Panama City skyline
#11
Honorable Mention

Panama

PanamaPanama City

Overview

Panama is known for territorial taxation – foreign-source income is not taxed in Panama, which can include Bitcoin earnings if structured correctly. Many expats enjoy Panama for its combination of modern city living in Panama City, use of the U.S. dollar, and relative affordability compared to the U.S. The country has proposed Bitcoin-friendly laws (though as of 2025 a bill to regulate Bitcoin was partially vetoed). Safety is decent – better than most of Central America. It offers a higher-development alternative to El Salvador without the official Bitcoin legal tender status. Panama City offers modern amenities, international banking, and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. The country serves as a regional hub with the famous Canal. Drawbacks: Bitcoin regulations remain somewhat unclear after the partial veto. Not as Bitcoin-focused as El Salvador. Tropical climate with humidity.

💰 Bitcoin Taxation
0% Capital Gains

Territorial taxation – foreign-source income is not taxed. Bitcoin earnings can qualify if structured correctly.

HODL Tax Score
9.0
Trading Tax Score
8.0

✈️ Visa & Residency

Various residency options including investment visas. Friendly Nations Visa popular with many nationalities.

Investment
Entrepreneur
Digital Nomad
Visa Accessibility
8.0

🛡️ Safety & Stability

Better than most of Central America but not at developed nation standards. Safe in expat areas.

Safety
6.0
Political Stability
7.0

💵 Cost of Living

Relatively affordable compared to US. Good value for modern city living. Uses USD.

Affordability
7.0
Housing
7.0

🎓 Education

International schools available in Panama City. Quality varies.

Education Quality
5.0

₿ Bitcoin Community

Growing but not as developed as other hubs. Bitcoin-friendly laws proposed but partially vetoed.

Regulation
5.0
Bitcoin Community
5.0

🌐 Infrastructure

Good infrastructure in Panama City. Modern amenities, international banking hub.

Infrastructure Score
7.0

🏖️ Lifestyle

Modern city living, tropical climate, canal and beaches nearby. English widely spoken in business circles.

Lifestyle Score
7.0

📸 Gallery

Photos from Unsplash. Click images for full credits.

Score Breakdown

6.8
Average Score
Tax (HODL)
9.0
Tax (Trade)
8.0
Visa Access
8.0
Stability
7.0
Cost of Living
7.0
Housing
7.0
Infrastructure
7.0
Lifestyle
7.0
Safety
6.0
Regulation
5.0
Education
5.0
Bitcoin Community
5.0

Quick Facts

Continent
Central America
Climate
Tropical
Cost Tier
Moderate
Safety
Moderate
Timezone
Americas
English-Friendly
Yes
Family-Friendly
Yes
EU Member
No

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