regulations before you pay a deposit.

4. Other questions expats ask

Is Panama expensive?

Estimates range widely by lifestyle. One guide suggests roughly $1,500-2,500 a month for a single person in Panama City and less in smaller towns. Treat any single figure with caution.

What about visas?

Options include the Friendly Nations visa and the retiree (Pensionado) program, but requirements have changed over the years. Confirm current terms with the Panamanian immigration authority or an immigration lawyer. Do not rely on old blog posts.

Healthcare?

Private healthcare is generally regarded as the strongest in Central America. Most expats carry private insurance.

Is it safe to invest in property now?

It can be, if the building passes inspection and the paperwork is clean. Post-quake is also a moment when prices and sellers’ motivations can change, so do not rush and do not skip due diligence.

Bottom line

Panama remains a reasonable place to live for many expats, but “Panama is safe” is too broad to be useful. Evaluate the neighborhood, the building, the insurance and the legal paperwork.

This article is informational and does not replace advice from a licensed engineer, lawyer or immigration professional. Facts about the earthquake were preliminary at the time of writing.

Sources: Rio Times: Panama safety for expats 2026, Expat Exchange, PAHO natural hazard monitoring, Oct 9 2026, Emol damage report.

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Cover image: RB Photo, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Illustrative image.