Panama Blog
Fed Rate Increase Could Push Panama Mortgage Rates Higher in 2027
The Fed raised rates to 3.75%-4.00% on September 16, its first hike since 2023. What it means for Panama mortgage rates and when buyers will feel it.
Cox Selects Panama as Americas Headquarters for $7 Billion Investment Plan
Spanish utility Cox picked Panama as its Americas headquarters, where it will run a $7 billion+ water and energy plan. What it means for Panama City.
France Says Panama Could Leave the EU Tax Blacklist in October
France says the EU will decide in October on removing Panama from its tax blacklist. What changes for investors, banks and property buyers if it happens.
Panama Launches New $450-a-Month Internship Program
Panama’s Internship Program under Law 513 is now fully in force. What it costs employers, who qualifies, how many interns you can take on, and the limits.
Panama Now Gives Every Arriving Tourist 10 Days of Free Medical Insurance. Here Is What It Actually Pays.
Panama launched the free Seguro al Turista on September 10, 2026, covering air arrivals for their first 10 days. Benefits, the six participating airports, exclusions, and the 24/7 assistance line.
Panama Just Landed a $500 Million Loan for Farms and Small Businesses, and Half of It Is Headed Rural
CAF signed a $500 million loan to Banco Nacional de Panama on September 11, 2026. Half goes to agriculture, half to 3,300 SMEs, with 50% aimed at rural areas.
Panama’s Economy Grew 8.2% in June While Inflation Held at 1.4%. That Combination Is Hard to Find Right Now.
Panama’s activity index rose 5.4% through June and 8.2% in June alone, with inflation at 1.4% and the fiscal deficit down to 2.78% of GDP.
Panama’s Exports Just Hit a Record $913.1 Million. The Biggest Jump Came From Inside the Industrial Parks.
Panama exported a record B/.913.1 million from January to July 2026, up 18.5%. Shrimp, bananas and a 47.5% jump in special-regime industry drove the gain.
Panama Extended Its Bar Hours to Grow Tourism. The Numbers Suggest That Is Not the Problem.
Panama City extended nightlife hours under Decree No. 5 to boost tourism. But visitors grew 19.2% while tourism spending grew 15.3%, meaning spend per visitor is falling. What longer hours can and cannot do.
Tocumen Just Put a $306.75 Million Expansion Out to Bid, and the Envelopes Open September 28
Tocumen Airport is investing $306.75 million in two projects: a $208.75M Terminal 2 Muelle Sur expansion and a $98M airfield overhaul. Bids close September 28, 2026.
Panama Is Offering 15 Years of Tax Exemptions for Tourism. Property Buyers Are Not the Target.
Panama’s Cabinet approved Proyecto de Ley 31-26, offering up to 15 years of income and property tax exemption for tourism lodging in the Caribbean. Residential and purely real estate projects are excluded. Cruise passenger traffic is up 21.6%.