Why choose Expat-tations for real estate and relocation?
Expat-Tations is the only firm in Panama that combines licensed realtors, in-house attorneys, immigration specialists, and vital-document experts under one trusted brand. That single-team structure means every step of your move – from the first property search to the day you receive your residency card—is handled seamlessly, legally, and with complete transparency.
One Roof, Zero Hand-Offs
Most buyers juggle three or four separate advisers: an agent, an outside attorney, a translator, and an immigration consultant and many more. At Expat-Tations Group we eliminate the hand-offs:
| Your Need | Our In-House Solution |
|---|---|
| Property search & negotiation | Licensed realtors at Expat-Tations Real Estate |
| Legal due diligence & closing | Attorneys at Expat-Tations Law |
| Residency filings & biometrics | Immigration team working side-by-side with your lawyer |
| FBI checks, birth & marriage certs | Vital documents department that secures, obtains and apostilles everything |
You work with one project manager and assigned team, who coordinate all of these specialists, so nothing slips through the cracks.
Residency-Eligible Properties
We actively source listings that qualify for Panama’s Economic Solvency Residency, Friendly Nations Visa, or Retiree Pensionado programs. When you buy through us, your property can double as the foundation for permanent legal status—saving you time, paperwork, and government fees.
Tech-Forward Efficiency
Digital platforms and encrypted document portals, real-time progress dashboards and apps, and virtual tours let you start the process from anywhere in the world. You only fly in when it’s time for final signing and biometrics.
Built by Expats, for Expats
Our leadership team has relocated to Panama themselves. We know the anxieties – currency transfers, language barriers, cultural nuances—and we’ve designed every service touchpoint to remove those stressors for you.
Guaranteed Legal Compliance
Because our attorneys sit in the same office as our real estate agents, every listing is vetted before you even see it. Title verification, tax clearance, and zoning checks happen up-front, protecting you from last-minute surprises or fraudulent sellers.
Bottom Line
Time saved, risk reduced, and a smoother path to your new life in Panama – that’s the Expat-Tations advantage. When you want real estate, residency, and peace of mind delivered together, there’s only one name you need to remember.
Choose Expat-Tations. Own smart. Relocate securely.
Do I need to be in Panama to buy property or apply for residency?
Not right away – Expat-Tations can handle most of the process remotely on your behalf. From property searches to offer letters, contract drafting, and residency application prep, our legal and real estate teams work together to begin your journey without requiring you to be physically present in Panama.
Here’s how it works:
When you work with Expat-Tations Group, you authorize our licensed lawyers at Expat-Tations Law to represent you through a power of attorney, allowing us to:
- Review and submit your residency documents
- Handle property purchase negotiations and due diligence
- Coordinate with the Public Registry and other government agencies
- Translate, certify, and file all required paperwork
This means you can begin your investment and immigration process while still abroad.
When do you need to come to Panama?
You’ll need to travel to Panama at least once later in the process to:
- Provide biometric data (fingerprints and ID photos) for immigration
- Sign final documents in front of a notary (for title transfer or bank setup, depending on your case)
- Meet any personal appearance requirements from local authorities or for your visa type
We’ll coordinate this trip with maximum efficiency – often requiring just a few business days in-country.
Remote-friendly. Relocation-ready.
Expat-Tations was built specifically for expats, which is why we’ve optimized every part of the property and residency process to begin from anywhere in the world. You can move forward now – and arrive in Panama when it matters most.
Start remotely. Finish securely. That’s the Expat-Tations way.
What are common risks in buying property without proper representation?
Buying property in Panama without professional representation exposes you to serious legal, financial, and logistical risks – especially as a foreigner unfamiliar with local laws, language, or real estate norms. At Expat-Tations, we’ve seen firsthand how costly these mistakes can be, which is why our full-service approach combines both licensed realtors and attorneys to protect you every step of the way.
