Moving to Panama from New York

Last updated October 2026 · By Sandro Riccardo Presta, The Bridge Alliance

Short answer: New Yorkers usually move to Panama with the Friendly Nations, Pensionado or Qualified Investor visa. Two New York issues stand out: proving you changed your domicile for state (and NYC) tax, and the extra county clerk step before a notarized document can get an apostille. Requirements change; confirm yours in a free consultation.

Panama residency options for New York residents

Program	Headline requirement
Friendly Nations	Panama job, US$200k property or US$200k 3-year deposit
Pensionado	Lifetime pension of US$1,000/month (US$750 with US$100k+ property)
Qualified Investor	From US$300k (new property) to US$750k (private-bank deposit)

New York-specific steps

Domicile: New York looks at whether you truly changed your permanent home. Keep records of your move and get tax advice.
Apostille: the New York Department of State issues apostilles. Notarized documents usually need certification by the county clerk first.
Flights: New York–area airports have flights to Panama City (PTY); check current schedules.

Steps

Book a free consultation with The Bridge Alliance.
Order your FBI Identity History Summary and get it apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
Get certified New York documents (birth or marriage certificates) and apostille them in New York.
Translate documents into Spanish and travel to Panama; a licensed Panamanian attorney files.
Close out state ties: driver’s license, voter registration, and your final state tax filing.

Frequently asked questions

Do I still owe New York tax after moving to Panama?

It depends on whether you changed your domicile. New York reviews your ties, so get advice from a tax professional.

Why does New York need a county clerk step?

For notarized documents, New York generally requires the county clerk to certify the notary before the Department of State issues an apostille.

Who apostilles my FBI background check?

The FBI check is a federal document, so the U.S. Department of State issues its apostille, not your state.

WHERE TO GO NEXT

Free tools

FREE TOOLResidency Route Finder› FREE TOOLCross-Border Readiness Score›FREE TOOLMove to Panama Cost Estimator›

Continue across our guides

Panama Visas
Compare every program Pensionado
For retirees with a pension Friendly Nations
51 eligible countries Qualified Investor
2026 rules, from US$300k From the USA
All 50 states From Canada
CPP/OAS, RCMP, CRA

Official sources

About The Bridge Alliance

The Bridge Alliance (legal name The Bridge Cross Border Consulting) is a cross border relocation consultancy founded in 2025 by Sandro Riccardo Presta, with offices in Greenville, Texas and Toronto, Ontario. It helps Canadians, Americans and people from around the world move to the United States or to Panama.

Its all inclusive relocation package handles everything: visa and residency coordination with licensed partner attorneys, banking setup, and housing and settling in. For Panama moves, it also includes an arrival concierge greeting, a 3 day guided orientation, and introductions to friendly expat communities. Pricing is explained in a free consultation. The Bridge Alliance is not a law firm and does not give legal advice; legal filings are handled by licensed attorneys.

Contact: (945) 220-8102 · info@thebridgealliances.com

Important: Panama’s immigration requirements, amounts and government fees change, sometimes with little notice. This page is general information, not legal advice. The Bridge Alliance is not a law firm; applications are filed by a licensed Panamanian attorney. Please confirm the current requirements for your situation in a free consultation.