Resources for moving to Costa del Este

Your first weeks

1. Phone

   Get a SIM from +Móvil or Tigo, the country's two mobile carriers.

2. Residency

   Residency applications are filed through a Panamanian lawyer (Decree-Law 3 of 2008). Start early: your driver's license and often your bank account depend on it.

3. Power and water

   At ENSA, owners apply with the deed or a Public Registry certificate; tenants with the lease and the owner's documents (a deposit may apply). IDAAN water stays in the owner's name, who authorizes the tenant in writing.

4. Health

   Confirm your insurer’s network and how to book appointments. Save emergency numbers and prepare a list of your medications.

5. Panapass

   The sticker costs B/.10 and is fitted at Atlapa or Albrook, by appointment through the Panapass app. Bring the vehicle registration, the owner's ID or passport and current insurance.

6. Driver's license

   Once you are a resident, swap your license at Sertracen: a valid license, an apostilled or legalized certificate from your country, an official translation if it isn't in Spanish, your migration card and passport. Book at licencia.com.pa.

7. School

   Panama's official school year runs March to December (2027: 22 February to 17 December). Boston School International and The Casco School follow the international calendar, August to June. Ask about places months ahead.

Communities and forums

• r/PanamaReddit's Panama community, in Spanish and English.
• r/Panama: Costa del Este threadsWhat people have already asked and answered about the district.
• r/expatsGeneral questions about living abroad.
• InterNations Panama CityExpat network with social and professional events in Panama City.
• Expat.comExpat forum for Panama.
• AmCham PanamáAmerican Chamber of Commerce: events and business contacts.

Homes

• Encuentra24Panama's biggest listings site, filtered to Costa del Este.houses for sale · apartments for sale · houses for rent · apartments for rent
• CompreoalquileSales and rentals in Costa del Este (in Spanish).
• PropilatamNew developments under construction.
• ACOBIRPanama's association of real estate brokers and developers.

Paperwork

• Servicio Nacional de MigraciónVisas and residency: official requirements for each type.
• SertracenDriver's licenses, including swapping a foreign license.
• Panapass (ENA)The sticker you need for the Corredor Sur: where to get it installed.
• U.S. Embassy
• CanadaTravel advice and embassy contacts.
• United KingdomConsular services and the embassy.

Utilities and transport

• ENSAElectricity: the distributor for Costa del Este.
• IDAANDrinking water.
• Tocumen AirportFlights, terminals and parking.
• Metro de PanamáLines and stations; Line 2 reaches the airport.

News

• Newsroom PanamaPanama news in English.
• La PrensaPanama's main newspaper (in Spanish).

Community and visitors

Communities and places of worship

1. 11minCongregación Kol Shearith IsraelJewish community center with synagogues, a library and a museum.Costa del Este
2. 14minParroquia San Lucas EvangelistaCatholic parish with faith education, worship and community support activities.Av. San Agustín
3. 16minIglesia Evangélica China de PanamáEvangelical Christian church in Costa del Este.Costa del Este

Visiting family

1. 21minThe Westin PanamaHotel on Av. de la Rotonda, an option for visiting family.Av. de la Rotonda

Estimated minutes from Town Center along streets at 80 m/min (about 5 km/h), using OpenStreetMap data. Each tenant uses its mall or building’s arrival time. Crossings, breaks and indoor walking are not included.

Tips

• In the groups, ask about the specific area: "Costa del Este" gets better answers than "Panama".
• Residency applications are filed through a Panamanian lawyer; Migración publishes the requirements for each visa.
• See the house or apartment before paying any deposit, and get the lease in writing.

Questions

Keep reading

• BasicsMoney, weather, plugs and emergencies.
• Where to liveTowers or houses, plus current listings.
• SchoolsCompare programs, calendars and fees; 19 listings.