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Category: Life in Panama
Emigrating with the whole family – how does it work with the schools in Panama?
Panama is a popular emigration destination not only for retirees, digital nomads and young people, but also for families with children. The economic situation in Germany, political decisions and the faltering infrastructure of the education system are among the main reasons for the decision to emigrate. More and more families are turning their backs on their home countries and want to start a new life in an attractive nation. Have you decided on a future abroad with your family and would like to put your Plan B into action? We are your ideal contact and companion for your new life in Panama.
Panama offers decisive advantages for your Plan B
Panama is one of the most economically successful countries in Central America and boasts a stable infrastructure. The country is constantly growing economically and offers you and your family a high quality of life. If you realize your Plan B in Panama, you and your children can expect breathtaking nature, miles of secluded sandy beaches, incredible biodiversity and a warm and sunny climate all year round. Of course, the tax benefits are also a huge plus and the legal regulations for immigrating to Panama allow you to plan your life freely and independently. Another advantage is the mentality and impressive hospitality of the Panamanians. Their smile and politeness open your heart and make immigrating to Panama a pleasure right from the start.
Education system in Panama – What you should know
When you immigrate to Panama with your family, you not only benefit from the many amenities and advantages that your destination country has to offer. Of course, you also want your children to feel at home and your start in a new country to be as easy and pleasant as possible. Education is an important factor alongside a social environment, new friends and a safe and beautiful home. It lays the foundation for your children’s future and is certainly a decisive criterion for you when choosing your emigration destination.
Panama has been working on developing its education system for several years. There are now many excellent international schools with a high standard of education, particularly in Panama City. In these schools, children are often taught in several languages, which can be decisive for their future career opportunities.
Most degrees are now internationally recognized. Panama City has numerous faculties for natural sciences and technology. Medicine, law and international business are recognized courses of study that are highly regarded in Panama and globally. Specialized universities also include colleges of agricultural sciences, social sciences, humanities and fine arts.
In Panama City and the surrounding regions, school attendance is free and compulsory for your children in public schools from the ages of 4 to 15. The first foundations for a successful start to school are already laid in the daycare centers. In so-called “clases”, the little ones learn their first colors, words and letters, a lot about traditions and the local nature in 25-minute sessions. There is no shortage of teachers in Panama City. The children are looked after in small, age-appropriate groups and taught lovingly and very creatively. In the city, groups with children of different nationalities and ethnicities are not uncommon, and your children will learn Spanish at an early age, which is very beneficial for settling in and makes immigrating to Panama easier.
When and how does school start in Panama?
Elementary school starts at the age of six. A normal school day begins at 8 am and ends at 3 pm. Depending on the school chosen, subjects such as mathematics, English, Spanish, natural sciences, social sciences, art and music are taught. As Panama is a very multicultural country, there are various offers and additional options such as ballet lessons, golf lessons, piano lessons and much more.
The school year usually starts at the beginning of March and ends in mid-December with the national summer vacation. You can decide individually which public or private school you would like to enrol your children in. Depending on the cultural background, there are different vacation days and in Panama there are even national holidays on which there are no lessons. International schools are essentially based on the usual vacations. However, there are also European schools in Panama that are also based on public vacations, vacations and days off, such as in Germany. You can find out about this locally or online.
One lesson lasts 60 minutes, a double lesson 2 hours. At the end of elementary school (Escuela Primera) after 6 years, you decide which secondary school your child should attend. In this way, you and your child can decide together what conditions they would like to create for a successful professional future.
One example of a reputable international school in Panama City is the “ISP”. Surrounded by several other schools, the foundations for an excellent and comprehensive education are laid here.
We set the course for your successful Plan B in Panama
Immigrating to Panama with children is not difficult. But the well-being of your family is of course your top priority, and this includes a smooth immigration process. This includes applying for a visa and finding a suitable property for your new home. Many people also need to find new sources of financial income so that they can cover their living costs. Choosing the right schools for your children is also important to make your move to Panama easier. You are welcome to clarify your questions in a qualified consultation with FRAPAN-Invest. We will be happy to provide you with all the important information on the following topics:
- Residence permits
- health insurance
- schools
- legal regulations
- lucrative investments
- Real estate in Panama
Our knowledge regarding those topics will ensure your successful new start in Panama. We are happy to provide you with a professional network of lawyers, VISA experts, brokers and consultants throughout the entire immigration process. Furthermore, we have been active for many years and are your experienced contact for visas and residency for emigrants – beyond the borders of Germany. Panama is the number 1 best country to immigrate to and the number 2 best real estate location in the world.