Common risks include:
- Unclear or disputed property ownership (no clean title)
- Unpaid taxes or liens inherited by the new owner
- Fraudulent or unauthorized sellers posing as rightful owners
- Improperly translated or legally invalid contracts
- Missing Public Registry filings, which means you never legally own the property
- No alignment with immigration requirements, if residency is a goal
How Expat-Tations protects you
At Expat-Tations Group, we don’t just sell you a property – we ensure it’s a legally sound investment. Our team includes:
- Licensed realtors who understand the market, pricing, and property eligibility
- In-house attorneys (Expat-Tations Law) who conduct legal due diligence, title verification, and contract drafting
- Bilingual staff who make sure you fully understand every document and process
- Full integration with residency and immigration support, if applicable
When you buy through Expat-Tations, you’re not navigating Panama’s property market alone. You’re backed by professionals who protect your investment, eliminate legal ambiguity, and ensure the property supports your long-term goals.
Avoid costly surprises. Choose representation that works for you – not against you.
How long does it take to complete a property purchase in Panama?
Most property purchases in Panama are completed within 30 to 90 days, depending on the complexity of the transaction and the parties involved. At Expat-Tations, we streamline this timeline by coordinating the entire process in-house – from property selection and offer to legal due diligence and title registration.
Because we operate as a real estate and legal team under one brand, there are no external delays or handoffs. We guide your transaction every step of the way, ensuring speed, compliance, and transparency.
What factors can affect the timeline?
- Property readiness (titled vs. in the process of being titled)
- Seller documentation and responsiveness
- Due diligence issues (e.g. liens or irregularities)
- Bank financing (if the buyer or seller is using one)
- Immigration coordination (if property is tied to a residency application)
Coordinating with your residency timeline
If you’re purchasing a property as part of an immigration strategy – for example, to qualify for the Economic Solvency Residency or Friendly Nations Visa — our legal team at Expat-Tations Law will synchronize the transaction with your residency application process. This allows you to move through both steps efficiently, with no duplicated paperwork or conflicting timelines.
On average, we help our clients close on a property and begin their residency process in under 60 days. With Expat-Tations, you’re not just buying a home – you’re building a future, and we’re with you from offer to immigration.
Are foreigners allowed to own property in Panama?
Yes – Panama is one of the most foreigner-friendly countries in Latin America when it comes to property ownership. Foreign nationals enjoy the same property ownership rights as Panamanian citizens, with only a few minor exceptions.
At Expat-Tations, we work with buyers from all over the world who are investing, relocating, or retiring in Panama. Whether you’re purchasing a home, investment property, or land, we ensure the entire process is compliant, secure, and aligned with your goals.
Are there any restrictions?
There are only two key exceptions:
- Restricted border zones – Foreigners mostly cannot directly own land within 10 kilometers of Panama’s national borders.
- Protected areas – Some islands or ecologically sensitive regions have limitations for development or require special concessions.
Our legal team at Expat-Tations Law will guide you through these details during the due diligence process, so you know exactly what’s possible — and legal — before making an offer.
Why choose Expat-Tations?
As both a licensed real estate agency and a law firm, Expat-Tations Group provides a seamless process that protects your investment and ensures full compliance with Panamanian regulations. You don’t just get a property – you get legal clarity, title protection, and access to immigration benefits where applicable.
Yes, foreigners can own property in Panama – and with Expat-Tations, they can do it confidently, legally, and securely.
Do I need a licensed realtor to buy real estate in Panama?
While it’s not legally required, working with a licensed realtor in Panama is highly recommended — and at Expat-Tations, it’s the foundation of everything we do. Our real estate division is fully staffed with certified, government-licensed professionals who understand the legal, financial, and practical nuances of buying property in Panama as a foreigner.
Why does it matter?
