Moving
Moving your life to Panama
The three big logistics questions are your pets, your belongings and your car. Pets can come with an endorsed health certificate, up-to-date rabies vaccination and advance notice to Panama's health ministry. Most people ship far less than they expect, because shipping, import paperwork and Panama's climate make many household items a poor fit.
Bringing a dog or cat to Panama
For dogs and cats travelling from the United States, the current process is:
- Rabies vaccination from three months of age, with at least 30 days between the first rabies shot and travel. Pets under four months old aren't admitted.
- Health certificate from an accredited veterinarian, endorsed by the national veterinary authority (APHIS in the US).
- Panamanian consular stamp on the endorsed certificate before travel.
- Home quarantine notice sent to Panama's Ministry of Health at least three days before arrival, with your flight details.
Pets normally complete a short home quarantine rather than staying in a facility. Requirements from Canada, the UK and Europe follow a similar pattern but differ in the details, and airlines have their own rules, so check with your vet and airline early. A pet relocation service can handle the paperwork if you'd rather not.
Ship your belongings or buy new?
- Worth bringing: things that are expensive or hard to find in Panama, such as good kitchen knives, quality bedding, specialist tools, sports gear and anything sentimental.
- Usually not worth shipping: large furniture, especially upholstered pieces and particleboard that suffer in humidity, and appliances that may not suit local power or parts supply.
- Pensionado holders can usually import household goods with a one-time duty exemption up to a set value. Confirm the current limit with your lawyer before you book a container.
Bringing a car
You can import a vehicle, but duties, shipping and paperwork often make it cheaper to buy in Panama, where most popular models are sold and serviced. Pensionado holders have historically had vehicle import benefits; check the current terms before deciding.
Visitors can usually drive on a valid foreign licence for a limited period (commonly 90 days); residents need to switch to a Panamanian licence.
Common questions
Can I bring my dog to Panama?
Yes. You'll need a current rabies vaccination, an endorsed health certificate stamped by a Panamanian consulate, and to notify Panama's Ministry of Health at least three days before arrival. Most pets then complete a short home quarantine.
Do pets have to go into quarantine in Panama?
Usually only home quarantine, provided the paperwork is in order and the Ministry of Health has been notified before arrival.
Should I ship my furniture to Panama?
Usually not. Humidity is hard on upholstered and particleboard furniture, and shipping plus import paperwork often costs more than buying locally. Bring smaller, high-value and sentimental items instead.
Planning a move? Start with the checklist.
A free, month-by-month timeline from twelve months out to your first week in Panama.