The most important visa types for Panama are:
- Friendly Nations Visa Panama
- Golden Investor Visa Panama
- Pensioner Visa Panama.
Leave nothing to chance when immigrating to Panama! Especially when making a new start with your family, no doubts or inconsistencies should overshadow your Plan B. Every important detail must be considered in advance so that no obstacles are placed in your way. This only works with a reputable and reliable partner at your side. We will guide you professionally through the entire bureaucratic process. We can also help you apply for your unrestricted residence permit in Panama. Benefit from our service and expertise and realize your dream of living in Panama with us!
FRAPAN-Invest
Klaus Happ’s company “FRAPAN-Invest” advises investors who want to invest in real estate in Panama. Furthermore, Klaus Happ will be happy to advise you personally on the subject of “Plan B in Panama”.
The real estate market in Panama is internationally one of the most interesting for investments. We would like to be your trusted local partner and assist you with the initial purchase. Additionally, we can take care of your real estate in Panama in a sustainable way.
Profitable, safe and beautiful:
Investments in Panama
The Ultimate Guide to Your Plan B in Panama
Everything about real estate, residence permit and bank account in Panama!
Dreaming of a fresh start in Panama but don’t know where to begin? Don’t worry, we have the answers for you! Our exclusive guide “5 Steps to Plan B in Panama” will help you achieve your dream of living in Panama.
In our guide, you will learn how to successfully invest in Panama and achieve your financial independence. It is the perfect tool to build your Plan B and put your future plans into action.
Discover the Guide to Your Plan B in Panama – Now available for free.
Get our brand-new guide “The 5 Steps to Plan B in Panama” now. Simply write us an e-mail through the contact form with the subject “Free Guide to your Plan B in Panama” and we will send you the link for a free download. Please ensure to provide us with your full name!
Live your dream in Panama – We are the market leader in German-speaking Europe for “Visa & Invest” in Panama and accompany you on the way to your successful Plan B!
FRAPAN-Invest
Klaus Happ’s company “FRAPAN-Invest” advises investors who want to invest in real estate in Panama. Furthermore, Klaus Happ will be happy to advise you personally on the subject of “Plan B in Panama”.
The real estate market in Panama is internationally one of the most interesting for investments. We would like to be your trusted local partner and assist you with the initial purchase. Additionally, we can take care of your real estate in Panama in a sustainable way.
Profitable, safe and beautiful:
Investments in Panama
Protests in Panama
Panama is a quiet and peaceful place to live. However, in July there were protests and street blockades, the likes of which have not been seen in over 30 years. In the meantime, the situation has returned to normal. Find our report on the background here.
In July, there were mass protests and street blockades all over the country. This was triggered by the increased cost of living and expensive energy prices, which the whole world is currently struggling with. This was joined by demonstrations against the ever-smouldering issue of corruption and other issues that are a thorn in people’s side. Basically, people in Panama like to demonstrate peacefully, but not in a way that affects the country’s transport system and infrastructure.
This time, however, the protests were more violent and partly deliberately organised by trade union groups (including the construction union), associations and other groups that wanted to fuel the mood and exploit it for their own benefit.
After all, presidential elections will be held in 2024 and the election campaign will start soon. This is where an unsettled mood and publicity-grabbing pictures in social media are to the advantage of one or the other. And if you then bring your own photographers into the crowd and create exaggerated images, you exaggerate the event in your favour.
The provinces of Chiriqui and Veraguas, which are located in the interior of the country, were the centre of the largest protests. Here there were some clashes with the police and complete road blockades of the Panamaericana, which is by far the most important traffic artery and connects the country.
In the capital Panama City, things were comparatively quiet. But the protests in the interior had a short-term impact on supplies in the supermarkets, because the country’s own products such as vegetables were stuck on the Panamericana.
