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Step‑by‑Step Moving Checklist

A practical, timeline‑based guide that walks you from first research to fully settled in Panama. Use it as your master to‑do list—and remember, the AskPanama team can handle many of these steps for you.

6 – 3 Months Before Your Move

1. Clarify Your Residency Path

  • Compare options (Friendly Nations, Pensionado, Investor, etc.) → see Residency Options.
  • Check eligibility and estimated processing times.

2. Audit Your Passport & Vital Documents

  • Ensure your passport will be valid 6+ months beyond arrival.
  • Order new or certified copies of birth, marriage, and (if applicable) divorce certificates.
  • Request an FBI/RCMP police record and have it apostilled/legalized.

3. Build a Relocation Budget

  • Estimate: legal fees, housing deposits, flights, shipping, insurance.
  • Plan an emergency fund of at least 3 months’ living expenses.

4. Health & Insurance

  • Schedule medical + dental check‑ups.
  • Request 6‑month prescription refills.
  • Compare international health insurance vs. local private plans.

5. Learn Basic Spanish

  • Commit to a daily Duolingo or tutor session—future you will thank you!

6. Declutter & Decide What Ships

  • Sell, donate, or store bulky items.
  • Get quotes for air freight vs. 20‑ft container vs. extra luggage.

3 – 2 Months Before Your Move

7. Engage Your Relocation Partner

  • Book AskPanama’s Residency Assistance package to lock in your spot.
  • Receive your personalized document checklist.

8. Arrange a Scouting Trip or Long‑Term Airbnb

  • Visit neighborhoods (El Cangrejo, San Francisco, Costa del Este, etc.).
  • Short‑list schools if you have children.

9. Prep Banking Paperwork

  • Secure two bank reference letters and 6‑month statements.
  • Notarize if required.

10. Plan Pet Relocation

  • Verify rabies shot >30 days & <12 months old.
  • Schedule vet visit for APHIS Form 7001 within 10 days of flight.
  • Reserve space with an airline that flies pets into PTY.

1 Month Before Your Move

11. Book Your Flight

  • One‑way is fine, but some airlines require proof of onward travel—buy a refundable return ticket if needed

12. Cancel, Transfer, or Forward Services

  • Utilities, gym, internet, streaming, magazines.
  • Set up USPS/Canada Post mail forwarding or a virtual mailbox.

13. Hire Movers & Insure Valuables

  • Confirm pick‑up date; request a detailed inventory list.

14. Go Digital

  • Scan all documents; back them up to encrypted cloud storage.
  • Download essential Panama apps (Uber, Yappy, Nequi, MetroBus, Waze).

2 Weeks Before Your Move

15. Organize Travel Cash & Cards

  • Bring USD $500–$1,000 in small bills.
  • Notify banks of travel to avoid card blocks.

16. Pack an Essentials Carry‑On

  • Passport, residency docs, laptop, chargers, prescriptions, a change of clothes.

17. Confirm Arrival Logistics

  • Send flight details to AskPanama for VIP airport pick‑up.

1 Week Before Your Move

18. Wrap Up at Home

  • Sell or store your vehicle.
  • Host farewell gatherings.
  • Suspend or adjust mobile phone plan (eSIM with Claro/Más Móvil ready).

Travel Day

19. Fly to Panama

  • Complete the customs declaration (handed out on the plane).
  • Keep proof of funds handy (rarely requested, but better safe).
  • Meet your AskPanama driver at Tocumen International (PTY) arrivals.

First Week in Panama

20. Settle In & Orient Yourself

  • Check into your Megapolis/Decapolis suite (AskPanama rates).
  • City tour: grocery stores, clinics, malls, embassies.
  • Purchase local SIM & Metro / RapiPass card.

21. Open a Local Bank Account

  • AskPanama accompanies you—bring passport, second ID, bank letters.

22. Start Your Residency Process

  • Biometrics appointment, health certificate, and fingerprinting.
  • Receive 6‑month temporary ID (carné) within ~10 business days.

First Month in Panama

23. Secure Long‑Term Housing

  • Negotiate 6‑ or 12‑month lease; expect 1‑month deposit + first month.

24. Healthcare & Driver’s License

  • Enroll in private plan or Caja de Seguro Social (CSS) if employed.
  • Convert foreign license (if eligible) or apply for Panamanian license.

25. Register with Your Embassy

  • Helpful for voting, emergency assistance, and travel advisories.

First 3 – 6 Months in Panama

26. Receive Permanent Residency Card

  • Collect ID and multientry visa (if required) with AskPanama.

27. Ship Remaining Belongings

  • Take advantage of duty‑free household import within first 6 months.

28. Expand Your Network & Lifestyle

  • Join professional associations, language exchanges, and expat clubs.
  • Explore weekend trips to Boquete, Bocas del Toro, and Pedasí.

Ongoing Responsibilities

  • Keep your address and contact info updated with immigration.
  • File annual tax returns in both Panama and your home country (if required).
  • Renew residency card or cedula as instructed.
  • Maintain local health insurance coverage.

Ready to Make the Move Even Easier?

Our Get Residency Assistance package bundles legal paperwork, bank account opening, housing search, and VIP airport service into one transparent fee—so you can focus on starting your new life.
Questions? Chat with us or schedule a 1‑hour consulting call right from the AskPanama app.

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