Moving to Panama – Shipping Household Goods to Panama – Customs Information

Moving to Panama, Shipping Household Goods to Panama

Required Documents when Moving to Panama and Shipping Household Goods to Panama

  • Residence Visa (or letter from Registered Lawyer and copy of petition for
    Residence Visa, if Customer does not have one) 
  • Work Permit (or certificate from attorney)
  • Passport (original)
  • Certificate of Change of Residence
  • Letter confirming employment
  • Detailed inventory (English or Spanish)

Customs Regulations when Moving to Panama and Shipping Household Goods to Panama

  • CUSTOMER MUST BE IN PANAMA AT TIME OF CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
  • Household goods and personal effects duty-free for:
    • Foreigners with Residence Visa
    • Panamanians returning to Panama after two years abroad
  • Shipments must arrive to Panama within six months of Customer
  • All shipments inspected
  • Customs inspection, Customs charges and Customs Broker’s charges all
    payable by Customer at time of clearance in Panama 
  • Additional charges incurred for storage or customs delays will be for
    Customer’s account

DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

  • New items, alcohol, jewelry, coins

PROHIBITED ITEMS

  • Foodstuff and plants
  • Narcotics and drugs
  • Straw or hay packing in lift-vans
  • Firearms, weapons and ammunition

MOTOR VEHICLES

  • High duty payable by customer at approximately 27%-30% of CIF value
  • Customer and broker must process documentation and pay duties. Customs
    clearance process is lengthy and demurrage is likely. 
  • Documents required:
    • Title
    • Original Passport
    • Bill of  Sale
    • Original Certificate of Ownership
    • Pollution Certificate

PETS

  • Certificate of Health and Rabies Vaccination required
  • 30 day quarantine period required in Panama

NOTE – Customs regulations in Panama are subject to change at any
time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations
applicable to household goods shipments to Panama and is being provided for
general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers moving to Panam. Since
such regulations are subject to change without notice, IntlMove cannot be held
liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting
from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or
consulate.