The unanimous opinion of the people in Panama we spoke to is that protests (especially against corruption) are good as long as they remain peaceful and meaningful. But the protesters, who took to the streets for the “people”, have partly harmed themselves. Less well-stocked supermarket shelves and farmers and other traders who made huge losses and had to throw away their products.
At the beginning of the protests, the government had hidden and hoped that the problem would solve itself. But now the government has been sitting at the table with the different interest groups (and there are many of them…) for weeks to find solutions and compromises. The government has made several concessions, including subsidising fuel prices and “freezing” the prices of other staple foods. Negotiations are still ongoing, including on the prices of medical and pharmaceutical products.
The people responsible for stopping the trucks carrying food have now been arrested.
These protests cannot be compared to the violent protests in other countries in Central and South America. But they should be a warning to the government to tackle the problem of corruption in a targeted way and to distribute the country’s large revenues (from the Panama Canal, among other things) fairly and invest them sensibly (education and medical care for all strata of the population, etc.).
Extreme parties from the left and right have never had a chance in Panama, because the population is aware of the bad developments in other Latin American countries. This can also be assumed in the 2024 elections.
FRAPAN-Invest
Klaus Happ’s company “FRAPAN-Invest” advises investors who want to invest in real estate in Panama. Furthermore, Klaus Happ will be happy to advise you personally on the subject of “Plan B in Panama”.
The real estate market in Panama is internationally one of the most interesting for investments. We would like to be your trusted local partner and assist you with the initial purchase. Additionally, we can take care of your real estate in Panama in a sustainable way.
Profitable, safe and beautiful:
Investments in Panama
Corona Virus in Panama / Update 29 November 2021
The Corona situation in Panama is very good and the country is great to travel around with the current start of summer. There are almost no more curfews. Below you will find information around the Corona situation, the vaccination strategy and the impact of the pandemic on life, travel and the economy.
Health (figures as of 28 November 2021)
- There are currently 2.693 active cases.
- The R-value is 0,86.
- The 7-day incidence is 33.
- Panama performs the same number of tests per capita as Germany.
- The percentage of positive tests is currently 2 – 5% daily.
- The intensive care beds have never been fully utilized.
- Corona vaccination (90% Biontech/Pfizer und 10% AstraZeneca) started in Panama in January.
- Almost 90% of those over 12 are fully vaccinated.
- There is no mandatory vaccination.
- The graph shows the weekly trend (March 20 – Nov 21) of new infections (bars) and the test positive rate (curve / data link).
Economy
- All sectors of the economy are open.
- Current estimates predict economic growth of +12% in 2021 (2020: -17%).
Life in Panama
- In Panama City and in almost all other regions, there are currently no longer any curfew restrictions.
- There is still a mask requirement, which also applies outdoors. This is to be lifted, but the date has not yet been fixed.
- The government measures the corona risk of the individual regions on the basis of certain indicators (R-value, hospital occupancy rate, etc.) and adopts region-specific measures on the basis of this.
Travel to Panama
- Fully vaccinated persons may enter Panama without presenting a Corona test. Current entry regulations can be found in the previous link.
- Panama offers vaccination trips for tourists to get vaccinated against Corona in Panama from 01 October 2021.
- Departing travelers can take a Corona test at Panama City Airport (if required by their home country).
FRAPAN-Invest
Klaus Happ’s company “FRAPAN-Invest” advises investors who want to invest in real estate in Panama. Furthermore, Klaus Happ will be happy to advise you personally on the subject of “Plan B in Panama”.
The real estate market in Panama is internationally one of the most interesting for investments. We would like to be your trusted local partner and assist you with the initial purchase. Additionally, we can take care of your real estate in Panama in a sustainable way.
Profitable, safe and beautiful:
Investments in Panama
Corona Virus in Panama / Update 04 October 2021
The corona situation in Panama has strongly improved and is at a stable level. There are almost no more curfews. They now offer Corona vaccination trips to Panama for tourists from neighbouring countries, as they are doing very well with the vaccinations in Panama. There is no mandatory vaccination. Below you will find information around the Corona situation, the vaccination strategy and the impact of the pandemic on life, travel and the economy.
Health (figures as of 03 October 2021)
- There are currently 3.095 active cases.
- The R-value is 0,82
- Panama performs the same number of tests per capita as Germany.
