Panama’s strength lies mainly in its geographical location, in particular the strategic location of its canal, which makes the country a key global distribution platform as well as a major player in banking and maritime services. Relying mainly on transit and service activities, the Panamanian economy has experienced the strongest growth in Latin America in the last ten years.

Source : Country profile Business France

Good to know :

Language spoken : Spanish
Local currency : balboa and US dollar
Capital : Panama City

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.E in Panama

Do you already meet the International Young Talent Program criteria ?

Then, consult the table here!

- If your situation only meets ☼, you can try your luck for a V.I.E in Panama. Your application will be studied.

- If your situation meets at least 1 X, 😬 Panama cannot accommodate you in V.I.E. Don't be disappointed, continue your research! Other exciting destinations will seduce you!

Do you have any doubts about your eligibility ? Feel free to contact us.

The conditions for undertaking a Business France V.I.A in Panama

To go to Panama as a V.I.A, you must fulfil the conditions for accessing the V.I.A.
The administration that is recruiting you is responsible for your residence permit.

The cultural work codes in Panama

Due to the influence of the United States and the cultural mixing brought about by operating the Panama Canal, many Panamanians are proficient in English. Although it may be common to interact in English, your local contacts will appreciate it if you translate any documents and presentations into Spanish. For example, it is preferable to have a business card written in both languages.

For the same reasons, the codes of the working culture in Panama are a rather unique mixture of those of the United States and Latin America. Thus, while it is common to greet each other with a handshake and keep a certain physical distance, punctuality is less systematic and the style of communication quite indirect. Remember that the line between private and professional life is quite blurred in Panama and that patience is required to establish long-term working relationships.

To make a good impression, Panamanian culture requires that you use the correct titles when addressing your Panamanian colleagues. Indeed, the notions of hierarchy and levels of education remain very important. However, feel free to start the conversation with light and anecdotal topics - such as sport, weather, hobbies. This is the best way to break the ice before moving on to more serious things !

In your professional exchanges, feel free to share your expertise, as Panamanians are open to different points of view from their own. On the other hand, be modest and measured - never raise your voice or be too effusive !

Things that may surprise you in Panama

- With regard to the weather, you can expect a tropical climate ! Forget autumn and spring as you know them. There are two seasons in Panama - the dry season, which runs from January to April, and the wet season, which runs from April to December. Expect temperatures ranging from 21°C to 32°C and water at 28°C all year round! Snorkelling and idyllic beaches await you, whether you're on the Caribbean or the Pacific coast.

- Panama is a country of celebrations! So any excuse is good for a party - religion, folklore, patriotism... And ceremonies mean music and dancing ! From accordion tunes to salomas - a kind of cry punctuating the songs - from merengue to salsa, via tipico, the congo and reggae, you won't be bored !  If you're not a great music lover or dance enthusiast, you can always admire the colours of the polleras - traditional Panamanian dresses, embellished and embroidered by hand. Above all don't miss the carnival and its wild atmosphere - four days of celebration and good humour against a backdrop of Caribbean music, parades and fireworks !  

- To get around town in Panama, it's hard to miss the ‘diablos rojos’, the colourful public buses typical of the country. Not always punctual, they have the merit of adding colour to the urban landscape ! In recent years, an automated metro line has connected the centre of Panama City to the Albrook terminal.

- While Panamanian cuisine is not world-renowned and does not offer a great deal of diversity, it does nevertheless have a few surprises. What could be more pleasant than a glass of raspao - a drink of crushed ice, syrup and milk - or a cool ceviche when the temperature rises ? This marinated fish speciality can be eaten with rice or sweet potatoes in restaurants and around markets. As for other traditional dishes, they generally consist of meat, rice, red beans and plantains.

- Discover traditional Panamanian arts such as weaving, ceramics, wooden masks and hammocks in the markets ! They reflect the country’s rich ethnic and cultural heritage.