Panama

Panama enacted Law 526 on May 28, requiring entities earning foreign passive income to demonstrate real local activity to retain tax exemptions. Those failing to meet the criteria face a 15 percent tax on foreign income.

Panama's economic growth projection hinges on the reopening of the Cobre copper mine, with the industrial lobby SIP estimating 6% growth by 2027 if it reopens versus 3.7% if it remains closed. A 40% difference in growth outcomes depends on a single political decision regarding the mine.

Panama plans to build a maximum-security prison to isolate gang leaders who continue directing crimes from inside. President Jose Raul Mulino announced the initiative as part of a 'force majeure plan' to address ongoing gang-related violence and extortion.

Lee Greenwood, the 'God Bless the USA' singer, survived enemy fire while on USO duty during Operation Just Cause in Panama. He was hit by enemy fire while entertaining troops as part of the USO mission.

Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez faces political challenges as the humanitarian crisis from twin earthquakes worsens. Opposition leader María Corina Machado, exiled after fleeing to accept a Nobel Peace Prize, calls for her return to aid recovery efforts, criticizing the government's response as disorganized. The U.S. supports Rodríguez's interim leadership while discouraging Machado's return to prevent political destabilization.

An external audit found Panama's Cobre Panamá mine 88% compliant with legal, fiscal, and environmental duties. President Mulino missed his mid-year deadline to decide on the mine's future, stating the issue remains under study as of July 1. He has ruled out a specific route for the mine's operations, though details are not provided.

Iran claimed a foreign ship ran aground in the Strait of Hormuz for ignoring designated routes, but the vessel, identified as the Arista, is linked to Iran and operated under false flags. The ship, previously known as the Panama-flagged Gauja, was sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for an oil smuggling network tied to Iran’s elite.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado accused acting President Delcy Rodríguez's government of closing the country's airspace to block her return. The claim comes as Venezuela addresses the aftermath of a June 24 twin earthquake that killed over 1,700 people and injured 5,000.

The US military conducted strikes on Iranian military sites following an attack on a commercial tanker near the Strait of Hormuz. Centcom stated Iran launched a drone that struck the Panama-flagged tanker M/T Kiku, prompting US aircraft to target surveillance infrastructure, communications systems, air defense sites, drone storage facilities, and minelaying capabilities.

Polymarket offers a $50 trading bonus for users who deposit $20 and use the promo code NYPMAX ahead of the Panama vs. England World Cup match.

The Falkland Islands Government has urged Canada to support the Islanders' right to self-determination at the Organization of American States (OAS) assembly in Panama. Two members of the archipelago's Legislative Assembly recently visited Ottawa to seek backing from officials and lawmakers.

England faces Panama at New York New Jersey Stadium in its final Group L match, aiming to secure the top spot before the World Cup knockout stage.

Bladex, a Panama-based lender established in 1979 to finance Latin American trade, reported a record net profit of $227 million in 2025, a 10% increase from the previous year, with its commercial loan portfolio reaching $11.2 billion.

Two Panama-flagged ships were attacked in the Black Sea within a week, resulting in crew member deaths and injuries. Panama has warned its ships to avoid Ukrainian and Russian waters, highlighting its role as the operator of the world’s largest ship registry with a 16% share.

BetMGM is offering a promotion with the bonus code NYPNEWSGET, providing up to $1,000 in no-sweat tokens over 10 days for the Panama vs. Croatia event.

Screwworms have reinfested the U.S., reaching Texas after spreading from Mexico. The USDA's sterile fly program is insufficient, with new factories delayed by Trump administration spending reviews. Screwworms threaten cattle and other animals, with cases spreading beyond Texas to New Mexico.

Panama's Tocumen Airport handled nearly 9.5 million passengers in the first five months of 2026, a 15% increase from the same period last year, with over three-quarters of May passengers being connecting travelers.

An independent audit found Panama's Cobre Panama copper mine broadly compliant, removing a key obstacle to its potential restart. The audit paves the way for the country to reconsider reopening the shuttered mine.

Ghana defeated Panama in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group L match held in Toronto, Canada, sparking widespread celebrations among fans who are now anticipating the team's next match against England.