- The percentage of positive tests is currently 2 – 5% daily.
- The intensive care beds have never been fully utilized.
- Corona vaccination (Biontech/Pfizer und AstraZeneca) started in Panama in January. Approximately 70% of the population have received at least one dose of vaccine and 50% are fully vaccinated.
- 75% of those over 12 are fully vaccinated.
- There is no mandatory vaccination.
- So far, 10% of the Panamanian population has been infected with Corona. Taking into account the estimated number of unreported cases, this figure should be about 25%, which is much closer to herd immunity.
- The graph shows the weekly trend (March 20 – Sept 21) of new infections (bars) and the test positive rate (curve / data link).
Economy
- All sectors of the economy are open.
- The support payment for socially weak people is 120 USD per month. As unemployment has skyrocketed, this amount is barely enough for many poorer families.
- Current estimates predict economic growth of +12% in 2021 (2020: -17%).
Life in Panama
- In Panama City and in almost all other regions, there are currently no longer any curfew restrictions. Exceptions are Colón, Panama Oeste and Chiriquí (daily 01.00am – 04.00am).
- There is still a mask requirement, which also applies outdoors. This is to be lifted, but the date has not yet been fixed.
- The government measures the corona risk of the individual regions on the basis of certain indicators (R-value, hospital occupancy rate, etc.) and adopts region-specific measures on the basis of this.
Travel to Panama
- Since 12 October 2020 Panama Citys International Airport is open again.
- Fully vaccinated persons may enter Panama without presenting a Corona test. Current entry regulations can be found in the previous link or on the page of the German Foreign Office.
- Panama offers vaccination trips for tourists to get vaccinated against Corona in Panama from 01 October 2021.
- Departing travelers can take a Corona test at Panama City Airport (if required by their home country).
FRAPAN-Invest
Klaus Happ’s company “FRAPAN-Invest” advises investors who want to invest in real estate in Panama. Furthermore, Klaus Happ will be happy to advise you personally on the subject of “Plan B in Panama”.
The real estate market in Panama is internationally one of the most interesting for investments. We would like to be your trusted local partner and assist you with the initial purchase. Additionally, we can take care of your real estate in Panama in a sustainable way.
Profitable, safe and beautiful:
Investments in Panama
Corona Virus in Panama / Update 21 July 2021
In recent weeks, there has been a slight increase in Corona numbers in Panama. Numbers have stabilized, progress is being made with vaccination in Panama, and all sectors of the economy are open. Below you will find information around the Corona situation, the vaccination strategy and the impact of the pandemic on life, travel and the economy.
Health (figures as of 20 July 2021)
- There are currently 13.133 active cases.
- The R-value is 0,99
- The mortality rate is 1.6% (global average 2.2%)
- Panama performs the same number of tests per capita as Germany.
- The percentage of positive tests is currently 7 – 10% daily.
- The intensive care beds have never been fully utilized.
- Corona vaccination (Biontech/Pfizer und AstraZeneca) started in Panama in January. Approximately 30% have received at least one dose of vaccine and 16% are fully vaccinated.
- Since Panama has a very young population (Ø 26 years), people aged 60 and over were already vaccinated in phase 1.
- So far, 10% of the Panamanian population has been infected with Corona. Taking into account the estimated number of unreported cases, this figure should be about 25%, which is much closer to herd immunity.
- The graph shows the weekly trend (March 20 – July 21) of new infections (bars) and the test positive rate (curve). The sharp increase in June 2021 began with the economic opening. The increase in November 2021 is due to the holidays in early November (data link).
Economy
- All sectors of the economy are open.
- Restaurants and stores in Panama City (other regions may differ) are allowed to open until 11.00 p.m., although many restaurants, hotels and stores are still closed.
- The support payment for socially weak people is 120 USD per month. As unemployment has skyrocketed, this amount is barely enough for many poorer families.
- Current estimates predict economic growth of +12% in 2021 (2020: -17%).
Life in Panama
- The government measures the corona risk of the individual regions on the basis of certain indicators (R-value, hospital occupancy rate, etc.) and adopts region-specific measures on the basis of this.
- In Panama City there is currently a curfew from 0.00am – 04.00am daily.
Travel to Panama
- Since 12 October 2020 Panama Citys International Airport is open again.