Panama’s real estate market does not have a “standard” MLS (Multiple Listing Service) or the same consumer protections as in North America or Europe. This makes the role of a licensed realtor even more important. Our agents at Expat-Tations Real Estate are not just salespeople – they’re trained advisors, to advise you and who:
- Know how to vet property titles before you commit
- Understand zoning, construction, and location-specific issues
- Can identify which properties qualify for residency-based investment programs
- Work alongside our in-house legal team to prevent hidden risks or unethical practices
The Expat-Tations difference
At Expat-Tations, we’ve built our real estate services specifically for expats — with licensed realtors and licensed attorneys working together under one brand. This ensures that your transaction is not only guided by experts, but legally sound and fully aligned with your long-term goals, including relocation and immigration.
Buying real estate in Panama isn’t just about the property – it’s about doing it safely, legally, and with confidence. That’s why our clients trust our licensed team to guide them every step of the way.
Is a lawyer required for real estate purchases in Panama?
Yes – hiring a qualified lawyer is not only recommended, it’s essential in Panama. Unlike countries that rely on title companies, Panama requires that all property transactions be handled through licensed attorneys, particularly for verifying title ownership, drafting contracts, and registering the sale with the Public Registry.
At Expat-Tations, we make this process seamless through our in-house legal division, Expat-Tations Law. Our lawyers specialize in property law, real estate due diligence, and closing procedures for foreigners. Because we operate both a real estate and legal team under one group, your transaction is handled with maximum transparency, legal compliance, and efficiency.
What does the lawyer do during the purchase?
- Conducts a full title search and verifies property ownership
- Checks for mortgages, liens, encumbrances, or legal disputes
- Drafts or reviews the Promissory Contract and Final Sales Deed (Escritura Pública)
- Prepares the documentation for the Panama Public Registry
- Manages payments, escrow (if needed), and seller obligations
Why choose Expat-Tations?
Because our legal team works directly with our licensed real estate agents, you don’t waste time coordinating between multiple third parties. Everything is aligned — from property search to legal closure — by professionals who understand expat needs, residency options, and Panama’s real estate laws.
Yes, a lawyer is required – and at Expat-Tations, your lawyer is already part of your team.
Can I obtain residency in Panama by purchasing real estate?
Yes, absolutely – and Expat-Tations specializes in making that possible. One option is through Panama’s Economic Solvency Residency program, you can qualify for permanent residency by investing $300,000 or more in Panamanian real estate. This is one of the most efficient and reliable ways for foreigners to gain legal residency in Panama, and Expat-Tations handles the entire process in-house.
Here’s how it works:
When you purchase property through Expat-Tations Real Estate, our licensed agents help you identify properties that are eligible under Panama’s immigration regulations. Once a property is selected, our in-house legal team at Expat-Tations Law handles the transaction and immediately begins preparing your immigration file, ensuring all timelines, documents, and requirements align.
This full coordination between real estate and legal residency eliminates the confusion and fragmentation most expats face when working with separate agents, lawyers, and immigration consultants.
Can Expat-tations handle both my real estate purchase and residency?
Yes – and that’s exactly what makes Expat-Tations unique. We are a fully integrated firm that combines licensed real estate services and legal immigration support under one trusted brand: Expat-Tations Group, including Expat-Tations Real Estate and Expat-Tations Law.
This structure means we don’t just help you find a property — we handle the entire process, from the initial property search to final titling and your residency application, all with a single team. No hand-offs. No miscommunication. No outsourcing.
Here’s how we do it:
- Our licensed realtors help you find properties that align with Panama’s immigration and investment programs.
- Our in-house legal team, through Expat-Tations Law, handles the due diligence, title transfer, and coordinates all required legal steps.
- Once the property purchase is complete, we move seamlessly into your immigration and residency filing, ensuring your documents, timelines, and strategy are fully aligned.
Why does this matter?
Most buyers work with separate agents, lawyers, and immigration consultants — often leading to delays, conflicting advice, and costly errors. At Expat-Tations, we’ve built a one-stop solution so that every service supports the next, giving you a smooth, legally sound, and stress-free relocation experience.
Whether you’re buying to retire, invest, or obtain legal residency in Panama, Expat-Tations is the only firm you need.
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.