Why Panama?

With incentives in the areas of investments, eco-tourism developments, and foreign residency

Panama is paving the way for a trend of sustainable growth and prosperity, becoming one of the

world's top retirement destinations and also a world class tourist for adventure and ecotourism.

Panama has opened its doors to the international resident, entrepreneur, traveler, artist, sport

enthusiast, developer, environmental researcher and business person.

With an US style infrastructure, Panama offers an easy transition for the retirees of that country.

Copa Airlines, the national airline of Panama, in alliance with Continental Airlines is increasing its

direct flights to an incredible number of cities around the world. Copa was named Best Airline in

Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean by SkyTrax, the largest airline passenger survey

in existence. Copa also has an impressive “on time” flight record.

Besides, Panama has lower costs and lower crime rates than many other traditional retirement locations, not even mentioning tax advantages and privacy advantages,

• Panama has a stable government and a growing economy

• The US dollar is the legal tender since 1904

• Residents pay no tax on foreign earned income

• Foreigners can buy and own property in Panama with the same rights as Panamanians citizens.

• Pensionado program (retiree incentive program), benefits are considerable

• Property tax exemptions apply to all new construction on a sliding scale according to value

• English is widely spoken

• Panama has a number of standard health care facilities

• Panama has one of the highest rating for tourist safety

• Panama has a reliable communications system with fiber optic telephone lines and much of the country has ADSL internet

• Panama is one of the best offshore havens in the world

This is the best time to invest in Panamá. Addittionally, the plans to enlarge the Canal, and the participation in additional free trade associations, will stimulate the economy still further. Panamá Colón Free Zone (CFZ), established in 1953, is the second largest port in the world and contributes substantially to the country's economy. The U.S.A. is still the largest user of the Canal and Panama 's foremost trading partner, central banker and is influential regarding its monetary policy.

To encourage long term foreign investment, Panama does not require special permits, authorization or registration to qualify investors. Over 80 banks have full service branches here including HSBC, Scotiabank, Dresdner.

Useful Information when you acquire a property

Run a check on the legal status of the property
There are two important terms for those who are planning to buy property in Panama:
titled property and possessory rights. With titled property you own the land. With
Possessory rights you can use the land but you don't own it.
Once you have decided to buy a property of your interest our company can run a
check to verify its legal status and condition.

Assistance in the purchase process of the property
The purchase process  requires certain procedures to guarantee the transfer and
registration of the property into the new owner name.
Our company provides the assistance to secure the transaction.

Real estate broker commissions

Please keep in mind that in Panama the general rule is that real estate broker commissions are usually paid by the Seller, not by the Buyer.

Useful Information for retirees

Considered to be the best retirement program in the world, the Pensionado Program offers excellent incentives, for example :

v      Import tax exemption for household goods

v      Tax exemption to import a new car every two years

v      25% discounts on utility bills

v      25% discount on airline tickets and 30% on other transportation

v      15% discount on loans made in your name

v      1% reduction on home mortgages for homes used for personal residence

v      20% discount on doctor's bills 15% on hospital services if no insurance applies

v      15% off dental and eye exams

v      10% discount on medicines

v      20% discount on bills for professional and technical services

v      50% discount on entrance to movie theaters, cultural and sporting events

v      50% discount at hotels during Monday to Thursday, 30% on weekends

v      etc.