- Current entry regulations (as of 26.07.2021) can be found in the previous link.
- Departing travelers can take a Corona test at Panama City Airport (if required by their home country).
FRAPAN-Invest
Klaus Happ’s company “FRAPAN-Invest” advises investors who want to invest in real estate in Panama. Furthermore, Klaus Happ will be happy to advise you personally on the subject of “Plan B in Panama”.
The real estate market in Panama is internationally one of the most interesting for investments. We would like to be your trusted local partner and assist you with the initial purchase. Additionally, we can take care of your real estate in Panama in a sustainable way.
Profitable, safe and beautiful:
Investments in Panama
Travelling in Panama in Corona Times / March 2021
What is it to travel in Panama in Corona times? What can you do during a long weekend in Panama. Klaus Happ talks about his experiences during his trip in Panama in March 2021 in his video. Just click on the video BELOW to learn more.
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Learn more
FRAPAN-Invest
Klaus Happ’s company “FRAPAN-Invest” advises investors who want to invest in real estate in Panama. Furthermore, Klaus Happ will be happy to advise you personally on the subject of “Plan B in Panama”.
The real estate market in Panama is internationally one of the most interesting for investments. We would like to be your trusted local partner and assist you with the initial purchase. Additionally, we can take care of your real estate in Panama in a sustainable way.
Profitable, safe and beautiful:
Investments in Panama
Corona Virus in Panama / Update 26 March 2021
The Corona situation in Panama is currently good, as new infections have been falling steadily in recent weeks and are at a low level. All sectors of the economy are open. Below you will also find more information on Corona vaccination in Panama.
Health (figures as of 25 March 2021)
- There are currently 5.030 active cases.
- The R-value is 0,91
- The mortality rate is 1.7% (global average 2.2%)
- Panama performs the same number of tests per capita as Germany.
- The percentage of positive tests is currently below 5% daily.
- The intensive care beds have never been fully utilized.
- Corona vaccination started in Panama in January.
- The goal is to have 84% of the population vaccinated by the end of the year. The current figure is 8%.
- 5.2 million doses have been ordered (Biontech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Jonson & Johnson) and negotiations are underway for an additional 3 million doses of Sputnik V vaccine.
- Since Panama has a very young population (Ø 26 years), people aged 60 and over were already vaccinated in phase 1.
- So far, 8,5% of the Panamanian population has been infected with Corona. Taking into account the estimated number of unreported cases, this figure should be about 20%, which is much closer to herd immunity.
- The graph shows the weekly trend (March 20 – March 21) of new infections (bars) and the test positive rate (curve). The sharp increase in June began with the economic opening. The increase in November is due to the holidays in early November (data link).
Economy
- All sectors of the economy are open.
- Restaurants and stores are allowed to open until 10.00 p.m., although many restaurants, hotels and stores are still closed.
- The support payment for socially weak people is 120 USD per month. As unemployment has skyrocketed, this amount is barely enough for many poorer families.
- Current estimates predict economic growth of +9,9% in 2021 (2020: -17%).
Life in Panama
- The government measures the corona risk of the individual regions on the basis of certain indicators (R-value, hospital occupancy rate, etc.) and adopts region-specific measures on the basis of this.
- Throughout Panama there is currently a curfew from 11.00pm – 04.00am daily and in the greater Panama City area additionally on weekends.
- Beaches are open from 06.00am – 06.00pm.
Travel to Panama
- Since 12 October 2020 Panama Citys International Airport is open again.
- Visitors (regardless of where they come from in the world) must present a Corona negative test (max. 48 hours old) or alternatively take a rapid test at the airport in Panama. If the test is positive, you will be quarantined in Panama.
- Departing travelers can take a Corona test at Panama City Airport (if required by their home country).
FRAPAN-Invest
Klaus Happ’s company “FRAPAN-Invest” advises investors who want to invest in real estate in Panama. Furthermore, Klaus Happ will be happy to advise you personally on the subject of “Plan B in Panama”.
The real estate market in Panama is internationally one of the most interesting for investments. We would like to be your trusted local partner and assist you with the initial purchase. Additionally, we can take care of your real estate in Panama in a sustainable way.
Profitable, safe and beautiful:
Investments in Panama