Costa Rica
Panama
Costa Rica vs Panama
Complete comparison for your tax relocation
Taxation
| Top income tax bracket | 25% | 25% |
| Corporate tax | 30% | 25% |
| Capital gains | 15% | 10% |
| VAT | 13% | 7% |
| Tax treaty with France | No | No |
| Special regime | Taxation territoriale | Taxation territoriale |
| Wealth tax | No | No |
| Territorial taxation | Yes | Yes |
Taxation territoriale
Duration: Permanente (systeme territorial par défaut)
Le Costa Rica applique une imposition strictement territoriale. Seuls les revenus de source costaricaine sont imposés. Les revenus de source étrangere (freelance, dividendes, loyers étrangers) ne sont pas taxés. Le taux maximum d'IR est de 25 %, nettement inférieur aux standards européens.
Taxation territoriale
Duration: Illimitée (systeme fiscal national permanent)
Le Panama applique un systeme de taxation purement territoriale : seuls les revenus de source panaméenne sont imposés. Les revenus générés à l'étranger sont totalement exonérés, y compris les dividendes, intérets et plus-values d'origine étrangere.
Cost of living
| Monthly cost (single) | 1 000 € | 900 € |
| Monthly cost (couple) | 1 600 € | 1 400 € |
| City center rent | 700 € | 700 € |
| Outside city rent | 450 € | 400 € |
| Private health insurance | 55 € | 70 € |
| Public healthcare | Accessible | Accessible |
Estimated total monthly budget (single, with city center rent)
Panama is approximately 100 € cheaper per month in total.
Quality of life
| Average temperature | 25°C | 27°C |
| Safety | 7/10 | 6/10 |
| Health index | 67/100 | 62/100 |
| Internet | 40 Mbps | 60 Mbps |
| Timezone vs Paris | -7h | -6h |
| French-speaking community | Very small | Very small |
| Languages | Espagnol | Espagnol, Anglais |
| Currency | Colon (CRC) | Balboa / Dollar US (PAB/USD) |
| Corruption index | 55/100 | 36/100 |
| Democracy index | 7.88/10 | 7.05/10 |
Settling in
| Residence permit delay | 3 months | 2 months |
| Company creation | 23 days | 6 days |
| Bank account | Moderate | Easy |
| Political stability | 6.5/10 | 6/10 |
| Ease of business | 74th worldwide | 86th worldwide |
Summary
Costa Rica
- Top IT: 25% | Corp. tax: 30%
- Cost of living: 1 000 €/mo
- Safety: 7/10 | Health: 67/100
- Regime: Taxation territoriale (Permanente (systeme territorial par défaut))
Panama
- Top IT: 25% | Corp. tax: 25%
- Cost of living: 900 €/mo
- Safety: 6/10 | Health: 62/100
- Regime: Taxation territoriale (Illimitée (systeme fiscal national permanent))
Comparative analysis: Costa Rica vs Panama
Which country has lower taxes?
Both countries are fairly close on taxation. Income tax reaches 25% in Costa Rica and 25% in Panama. Corporate tax is 30% and 25% respectively. Capital gains are taxed at 10% in Panama versus 15% in Costa Rica.
Which country is cheaper to live in?
The cost of living is lower in Panama. A single person spends about 900 EUR/month excluding rent, compared to 1 000 EUR/month in Costa Rica. City center rent averages 700 EUR versus 700 EUR.
Which country is safer?
Costa Rica scores higher on safety (7/10 versus 6/10). In terms of healthcare, Costa Rica leads with an index of 67/100 compared to 62/100 for Panama.
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Disclaimer
The tax information presented is based on estimates from public sources (PwC, OECD, government sources). It does not constitute tax or legal advice. Tax rules change regularly and your personal situation may significantly affect the calculation. Consult a qualified professional before making any relocation decision.