Renting an apartment in Panama City, without the guesswork

We've handled rentals on Avenida Balboa since 2015, and the same questions come up with almost every newcomer. Here's the whole process as it actually works — not as blogs written from abroad imagine it.

What you'll be asked for

The short list: your passport, one month of deposit and the first month upfront. That's it in most cases. No local credit history, no guarantor, no proof of Panamanian income — landlords here rent to foreigners every week and the market is built around that reality.

A one-year contract is the standard. If you need something shorter, it exists — mostly in furnished units — but treat it as a negotiation, not an expectation.

From first visit to keys, step by step

The rhythm is faster than most people expect:

• Shortlist online. Every listing on this site shows the real asking price, photos and the building. Pick the ones worth your time.
• Visit. We usually coordinate viewings within days, not weeks. Seeing three or four units in one afternoon is normal.
• Make an offer. Asking prices usually have some room, especially on units that have been listed a while. We negotiate on your behalf.
• Sign and pay. Contract, deposit plus first month, and a move-in inventory if the unit is furnished.
• Keys. From "I like this one" to moving in, a week or two is a realistic timeline.

What to check before signing

These are the points that cause friction later if nobody asks upfront — so we always ask:

• Is the building maintenance fee included in the rent? It usually is, but "usually" isn't a contract. Get it in writing.
• The inventory. On furnished units, walk through it item by item with photos. Your deposit is checked against this list at the end.
• Air conditioning. Which rooms have units, how old they are, and who pays repairs. AC is the biggest electricity cost in Panama.
• Parking. Confirm the space is included, and which one it is.
• Deposit return terms. When and how it comes back — the contract should say.

What moves the price

Floor height, how much bay view the unit gets, furnishing, and the tower itself — amenities and age matter. Two same-size apartments on the same block can be priced very differently because of those variables.

Every listing on this site shows the unit's real asking price, published and kept current by us. Browse the current listings to see what your budget gets.

Utilities and monthly bills

Electricity is the bill that surprises newcomers — air conditioning drives it, and depending on your habits it can range from modest to significant. Water is cheap, a few dollars a month. Fiber internet is available from several providers across the avenue at normal city prices. Building maintenance, as noted above, is usually inside the rent.

Frequently asked questions

Planning the bigger move? Read our Moving to Panama guide (visas, tourist stays, first 90 days) — or if you're thinking of owning instead, the buying guide.

Want the shortlist done for you? Tell us budget and dates, and we'll send you the units worth visiting.

Chat on WhatsApp

Custom search

Based on our day-to-day practice on Avenida Balboa as of July 2026. Contract terms vary by owner and building; always read yours before signing. This article is general information, not legal advice.