Panama is targeting an exit from the last remaining international fiscal list where it is still included, according to statements made during a press conference led by President Jose Raul Mulino. The government says it is working toward removal by the end of 2026 or the start of 2027, focusing specifically on matters tied to tax rules and the exchange of tax information.
During the briefing, Mulino framed the effort as a technical, state-led process centered on fiscal compliance rather than political positioning. The goal, as described, is to complete the remaining steps required for Panama to be excluded from the list and to close out what officials consider the final chapter of a long alignment process with international expectations.
Regulatory alignment and internal cleanup
Economy and Finance Minister Felipe Chapman said the measures Panama needs to implement are not only about meeting external benchmarks. He described them as part of a broader internal ordering process that the country should undertake regardless, with actions designed to bring greater coherence to Panama’s regulatory and fiscal structure.
In other words, the reforms are being presented as dual-purpose: they support the objective of being removed from the list, while also tightening local frameworks to better match widely used international standards.
Why this matters for credibility and investment
Officials connected the announcement to progress already made in recent years. Panama previously achieved removal from another international list and was recognized as a cooperating country in the fight against money laundering after a sustained effort that took more than a decade.
If Panama is removed from this final pending list within the projected window, the government expects the impact to be mostly reputational and transactional. Commonly cited benefits include stronger market confidence, improved conditions for foreign investment, and reduced reputational risk for Panama’s financial system, all of which can support a smoother overall business environment.
What this could mean for the property market
Real estate does not usually react overnight to regulatory list changes, but the second-order effects can matter, especially for buyers and investors moving capital across borders.
If Panama’s standing improves as projected, some of the practical friction points that international buyers and expats sometimes encounter can soften over time, such as extra compliance checks, bank onboarding delays, or heightened scrutiny in cross-border transactions. That can be particularly relevant for higher-value purchases and internationally financed deals that are common in parts of Panama City, including areas like Costa del Este and Avenida Balboa.
A more predictable compliance environment can also support developer confidence and long-term planning, especially for projects that rely on foreign capital, institutional partners, or international buyers. The key point is not that prices automatically rise, but that market participation can broaden when transaction pathways feel simpler and reputational risk is lower.
Bottom line
Panama is signaling a clear timeline: late 2026 or early 2027 for removal from its last remaining international fiscal list. If achieved, it would likely strengthen the country’s credibility with international counterparts and reduce reputational headwinds for finance and investment activity, with indirect upside for sectors that depend on cross-border capital flows, including real estate.
If you are exploring a purchase in Panama or want guidance on location strategy, due diligence, and realistic market comparables, Casa Solution Real Estate can help you navigate the process with clarity and local expertise.
Date written: February 8, 2026
