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Nomad & Expat Scene Density in Panama City

Good to Know

  • InterNations, Meetup.com, and Facebook groups are the fastest entry points for newcomers; most groups are active and beginner-friendly.
  • Coworking spaces double as de facto community hubs—memberships often grant access to internal Slack/WhatsApp networking channels and community events.
  • Many nomads network through informal coworking-space social events and happy hours, particularly at Socialtel Casco Viejo (formerly Selina) and Workings.
  • The expat bubble is welcoming but transactional; long-stayers report the happiest experiences come from balancing expat friendships with genuine Panamanian connections (sports clubs, language classes, volunteering).
  • Spanish ability significantly improves both social depth and access to local community—language classes themselves are popular meeting points.
  • First Tuesday and PRT monthly meetups are reliable recurring events; most other groups are organic and vary in activity level.
  • Casco Viejo and El Cangrejo neighborhoods have the highest concentration of nomad-friendly cafés and informal coworking spots alongside formal spaces.

Coworking Spaces

  • Workings
    Monthly Membership Cost
    PAB 200
    Description
    Multiple locations (Punta Pacifica, Obarrio, East Coast/Dream Plaza Tower). 24/7 access, dedicated security, meeting rooms, kitchenette, phone booths, printing services.
  • Socialtel Casco Viejo Panama City (Formerly Selina Panama City)
    Description
    Popular among digital nomads. Offers coworking and co-living spaces with rooftop bar and underground club in Casco Viejo location. Strong community events and networking.
  • My Office Panama
    Description
    Located in Credicorp building on Calle 50. English-speaking staff, well-lit with skyline views. Offers dedicated desk, private office, and virtual office options with 24/7 access.
  • Panama Coworking Center
    Description
    Multiple locations (Costa del Este/Prime Tower, Obarrio/Kenex Plaza, San Francisco/Banistmo building). Outdoor terrace with sea view, business consulting services.
  • Spaces (Regus)
    Description
    International coworking space with access to multiple Regus locations throughout Panama City. On-site café, various work areas, located on Calle 50.

Meetup And Networking Groups

  • Regular Expat Networking
    Group Name
    InterNations Panama
    Description
    Established expat organization hosting regular events in Panama City. One of the fastest and most accessible ways to connect with the international community.
  • International Expat Community
    Group Name
    Panamigos
    Description
    Community founded in 2021 with 13,000+ international members. Operates multiple WhatsApp subgroups (Let's Hang Out, Marketplace, Sports, A Force For Good, Pets) for social events and networking.
  • Structured Community Meetups
    Group Name
    Panama Relocation Tours (PRT) Monthly Meetups
    Description
    Monthly meetups held at eight locations across Panama on the same day and time. Open to PRT alumni and other expats (newcomers and long-stayers alike).
  • Online Community Hub
    Group Name
    Expats in Panama City / Panama City Expats & Locals (Facebook)
    Description
    Active Facebook groups for event coordination, practical questions, and casual meetups. Frequently recommended starting point for newcomers.
  • Remote Worker Focused
    Group Name
    Panama Digital Nomads (Facebook)
    Description
    Facebook community specific to digital nomads and remote workers in Panama.
  • Monthly Networking Event
    Group Name
    First Tuesday
    Description
    Professional networking event and presentation held on the first Tuesday of each month at various locations.
  • Skill-building and Social
    Group Name
    Language Exchange Meetups
    Description
    Regular language exchange events where expats and locals practice English and Spanish together. Common in Panama City.

Nomad Demographics

Composition
Mix of seasoned retirees and rapidly growing younger digital nomad/remote worker population
Growth Trend
Surging in recent years due to reliable internet, coworking space expansion, and Panama's digital nomad visa introduced in 2021

Overall Community Density

High. Panama City hosts a robust, well-established expat and digital nomad community with organized meetup infrastructure, active social media groups, and multiple coworking hubs.

Community Infrastructure Highlights

Online Platforms
Meetup.com, Facebook groups (most active), WhatsApp groups, Slack channels within coworking spaces
Offline Social Hubs
Casco Viejo bars and cafés, El Cangrejo (multicultural neighborhood with restaurants), coworking space happy hours
Activity Based Groups
Sports clubs (golf, football, tennis, sailing), hiking groups, volunteer/charity organizations, book clubs, cooking classes
English Language Accessibility
Strong English-speaking ecosystem in expat hubs; however, Spanish opens more doors for daily integration and authentic local connections
AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this nomad & expat scene density research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

  1. 1.riotimesonline.com
  2. 2.pallaslife.com
  3. 3.expatfocus.com
  4. 4.angloinfo.com
  5. 5.expat-tations.com
  6. 6.foodtravelexplore.com
  7. 7.panamarelocationtours.com
  8. 8.foodtravelexplore.com
  9. 9.cascospanish.com
  10. 10.discoverysessions.com
  11. 11.nomadific.com
  12. 12.allaboutpanamacity.com
  13. 13.en.wikipedia.org

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.