Short-Term vs Long-Term Rentals in Panama: 2026 Guide

Planning a trip to the tropics while the Northern Hemisphere freezes is a dream, but the logistics of where to stay—and for how long—can quickly turn into a headache. Between Panama’s unique rental laws and the surge in demand during "High Season" (December to April), choosing the right rental strategy is the difference between a seamless escape and a costly mistake.

Whether you are a digital nomad, a "snowbird" escaping the cold, or an investor looking for the next big hub, this guide breaks down the "Short vs. Long" dilemma for the 2026 season.

The Panama High Season Context: Why Everyone is Landing Now

Panama’s high season coincides with the "Dry Season." From December to April, you get nearly 320 days of sunshine and zero hurricanes. Because of this, occupancy rates in prime areas like Casco Viejo and Avenida Balboa spike to over 85%.

For travelers, this means availability disappears months in advance. For owners, it means rental yields can jump to 7–12% for well-managed units.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term: Pros & Cons

Feature	Short-Term (Daily/Weekly)	Long-Term (6+ Months)
Typical Rates	High ($140 – $340+ per night)	Stable ($1,550 – $2,400 per month)
Best For	Tourists, 1-week vacations.	Relocators, retirees, permanent moves.
Maintenance	High turnover, hotel-style service.	Low turnover, tenant pays utilities.
Flexibility	Book today, leave tomorrow.	Year-long commitment required.
Tax/Legal	10% Tourism Tax applies.	Generally tax-exempt for tenants.

The "45-Day Rule": The Most Misunderstood Law in Panama

If you are looking at Panama City, you need to know about Law 80. Technically, in the city center, residential rentals for less than 45 days are prohibited unless the building has a specific tourism license.

The Loophole? Areas designated as "Tourism Zones," like the historic Casco Viejo and its adjacent "Creative District," Santa Ana, are often exempt or prioritized for these licenses. Staying in a non-compliant building for a short trip puts you at risk of sudden evictions if the building is fined—so always choose a "turnkey" licensed building like Casco View Life.

What Makes More Sense for You?

• The Vacationer (1–14 days): Stick to Short-Term. You pay a premium for the convenience, but you get hotel-like amenities and the freedom to explore without a lease.

• The Digital Nomad (1–3 months): This is the Mid-Term sweet spot. Look for "Serviced Apartments" that offer monthly discounts. You avoid the high nightly hotel rates but aren't locked into a 12-month contract.

• The Relocator (6+ months): Go Long-Term. You’ll save 40–60% compared to short-stay prices, and you can truly integrate into the local community.

How Casco View Life Solves the Dilemma

Located in the vibrant Santa Ana district—a 5-minute walk from the UNESCO charm of Casco Viejo—Casco View Life was designed to bridge the gap between "temporary" and "home".

Why it reduces friction for travelers and nomads:

• Flexible Stays: Whether you need a week for a business trip or three months for a "micro-retirement," the building accommodates mid-term and short-term stays legally.

• Work-Ready Infrastructure: Blazing-fast 100+ Mbps Wi-Fi and a dedicated 6th-floor coworking lounge mean you never miss a Zoom call.

• High-Season Luxury: While the city gets crowded, you have a private rooftop saltwater pool, a yoga deck, and panoramic views of the Pacific and the skyline.

• Everything Included: Fully equipped kitchens, in-unit laundry, and a concierge team that makes arriving as easy as checking into a boutique hotel.

The Verdict

In the 2026 high season, availability is the new luxury. Waiting until the last minute to find a long-term lease will leave you with few options, while overpaying for a short-term hotel will drain your budget.

Our Recommendation: If you are staying for more than 3 weeks, look for a flexible mid-term stay in a licensed building. You get the price-point of a local and the luxury of a traveler.

Ready to secure your spot in Santa Ana?

Contact the Casco View Life team today to explore our available units for the 2026 High Season and discover how you can live the "Casco Life" with none of the friction.