Moving from United States to Panama is a container sea-freight corridor with a typical door-to-door transit of 2–4 weeks. A two-bedroom household of roughly 18–22 m³ usually lands between $6,900 and $8,900 on a full-service basis, calculated from route distance, regional handling costs and shipment volume.
On arrival, Panama applies Household goods exoneration (residency-linked) under Panamanian national customs framework. Import VAT in Panama is 7%, and relief is what keeps your household goods out of that charge. Shipments normally arrive through Balboa or Colón.
This page covers what actually changes on the United States → Panama route: what you will pay, how long the shipment is at sea, the paperwork Panama customs expects from a departure in United States, and what to do about pets, a vehicle and somewhere to live when you land.
Departures from United States normally load at New York / New Jersey, Savannah, Houston. Household goods leaving the US move under an ocean carrier booking filed with US Customs at least 24 hours before loading. Personal effects shipments are normally filed by your forwarder; you sign a power of attorney authorising them to act. Video or in-home surveys are widely available across the continental US; crews are typically scheduled 2–4 weeks ahead. The corridor covers roughly 2,108 nautical miles.
| Home size | Estimated volume | Typical method | Door-to-door range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / Few Items | 3–5 m³ | LCL groupage (shared container) | $3,300–$4,200 |
| 1-Bedroom Apartment | 8–12 m³ | LCL groupage (shared container) | $5,000–$6,400 |
| 2-Bedroom Home | 18–22 m³ | 20-foot container (sole-use FCL) | $6,900–$8,900 |
| 3-Bedroom Home | 28–32 m³ | 20-foot container (sole-use FCL) | $7,600–$9,700 |
| 4+ Bedroom Home | 45–60 m³ | 40-foot high-cube container (FCL) | $11,000–$14,000 |
Ranges are calculated from route distance, shipment volume and regional handling costs. This is an estimated relocation cost for planning purposes, not a binding quote. Final pricing is confirmed by a vetted international moving partner after a survey.
Booking & packing lead time
4–6 weeks in peak season (May–September), 2–3 weeks off-peak
Port-to-port sailing
2–4 weeks
Clearance & delivery
3–4 weeks typical clearance window in Panama
Shipments from United States are treated as an import from outside Panama's customs territory. The requirements below apply, and the supporting evidence customs will ask for — proof of address, residence history, ownership records — must be documents issued in United States.
Household goods exoneration (residency-linked) — Panamanian national customs framework
Panama grants exoneration from import duty on household goods for approved residency applicants under specific visa categories, applied for through the customs authority with the residency file.
Conditions
Documents from United States
Rules vary by destination and may also depend on your country of origin, immigration status and circumstances. This guide is educational and is not legal, tax or customs advice.
Open the full customs guidePanama pairs a 10–14 day sailing from the US Gulf and East Coast with a Pensionado programme that grants a one-time duty exemption on up to $10,000 of household goods.
Find furnished temporary housing through our AltoVita partnership.
MyExpatGo helps connect you with temporary housing options. Availability is subject to AltoVita and provider inventory — MyExpatGo does not guarantee or book accommodation.
Panama is a moderate-complexity pet destination, regulated by Ministry of Health (MINSA). Allow 2 months of preparation before departure from United States. Quarantine: 40 days home quarantine.
Panama pet import requirementsPensionado holders may import a vehicle duty-free every two years. Other residents pay import duty plus 7% ITBMS on the assessed value. A vehicle registered in United States may need conformity, lighting or emissions work before it can be road-legal in Panama.
Vehicle import guide
Nobel Relocation
Family-run, FAIM-certified US mover with East Coast hubs in Miami, Atlanta and Maryland.
Asian Tigers
Asia's leading relocation group with 14 country offices across the region's primary commercial centres.
ELL Worldwide Movers
UAE-based international removals specialist serving the GCC and worldwide destinations.
Elite Shipping India
India-based global relocation specialist offering fine art and pet relocation services.
Globe Moving
India's longest-established international mover, with a door-to-door network spanning 180+ countries.
Partners do not pay to be part of the matched network. How we vet partners.
Tell us what you are shipping and we will match you with vetted movers who run this corridor. Free, no obligation, and partners never pay for placement.
