If 2024 was the year of "revenge travel," 2025 is officially the year of "Slomadism."
Gone are the days of hopping countries every two weeks, fighting burnout, and living out of a carry-on. The new wave of remote work is about staying put long enough to actually live: joining a gym, finding a favorite coffee shop, and building a local community.
For North Americans and Europeans, Panama has quietly emerged as the world capital for this "slow travel" lifestyle. Why? Because it offers the perfect 9-month sweet spot.
Here is why Panama is beating out Costa Rica and Colombia for digital nomads in 2025—and exactly how you can make the move.
Most tourist visas cap you at 90 or 180 days. That’s just enough time to get settled before you get kicked out.
Panama’s Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Visa de Corta Estancia como Trabajador Remoto) solves this. It grants you 9 months of residency, renewable once for a total of 18 months. It is the perfect length for a "test drive" of expat life without the commitment of permanent residency.
The 2025 Requirements at a Glance:
Income: You must prove $36,000 USD/year ($3,000/month) in income from a source outside of Panama.
Employment: You need a letter from your employer or proof of freelance contracts/business ownership.
The "No-Work" Rule: You cannot take a job with a local Panamanian company. You must remain on foreign payroll.
Cost: Government fees are roughly $300, plus legal fees (budget $1,500 - $2,000 for a lawyer to handle the affidavit and filing).
Pro Tip: Unlike some other countries, this visa does not trigger tax residency in Panama for your foreign income, thanks to Panama's territorial tax system. Always verify your specific tax situation with a CPA.
If you are working for a US or Canadian company, Asia and Europe are brutal on your sleep schedule. Panama is on Eastern Standard Time (EST) all year round (we don’t observe Daylight Savings).
NYC/Toronto: Same time (or -1 hour in US summer).
California: You finish work at 2:00 PM local time.
London/Europe: You have the mornings to explore before your colleagues wake up.
Panama offers two distinct "tracks" for digital nomads. Choose your fighter:
Vibe: Miami meets Singapore. Skyscrapers, rooftop bars, and intense energy.
Best For: Networking, reliable fiber-optic internet (1000 Mbps is common), and coworking access.
Coworking Hubs: Spaces (high-end), Selina Casco Viejo (social/creative), My Office (quiet/professional).
Rent: A modern 1-bedroom in San Francisco or Obarrio runs $1,200 - $1,800/month.
Vibe: Eternal spring. Mist-covered mountains, coffee plantations, and hiking boots.
Best For: Deep focus work, hikers, and those escaping the heat.
Connectivity: Surprisingly good. Most rentals have fiber, and Starlink has filled in the gaps for the more remote cabins.
Rent: You can find cozy cabins ("casitas") for $800 - $1,200/month, though prices are rising as popularity grows.
Here is the biggest mistake new nomads make: Booking an Airbnb for the whole 9 months. Airbnb rates in Panama are inflated to cover tourist taxes and fees.
The Strategy: Book an Airbnb for your first 2 weeks only.
The Move: Once you are on the ground, use platforms like Encuentra24 or local Facebook groups ("Panama Rentals," "Expats in Panama") to find "direct-to-owner" rentals. You can often negotiate a 30-40% discount off Airbnb prices by signing a 6-month lease.
Loneliness is the #1 enemy of the nomad. Panama has a very active, English-speaking community.
The Keyword: Search "Digital Nomads Panama" on Facebook. This is the gateway.
The Funnel: Most active chatter happens on WhatsApp. Join the Facebook group first, introduce yourself, and ask for the current "Panama City Nomads" or "Boquete Community" WhatsApp link. This is where happy hours, weekend hikes, and roommate searches actually happen.
Living here for 9 months is a different beast than a 2-week vacation. You need to get the paperwork right so you can relax and work legally.