Investing in Panama in 2026
Latin America & Caribbean
65
Score
Moderate Investment Destination
Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios
Panama earns an investment score of 65/100, placing it in the moderate category for global investors. Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios. The country's standout dimensions are business climate (70/100) and financial strength (68/100), with overall GDP of $82B and per-capita output of $18,500. Growth is running at 3.5% with 5.5% of GDP arriving as foreign direct investment. Inflation is contained at 2.0%. The sovereign holds a NR credit rating, generally considered speculative-grade with elevated default risk. Investment opportunities cluster around Logistics & Canal (sector score 78/100, currently stable), which represents 18% of GDP. Trade openness sits at 95% of GDP, a useful proxy for how integrated Panama is with the global economy.
How Panama's investment score has evolved over time
Logistics & Canal
18% of GDP, stable
Financial Services
14% of GDP, stable
Tourism
8% of GDP, growing
Construction
10% of GDP, growing
World Bank Governance Indicators (-2.5 to +2.5, higher is better)
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Is Panama a safe country to invest in?
Panama carries a moderate risk rating with an overall investment score of 65/100. Growing economy with manageable risks - suitable for diversified portfolios. Sub-scores: economic health 65/100, political stability 58/100, business climate 70/100, financial strength 68/100, growth potential 58/100.
What is Panama's sovereign credit rating?
Panama holds a credit rating of NR, reflecting its ability to meet sovereign debt obligations. Credit ratings are a key signal of macro-financial health and a prerequisite many institutional investors require before allocating capital.
What are the strongest sectors for investment in Panama?
The top investment sectors in Panama are Logistics & Canal, Financial Services, Tourism. Logistics & Canal leads with a sector score of 78/100 and represents 18% of GDP. Its current trend is stable.
What is Panama's GDP growth rate?
Panama's most recent GDP growth was 3.5%, with total GDP of $82B and GDP per capita of $18,500. Inflation is running at 2.0% and the current account balance is -2.8% of GDP.
How does Panama score on governance and rule of law?
On the World Bank Governance Indicators (scale -2.5 to +2.5, higher is better), Panama scores: political stability 0.3, rule of law 0.1, corruption control -0.1, and regulatory quality 0.4.
Can foreigners invest in Panama?
Most industries in Panama are open to foreign direct investment, though specific sectors may require a local partner, government approval, or special licensing. Consult a qualified local advisor for restrictions that apply to your sector.
What is foreign direct investment (FDI) like in Panama?
Foreign Direct Investment in Panama runs at 5.5% of GDP, while the trade openness ratio (exports + imports as a share of GDP) stands at 95%. These figures show how integrated Panama is with the global economy and how welcoming it has been to international capital.
What is the public debt level in Panama?
Panama's government debt stands at 55% of GDP. This is a relatively conservative debt load, supporting fiscal flexibility.