Buying property in Panama looks simple on paper, because foreigners can generally own property there, but the type of land right you buy decides everything. Titled property, a right of possession and a concession are three different things, and a listing does not always say which one you are looking at. Panama is not one of the five countries I know best, and I have not lived there, so this guide sets out the rules honestly and the questions to put to an independent local lawyer. I cover how ownership works, where foreign ownership is limited, what the October 2026 earthquake means for your checks, and why I would rent first. If you are thinking of buying overseas, talk to me first, before you commit money, sign a contract or sell up at home.
Can Foreigners Own Property in Panama?
Generally yes. A Panama law firm, Patton, Moreno & Asvat, wrote in 2017 that most properties may be owned by foreigners or nationals, and a second Panama firm says the same rights apply to foreign buyers. Both are law firms, and one article is several years old, so treat them as a starting point and have an independent local lawyer confirm the current rules.
The catch is knowing exactly what you are buying, because not every land right is full ownership.
What Is the Difference Between Title, Possession and Concession?
| Land right | What the sources say | What to check |
| Titled property | A deed recorded in the Public Registry, according to Patton, Moreno & Asvat | A registry search for the owner, liens and the registered boundaries |
| Right of possession | A right to use government land, generally not recorded in the Public Registry and harder to verify, according to a Panama law firm. It can be sold to foreigners and can be converted to title | Who holds it, whether it can be converted, and how long that takes |
| Concession | A right to use state land, such as near the coast, not ownership | The term, the conditions and the renewal rules |
Buying property in Panama through a right of possession can work, and a Panama law firm explains that recent laws allow it to be converted to title through the national land authority, ANATI. The conversion takes time and money, and until it is done you hold a weaker claim than a title holder. Ask the seller which of the three you are buying before you discuss a price.
Where Are the Limits on Foreign Ownership in Panama?
| Where | What Patton, Moreno & Asvat says (2017) |
| Borders | The constitution bars foreign ownership within ten kilometres of either border |
| Islands | Private ownership of islands is restricted, apart from some older titles |
| The coast | Land within 22 metres of the Pacific high tide line and 10 metres of the Atlantic cannot be titled, though use concessions may be granted |
These points come from a 2017 article, so check them against current law before you rely on them. They matter because border areas, islands and the shoreline are exactly where many foreign buyers look.
What Should You Check After the October 2026 Earthquake?
On 9 October 2026, the Associated Press reported a magnitude 7.7 earthquake centred in Herrera province, followed by strong aftershocks. Buildings collapsed near the epicentre, and officials reported no damage in Panama City. The Government of Canada advisory now tells travellers to avoid non-essential travel to three townships in Veraguas Province because of earthquake damage.
For a buyer, this adds questions to the checklist. Ask for an independent structural inspection, ask how old the building is and whether it has been inspected since the earthquake, ask what your insurance covers for earthquake damage, and ask whether any claims have been made. Do not rely on the seller’s assurance.
Infographic alt text: Infographic: five checks before buying property in Panama, from title or possession to earthquake inspection
What Should You Check Before Buying Property in Panama?
- Rent in the exact area first, outside peak season, before you buy anything.
- Ask whether the property is titled, a right of possession or a concession, and see the paperwork.
- Use an independent local lawyer, not one recommended by the seller, to search the Public Registry before you pay a deposit.
- Check the border, island and coastal limits for the exact location.
- Get an independent structural inspection and check earthquake insurance.
- Confirm your residency route separately, because a purchase does not automatically give you the right to stay.
How Can I Help With the Whole Move?
The five countries I know best are Thailand, Bali, Malaysia, Dubai and Cyprus. If your country is not listed, such as Panama, ask me, because my network of agents covers more and I can introduce you to licensed local specialists, including an independent lawyer. I also help with the home you leave, and I say openly when a property is involved.
My job is to make sure you do not make an expensive mistake in the wrong order. Talk To Me First is my independent advisory service for people in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, the USA and Canada who are thinking of moving, retiring or investing overseas. It exists to help you make an informed decision before you commit money, sign a lease or sell up at home. I do not mind where you move. I care whether it is right for you.
I have moved countries five times, so I have been in your shoes. I have visited 92 countries and spent more than 30 years in international property, and I work with a network of more than 500 affiliate agents in 25 countries. I act as your strategist and coordinator. Regulated advice on tax, pensions, visas and legal matters comes from licensed specialists whom I introduce you to. I do not give that advice myself, and I will say so.
You choose the pace, from doing it yourself to having it done for you:
- The Talk To Me First Guide, a low-cost starting point if you want to plan the move yourself.
- A personal consultation, one hour with me on your situation.
- Your Overseas Move Plan, a written plan for one country if you prefer to do the move yourself.
- The Full Mentoring Package, with me beside you through the move, if you want it done for you.
- Property help to buy or rent in your new country, or to sell or rent out the home you leave, through Rick Flay International Real Estate. I will always say so openly when a property is involved.
- Introductions to licensed specialists in migration, legal, tax, foreign exchange, insurance and healthcare.
Tell me your budget, whether you want to rent or buy, your timing and which places you are considering. Talk to me first, and we will work out the right order of steps before you commit to anything. Get in touch or message me on WhatsApp on +61 404 497 335.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners buy property in Panama?
Generally yes. Panama law firms say foreigners can own property on the same basis as nationals, with limits near borders, on islands and along the shoreline. Have an independent local lawyer confirm the current rules.
What is a right of possession in Panama?
It is a right to use government land. It is generally not recorded in the Public Registry, so it is harder to verify, and it is weaker than title. It can be converted to title through ANATI, which takes time and money.
Can foreigners own beachfront property in Panama?
A 2017 law firm article says land within 22 metres of the Pacific high tide line and 10 metres of the Atlantic cannot be titled, though use concessions may be granted. Check the current rules for the exact location.
Can foreigners buy near the border in Panama?
The same 2017 article says the constitution bars foreign ownership within ten kilometres of either border. Check the current position with a local lawyer.
Should I worry about earthquakes when buying in Panama?
Panama had a major earthquake on 9 October 2026. Ask for an independent structural inspection, check the building’s age and history, and check what your insurance covers.
Can you help with visas and residency?
Yes. Through Talk To Me First I introduce you to licensed specialists who handle the visa and tax detail, and I help you plan the move. I do not give visa or tax advice myself.
About the author. Rick Flay has more than 30 years of experience in real estate, with over 1,000 properties sold and rented across international markets. Rick Flay International Real Estate helps clients buy, sell and relocate through an international affiliate network of 500+ agents in 20+ countries.
Property, tax, health and immigration rules change, and the right decision depends on your circumstances. Nothing in this article is financial, legal, tax or immigration advice. Take independent professional advice before buying or moving.
© The data shown on this website and any other written communication has been offered by third parties and is assumed to be correct. The sale of the properties is managed by Rick Flay Real Estate, Australia. Our company does not guarantee their veracity or accept any responsibility for any errors. The offer may be subject to errors, price changes, omissions and/or withdrawal from the market without prior notice. Prior to purchase clients are advised to check with their legal advisors on all details pertaining to the sale/purchase. The information does not form any part of any contract for sale. We always recommend that you take independent, legal, financial and taxation advice. Additionally some photos, plans, specifications are indicative/illustrative only and may have been created by AI.
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