Overall Rank: #62 out of 199 countries
Panama ranks #62 out of 199 countries and territories in the Globevisa Passport Ranking, placing it in the mid-range category. Across the five core dimensions — Mobility (#63), Governance (#63), Security (#140), Education (#70), and Quality of Life (#44) — Panama performs strongest in quality of life (#44), followed by mobility (#63). Its weakest dimension is security (#140).
Mobility: #63 (score 69/100), Governance: #63 (score 69/100), Security: #140 (score 30/100), Education: #70 (score 65/100), Quality of Life: #44 (score 78/100)
Panama ranks #62 globally in the 2026 Globevisa Passport Ranking, which evaluates 199 countries and territories worldwide. Unlike traditional passport indices that focus solely on visa-free destination counts, the Globevisa Passport Ranking provides a comprehensive structural assessment across five core dimensions: Mobility, Governance, Security, Education, and Quality of Life. In terms of strengths, Panama excels in Quality of Life (#44, score 78), Mobility (#63, score 69), Governance (#63, score 69), Education (#70, score 65). However, Security (#140) represents structural areas of concern.
Country Overview: Panama is a stable Latin American logistics and financial hub offering highly open residency-by-investment programs within a dollarized, territorial tax environment. / Tax-efficient regional hub with accessible residency.
Identity Attributes: Long-term Residency, Identity Springboard
Global Taxation: No (Territorial or Limited Taxation)
Cost of Living: Medium
Culture & Adaptation: Spanish-dominant with English widely used in business and urban hubs; high openness to foreigners within a diverse cultural melting pot; highly adaptable for North American retirees and international professionals seeking a relaxed, cosmopolitan lifestyle
Employment & Development: Service-based economy anchored by logistics, banking, and the Panama Canal; high demand for bilingual professionals in multinational headquarters and tech hubs; entry barriers include strict labor quotas and certain professions reserved for nationals.
A Panamanian passport offers strong global mobility, providing visa-free access to the Schengen Area and requiring only an Electronic Travel Authorization for the United Kingdom, though a formal visa remains necessary for the United States. It is internationally recognized as a high-tier travel document, offering extensive access across Europe, Latin America, and key Asian hubs. While its standing is currently stable, the passport remains subject to evolving security frameworks like the EU's ETIAS, and any future changes to its visa-exempt status would likely depend on continued alignment with international security and immigration standards.
Panama's immigration laws are generally considered stable and strategically designed to attract foreign investment, though they remain evolving in response to regional migration trends and international standards. While the country has a history of accessibility, it has implemented structural changes such as the 2021 restructuring of the Friendly Nations Visa and more recent enforcement of strict reporting requirements and penalties for irregular status. Future risks include potential regulatory shifts as the administration balances economic growth with increased international pressure for transparency and stricter border controls. Applicants should prepare for a professional compliance environment where changes to residency or work permit categories may occur to align with global anti-money laundering and security protocols.
Panama is recognized as one of the most stable and secure nations in Latin America, characterized by high political stability and a generally safe environment for international residents. Safety is highly dependent on geography, with developed urban areas and tourist zones being heavily policed, while certain neighborhoods and the city of Colón present higher risks due to gang activity and localized crime. The country’s security is managed by professional public forces, including national and border police, and while the legal system provides a framework for protection, residents often supplement this with private security in more affluent residential enclaves.