Panama offers two primary company structures for foreigners: Sociedad Anónima (corporation) and Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada (limited-liability company), which can be incorporated quickly through legal or registered agents. The country's territorial tax system taxes only Panama-source income, potentially exempting foreign-earned income from local taxation.

Panama offers multiple residency pathways progressing to permanent residency, such as the Friendly Nations route requiring a provisional two-year period. Permanent residents receive a cedula to prove their status.

The Pensionado visa in Panama requires a guaranteed lifetime pension, typically with a monthly minimum of around US$1,000. This visa grants access to legally mandated discounts on airfares, restaurants, entertainment, and hotels. The article is published by The Rio Times.

Panama's tax residency is determined by the 183-day rule, where spending over 183 days in the country annually or establishing Panama as a primary residence can trigger tax residency. Panama employs a territorial taxation system, taxing only income sourced within Panama, meaning tax residents generally avoid Panamanian taxes on foreign income.

Panama uses the US dollar alongside the balboa, eliminating currency risk for dollar holders and removing exchange controls. Panama City hosts one of Latin America’s largest international banking centers, attracting numerous local and foreign banks.

Foreigners can own property in Panama with the same rights as nationals in most areas, though restrictions apply near international borders and some coastal/island regions. Ownership in restricted zones may require a concession.

Panama revoked a Hong Kong company's control of two ports at the Panama Canal, prompting China to detain a record number of Panama-flagged ships. In April, China held 136 such vessels, significantly exceeding usual rates.

A foreigner working in Panama requires two approvals: a work permit from MITRADEL and an immigration permit from the Servicio Nacional de Migración. The process begins with a job offer from a Panamanian employer, who acts as the sponsor for the work visa.

Panama taxes only income sourced within the country under a territorial system, exempting foreign-source income such as pensions, investments, and remote work for foreign clients. Personal income from Panama is subject to progressive taxation with a significant exempt band.

Panama taxes income sourced within the country, while foreign-source income is generally outside its tax net. Working in Panama typically requires proper immigration status and a work permit, and local commercial activity usually needs an 'aviso de' operations notice.

Banco de Bogotá has been approved to acquire Itaú's retail banking operations in Colombia and Panama, gaining 270,000 clients as a foreign lender exits the region.

The article explains tenant rights in Panama, focusing on lease terms, deposits held by MIVIOT, renewal processes, and guidance on interpreting Panamanian rental contracts before signing.

The article discusses considerations for renting an apartment in Panama, including where to search, deposit expectations, and necessary paperwork for lease agreements in 2026.

The article outlines the step-by-step process for registering residency in Panama, including submitting an application, attending a migration appointment, understanding the timeline, and obtaining the 'carné de residente'. It serves as a guide for individuals navigating Panama's residency procedures.

The article explains Panama's residency documents: the carné de residente and optional e-cédula, detailing how they enable access to banking, leases, and healthcare. It clarifies the roles of each ID in daily administrative processes.

The screwworm parasite, previously contained by a US program, has re-emerged in Texas cattle as the program failed in 2023, leading to a surge in cases in Panama.

The U.S. sterile fly facility critical for combating the New World screwworm won't operate until November 2027, delaying efforts to prevent its spread. Current sterile fly production in Panama and Mexico is insufficient, with six Texas cattle already infected, raising concerns for the struggling cattle industry.

Panama's healthcare system features a two-track approach with public care managed by the CSS and the health ministry, alongside world-class private hospitals in Panama City. Many doctors are trained abroad and commonly speak English, facilitating access for international patients.

Panama requires drivers to stay on the right-hand side. Visitors can use foreign or international licenses temporarily, while residents with residency and a cédula must exchange their license at SERTRACEN.

Panama offers free public schools in Spanish and Panama City has numerous international and bilingual private schools. Options include US-accredited, British, IB, French, and German curricula, with school calendars varying between local and international schedules.

Panama offers residency visas for expats in 2026 through three routes: Pensionado, Friendly Nations, and Investor. The article highlights these pathways for obtaining residency in the country.