Last updated October 2026 · By Sandro Riccardo Presta, The Bridge Alliance
| Program | Headline requirement |
|---|---|
| Friendly Nations | Panama job, US$200k property or US$200k 3-year deposit; 2 years provisional |
| Pensionado | Lifetime pension of US$1,000/month (US$750 with US$100k+ property) |
| Qualified Investor | US$300k new property up to US$750k private-bank deposit; permanent |
Full step-by-step guide: How to move to Panama from Canada.
| Province / territory | Health plan (official page) |
|---|---|
| Ontario | OHIP |
| Quebec | RAMQ (Régie de l’assurance maladie du Québec) |
| British Columbia | MSP (Medical Services Plan) |
| Alberta | AHCIP (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan) |
| Manitoba | Manitoba Health insurance (MHSIP) |
| Saskatchewan | Saskatchewan health coverage (eHealth Saskatchewan health cards) |
| Nova Scotia | MSI (Medical Services Insurance) |
| New Brunswick | New Brunswick Medicare |
| Prince Edward Island | Health PEI coverage |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | MCP (Medical Care Plan) |
| Yukon | Yukon Health Care Insurance Plan |
| Northwest Territories | NWT Health Care Plan |
| Nunavut | Nunavut Health Care Plan |
Each plan has its own absence rules. Most people buy private or international health insurance for Panama. Quebec residents also file a separate Quebec return with Revenu Québec for the year they leave.
Yes. Canada is one of the 51 countries on the list.
Government pensions paid for life can qualify if they reach the minimum. Your attorney confirms your documents.
Usually not long term. Each province has absence rules, so check your plan and arrange private coverage.
Panama generally requires a criminal background certificate. For Canadians this is usually an RCMP check, authenticated with an apostille.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
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
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