The media narrative says that successful entrepreneurs are hoodie-wearing kids in their 20s, but we know that’s false.
It also says you need to be based in tech hubs like San Francisco, Austin, or Miami to succeed.
Also false. I’m living proof of that.
But what if there’s a thriving international metropolis that offers world-class infrastructure, a strategic global position, and significantly lower costs?
That place exists. And those in the know simply call it PTY (just like SFO and the ATX), after the airport code for Tocumen International Airport near Panama City, Panama.
A City that Works for Digital Professionals
Panama City offers a rare combination of metropolitan sophistication and ocean-front lifestyle that few locations can match. As Jess Ramesch notes in International Living:
It’s a booming, international city… graced with romantic plazas, gleaming towers, seaside promenades, and rainforest parks.
The city has transformed itself into an entrepreneur’s paradise, especially for those who can work from anywhere. I’ve watched the perception of Panama City evolve into one of the most compelling options for professionals who want to maintain global connectivity while enjoying an exceptional quality of life.
Panama City’s infrastructure specifically caters to international professionals. The banking district rivals any in Latin America, fiber internet is widespread, and you’re positioned at what locals proudly call “the Hub of the Americas,” with direct flights to major cities throughout North and South America.
But let’s get practical about daily life. For location-independent business owners, routine matters. And Panama City delivers.
Start your morning with a walk along the Cinta Costera — a series of waterfront esplanades connecting downtown with the historic district. As Ramesch describes it:
Walking here in the cool predawn hours, watching the sun come up over the tropical Pacific… the palm trees swaying in the breeze and the views of downtown and the historic Casco Viejo district just beyond… I can’t think of a better way to start the day.
This isn’t just poetic description, it’s the reality of what your workday could look like. Imagine taking client calls from a balcony overlooking the Gulf of Panama as it merges into the Pacific, then heading to one of the city’s excellent coworking spaces for your afternoon projects.
The Unique Strategic Advantages of Panama City
Panama City isn’t just another tropical destination with good Wi-Fi. It offers distinct strategic advantages for professionals in their 40s and 50s who are building location-independent businesses.
For one, you’re operating in a dollarized economy, eliminating currency conversion headaches for US-based clients and customers. The banking system is sophisticated enough to handle international business needs without the compliance nightmares found in other offshore locations.
Plus, you’re positioned at a genuine crossroads of global commerce, thanks to the Panama Canal. This creates networking opportunities with international executives and entrepreneurs that simply don’t exist in most digital nomad hotspots.
The cost structure here also provides substantial advantages.
“You can dine in flashy gourmet restaurants and small, international eateries that wouldn’t be out of place in cities like New York or Barcelona,” writes Ramesch, and yet your overall expenses will be significantly lower than in most U.S. cities.
You’re not pinching pennies, you’re strategically allocating resources. When you can maintain the same quality of life for half the cost, you’re essentially giving yourself a massive business advantage, whether you’re bootstrapping or reinvesting profits.
Finding Your Place in Panama City
One of the most compelling aspects of Panama City is its diversity of neighborhoods, each offering distinct advantages for different work styles and lifestyles.
If you crave the energy of a bustling commercial district with waterfront views, areas like Paitilla and Punta Pacífica put you in the heart of the banking district with luxury condos featuring amenities that rival those in Miami or Vancouver.
For those who prefer a more walkable neighborhood with character and proximity to great dining, El Cangrejo offers a compelling alternative.
“Via Argentina, El Cangrejo’s bustling and best-known avenue, is lined with little restaurants and bars, pharmacies, beauty salons, and even clinics,” notes Ramesch.
With two metro stations nearby, you’re connected to the entire city without needing a car. Want more breathing room with easy access to green spaces?
The Ancón area, once part of the U.S. Canal Zone, offers a feel that evokes the best of small-town USA, but with lush tropical surroundings. The contrast between your global digital work and these serene surroundings creates a powerful psychological advantage that many entrepreneurs find increases their productivity.
Then there’s Casco Viejo, the historic district that combines centuries-old architecture with cutting-edge dining and nightlife. This UNESCO World Heritage site has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming the city’s best and biggest nightlife zone.
What makes this neighborhood diversity particularly valuable is the ability to separate your work and living environments within the same city — something that’s increasingly important as remote work blurs traditional boundaries.
In my past experience of managing a team of 65 across multiple time zones, having dedicated spaces that signal to your brain when you’re “at work” versus “at home” dramatically improves both productivity and well-being.
The Truth About Safety and Quality of Life
Let’s address what might be your biggest concern about Panama City: safety. We grew up hearing that Latin American cities are security challenges, but the reality in Panama City is quite different.
“Panama City is one of the safest capitals in the entire Latin America region,” Ramesch says. “Random violence is practically unheard of here. In many violent crimes reported in Panama, the targets are people involved in criminal activity.”
This matters immensely when you need to feel comfortable using your laptop in cafes, wearing smartwatches while exercising, and generally living without constant vigilance.
The key is applying the same common sense you’d use in any major city. With standard big-city smarts applicable in the States, you’re in no danger of becoming a target. Perhaps even less than the U.S., thanks to the lack of guns.
Beyond safety, Panama City offers a quality of life that specifically benefits the digital entrepreneur. The city’s international character means you’ll quickly build a network of like-minded professionals from around the world. The vibrant cultural scene provides the mental stimulation that creative professionals need to thrive.
And perhaps most importantly for those of us who’ve spent decades in corporate environments or building businesses in high-pressure markets, Panama City offers a healthier relationship with time and productivity. The tropical setting and “mañana” vibe naturally encourage a more balanced approach to work and life by making your non-working hours significantly more rejuvenating.
Making the Move to Panama
If Panama City sounds like it might align with your business and lifestyle goals, the path is straightforward. The real estate market is notably stable compared to many international destinations, offering a range of options from luxury high-rises to character-filled properties in historic neighborhoods.
“Panama City’s real estate market is notoriously stable and has been for many years,” reports Ramesch. “There has been no crash… no big pop of the proverbial real estate bubble.”
This stability creates a significant strategic advantage for the location-independent professional looking to establish a new base, especially given that, thanks to Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa, you can obtain residency with an investment in real estate of only $200,000.
That means you can secure excellent accommodations without the volatility that characterizes many other international markets that are popular with digital nomads, all while giving yourself a new country to retreat to. Plus, thanks to Pamana’s territorial taxation policies, you can save significantly in taxes with the right structure.
After two decades of building businesses that could operate from anywhere, I’ve found that the locations that truly work aren’t just about good internet and affordable living. They’re about creating an environment that energizes your creativity, expands your network, and gives you strategic advantages your competitors lack.
Panama City delivers on all these fronts. The Hub of the Americas isn’t a marketing slogan — it’s an accurate description of what this remarkable city offers location-independent expats.
