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The Panama Podcast
Welcome to The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing! Imagine trading your “someday” for today—living the life you've always dreamed of in a tropical paradise. That’s exactly what your host, Melissa Darnay, has been doing since 2012. And now, she’s here to show you how you can do the same!
Get ready for your weekly escape filled with sunny Panama inspiration, laugh-out-loud expat adventures, and insider secrets that’ll make your move to Panama smoother and more exciting. Melissa is not just an expat—she’s the CEO of Choose Panama, a luxury real estate company, and she’s passionate about helping people like you find your dream property and live their best life in paradise.
Whether you’re curious about living in Panama, investing in its booming real estate market, or simply looking for ways to make the most of your expat life, this podcast is for you. With interviews from expats, local professionals, and experts in everything from law to healthcare, you’ll have all the tools you need to start living your tropical fairytale.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into The Panama Podcast and let’s make your “someday” a reality!
The Panama Podcast
Skip Portugal, Go Panama: Here's Why
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For years, Portugal has been one of the most popular destinations for Americans looking for a second residency, better lifestyle, and lower cost of living abroad. But immigration rules have tightened, taxes have changed, and property prices have surged.
So many people are now asking a new question:
Is Panama the smarter alternative in 2026?
In this episode of The Panama Podcast: From Dreaming to Doing, Melissa Darnay breaks down the real comparison between Portugal and Panama—not from a travel perspective, but from the standpoint of residency options, taxation, property costs, and long-term strategy.
You’ll learn:
• How Portugal’s D7 visa and citizenship path compares to Panama residency
• The truth about territorial taxation in Panama vs worldwide taxation in Portugal
• Real 2026 property prices per m² in Lisbon vs Panama City
• Typical HOA costs and property taxes
• The difference in flight times from the U.S.
• Why some Americans are choosing Panama instead of Europe
If you’re evaluating where to live, invest, or retire abroad, this episode will help you think through the decision with clarity.
Because relocating internationally isn’t just a lifestyle choice.
It’s a strategic one.
Learn More About Living in Panama
Schedule a consultation:
https://choosepanama.com/contact
Explore properties in Panama:
https://choosepanama.com
Watch more episodes of The Panama Podcast:
https://www.youtube.com/@choosepanama
Connect with the Choose Panama Team:
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/choosepanama
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissadarnay
Topics Covered
Panama vs Portugal
Moving abroad in 2026
Second residency options
Territorial taxation countries
Retiring overseas
Panama residency visas
Portugal D7 visa
Buying real estate in Panama
Cost of living Panama vs Portugal
Hashtags
#choosepanama #melissadarnay #thepanamapodcast
#panamavsportugal
#movingabroad
#secondresidency
#retireoverseas
#expatliving
#panamarealestate
#costofliving
#portugalexpats
#planBcountry
Thank you for listening to this episode of The Panama Podcast. If you like it, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review.
To get a copy of your FREE e-book, go to: https://www.choosepanama.com/free-book.html
Stay tuned for more stories of adventure, relocation, and life in Panama. For more information, resources, and to connect with our community, visit our website at www.ChoosePanama.com. Until next time ... Cheers!
