What are the steps to buying property in Panama as a foreigner?
At Expat-Tations, we make buying property in Panama as a foreigner simple, legal, and secure — because we manage everything in-house through our integrated real estate and legal divisions. Foreigners have the same property rights as Panamanians, and with our licensed realtors and attorneys working together under one roof, you’ll avoid delays, miscommunications, and legal pitfalls.
Here’s how the process works with Expat-Tations Group:
1. Work with an Expat-Tations licensed real estate agent
Your first step is to connect with one of our licensed realtors, who specializes in helping expats find properties that not only suit their lifestyle and budget — but also align with residency options if desired. Whether you’re investing, relocating, or retiring, we guide you toward listings that are cleanly titled, eligible for foreign ownership, and strategically valuable.
2. Select the right property for your goals
From beachfront villas and gated mountain homes to urban apartments and turnkey investments, we curate property options that match your personal and financial objectives. If your goal is legal residency, we’ll focus on properties that meet immigration program requirements.
3. Make an offer and negotiate
Once you find a property, we help you craft a formal offer and handle the negotiation process on your behalf. All negotiations are guided by your interests and conducted professionally by our team, with clear documentation and transparency at every step.
4. Engage Expat-Tations Law for due diligence
Unlike other agencies that refer you out to third parties, our in-house legal team at Expat-Tations Law handles every aspect of due diligence. This includes:
- Title verification at Panama’s Public Registry
- Checking for liens, debts, or legal restrictions
- Validating zoning and permitted land use
- Reviewing property history and legal standing
- Confirming seller authority and documentation
You’ll receive detailed legal reporting and full peace of mind — all managed internally, efficiently, and in your preferred language.
5. Sign a promissory purchase agreement
With everything confirmed, we prepare and oversee the signing of the Promissory Contract (Contrato de Promesa de Compraventa), which sets out the terms, timeline, deposit (usually 10%), and conditions of the sale. Our legal team drafts and customizes this agreement to your situation — protecting your interests at every stage.
6. Finalize closing and register ownership
Once payment terms are met, Expat-Tations Law drafts the final sales contract (Escritura Pública) and submits it for formal registration at the Panama Public Registry. This is the legal act that finalizes the property transfer and confirms you as the new owner.
From offer to ownership, we manage the full process in-house — saving you time, avoiding unnecessary fees, and ensuring legal integrity throughout.
Bonus: Use Your Property to Qualify for Legal Residency
Because we operate as both a licensed real estate agency and a legal firm, many of our clients choose us for one key reason: properties purchased through Expat-Tations can be used to obtain legal residency in Panama. We handle the residency application, immigration filings, and document preparation internally — aligned with your property purchase.
Why Choose Expat-Tations for Your Panama Property Purchase?
We’re not just a real estate agency — we’re your full-service relocation partner. As part of the Expat-Tations Group, our structure is designed for expats who want clarity, legality, and alignment between investment and immigration. With licensed realtors and lawyers under one brand, we bring everything together so you don’t have to.
Own smart. Relocate securely. Work with Expat-Tations.