BazB44
8/7/2016 15:25 EST
Hey everyone, for the past year I have been researching places to move to outside of the US (in Latin America). I've decided that Panama is probably the best option in terms of living and working, getting visa's and all.
I just want to get some opinions and advice from people who made the move, on finding employment. I'm a 30 year old guy, so I need to work obviously. I'm interested mostly in Panama City, Coronado, Casco Viejo areas.
How did you all do it?
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ranadelnorte
8/7/2016 15:37 EST
Hello and welcome!
Non-citizens of Panama can't be employees here unless they are working for an international company and meet certain conditions.
Your options are: find an employer in your home country that lets you work remotely; set up an internet-based business; or set up or purchase an existing business here. Panama is full of opportunities for young entrepreneurs.
Good luck!
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Panama2017
8/7/2016 15:54 EST
Yes, many (most) professional jobs are protected for citizens. I have just started to investigate the possibility of incorporating my US based company (non-Internet based) in Panama as well. So that is another idea for you.
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StanleySankey
8/7/2016 18:58 EST
Some of the info above is incorrect. As long as you have the correct type of visa and expat can get a work permit.
I am here on the friendly nations visa and have had a work permit for the past three years and I can work for any employer in the country. Some jobs are protected such as engineers, doctors etc. and only Panamanian natural born citizens can apply this restriction also is in effect if you obtain your citizenship after first becoming a permanent resident for the first 5 years of your new citizenship period.
You need to understand that unless you have real rare skills or tons of high level experience your pay is going to be at the subsistence level, also you need to have a working level of Spanish to be even considered for most positions.
This lists the different visa options
http://expatfreedom.com/employment-options-in-panama/
This is a link to one of the job sites where you can see what is available and the salaries
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Panabud
8/7/2016 23:42 EST
You need to work online and have foreign clients to earn a real wage in Panama. But assuming you get a work permit wages will be 1/4 of what you expect. Every place you mentioned is expensive especially Casco Viejo which is becoming a tourist trap. If you are single then forget Coronado. It's full of old gringos and younger families with kids. Very few singles in Coronado unless you want to date a local, but beware of the risks doing that. Also the dining scene sucks there with very few good options. Not sure why you are leaving the U.S. but coming to Panama may not be a wise move for you. Make sure you are coming for the right reasons and not just trying to escape something that may or may not happen.
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jonoyakker
8/8/2016 04:04 EST
Again, some misinformation here. Managerial and specialist jobs can pay well here but you should already be skilled. Your other alternative is to develop a business to fill a void. Even if you are working only for expats, Spanish is still recommended.
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stgibson
8/8/2016 10:42 EST
Bring plenty of money, at least $100-$200K. You can apply for a "friendly nations visa" and start you own business or bring an internet business with you. My sons best friend (27 years old)moved here the first of the year, purchased a boat, equipment, etc. and started a tourist based fishing business and is doing well, but then his mother owns two hotels on Isla Contadora and an apartment in PC.
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expatdude
8/19/2016 21:39 EST
Wrong advice up top, you can work for a Panamanian firm with no problem and they can sponsor your work permit. Being from a friendly nations country means having no expiration date on the work visa. For example my Colombian co-workers have to renew it the first year, then every two years, mine is indefinite just like my permanent residency.
My own tax attorney in the US found it weird that I don't work for an international firm located in Panama, like domestic firms don't hire outsiders... (they do).
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