Are you looking to diversify your portfolio or find your dream home in the tropics? Panama continues to be a premier destination for investors and retirees, particularly from the United States and Canada. In our latest interview, Giovanna Bernal of Prime Solutions Tax & Legal sat down with Rialdo Shepherd, a licensed broker from Empresas Bern, to discuss why the 2026 market is looking better than ever.
With over 47 years of experience and more than 160 developments delivered, Empresas Bern is the leading developer in Panama, offering unique opportunities for both passive income and luxury living.
High-Yield Investment: The Rise of Short-Term Rentals
For those looking to generate passive income, short-term rentals are a powerhouse in the Panamanian market, typically offering a return on investment (ROI) between 6% and 9%.
- Generation Tower (Costa del Este): This is the only development in Panama with a dedicated license for short-term rentals, making it a unique asset for your portfolio. It also features “Independent Living” floors specifically designed for elderly residents or those with mobility needs.
- Seaside (Mid City): Located right next to the Cinta Costera, this project is ideal for executives and digital nomads who want to be in the heart of the city’s action.
- Pinoalto (Boquete): For those who prefer the mountains, Boquete offers a perfect climate and stunning volcano views. Because of high tourism from North Americans and Europeans, ROI in Boquete can even exceed 9%.
Luxury Living: Finding Your Sense of Community
If your goal is relocation rather than just investment, Panama offers world-class residential options that prioritize comfort and security.
- Westin Residences: Located in Panama Pacifico, this is Panama’s first branded residential project, situated right next to the Westin Hotel. Residents enjoy hotel-standard amenities and views of the Panama Canal, all while being just 15 minutes away from the city center.
- Costa del Este (Nogal & Autumn): Known as a “city within a city,” Costa del Este provides everything a family or retiree needs: top-tier hospitals (Pacifica Salud), international schools, and high-end shopping.
Why Panama? Why Now?
Panama is consistently ranked as one of the safest and most attractive countries for retirees. Beyond the lifestyle, the legal and financial benefits are significant:
- The Pensionado Visa: Still the gold standard for retirees worldwide.
- Strong Healthcare: A robust system that is highly attractive to international expats.
- Low Cost of Living: Panama remains one of the most affordable high-quality destinations in Central America.
Stress-Free Ownership with Professional Management
One of the biggest concerns for foreign investors is managing a property from abroad. To solve this, B by Bern and Corporate Stays (a Canadian-based company) provide full-service management for these developments. Owners can even track their investment, including occupancy and financial reports, through a dedicated app.
How Prime Solutions Supports Your Journey
Buying property is just the first step. At Prime Solutions Tax & Legal, we ensure your investment is protected from every angle. Our team assists with:
- Reviewing Promissory Agreements to protect your interests during the purchase.
- Setting up Panama Foundations for sophisticated estate planning and asset protection.
- Annual Tax Returns handled by our expert CPAs to ensure you stay compliant with local rental income laws.
Ready to explore the Panama property market? Don’t navigate the legal and real estate landscape alone. Click here to book a free consultation with Prime Solutions and let our experts guide you toward a secure and profitable future in Panama.
1. Can you handle the Pensionado Visa application and my DGI Tax residence Certificate tracking under the same flat fee, or are they handled by espérate internal departments?
2. Do you have a certified local CPA on staff to file my annual zero-tax or local declaration with the DGI?
3.Can you provide a corporate utility management services to ensure my local Panama lease lease or or property maintains active utility bills in my name to prove my “center of vital interests”?
I had already a local ID but not based on the pensionado visa. For private reasons I could not fly to Panama. Also had a local driver’s license. So the documents are expired
Thank you for your detailed questions.
Yes, our firm can assist with both immigration and tax-related matters, including the Pensionado Visa process and guidance regarding DGI tax residency matters. However, these are handled as separate services because they involve different legal, immigration, and tax procedures, and the fees may vary depending on the scope of work.
We do have tax and accounting professionals, including CPA support, who can assist with DGI filings, annual declarations, and compliance matters, depending on your specific situation.
Regarding utility bills, lease/property documentation, and evidence of ties to Panama, we can review your case and advise what documents may be appropriate. However, the strategy must be properly structured based on your actual residence, tax position, immigration status, and supporting evidence.
Since you mentioned that you previously had a local ID and driver’s license, but the documents are now expired and your prior residency was not based on the Pensionado Visa, we recommend scheduling a consultation so we can review your current legal status, determine whether renewal or a new application is needed, and explain the best path forward.
You can schedule a consultation with our team here:
https://primesls.com/book-free-consultation-contact-us/
1. Can you handle the Pensionado Visa application and my DGI Tax residence Certificate tracking under the same flat fee, or are they handled by espérate internal departments?
2. Do you have a certified local CPA on staff to file my annual zero-tax or local declaration with the DGI?
3.Can you provide a corporate utility management services to ensure my local Panama lease lease or or property maintains active utility bills in my name to prove my “center of vital interests”?
I had already a local ID but not based on the pensionado visa. For private reasons I could not fly to Panama. Also had a local driver’s license. So the documents are expired
Thank you for your detailed questions.
Yes, our firm can assist with both immigration and tax-related matters, including the Pensionado Visa process and guidance regarding DGI tax residency matters. However, these are handled as separate services because they involve different legal, immigration, and tax procedures, and the fees may vary depending on the scope of work.
We do have tax and accounting professionals, including CPA support, who can assist with DGI filings, annual declarations, and compliance matters, depending on your specific situation.
Regarding utility bills, lease/property documentation, and evidence of ties to Panama, we can review your case and advise what documents may be appropriate. However, the strategy must be properly structured based on your actual residence, tax position, immigration status, and supporting evidence.
Since you mentioned that you previously had a local ID and driver’s license, but the documents are now expired and your prior residency was not based on the Pensionado Visa, we recommend scheduling a consultation so we can review your current legal status, determine whether renewal or a new application is needed, and explain the best path forward.
You can schedule a consultation with our team here:
https://primesls.com/book-free-consultation-contact-us/