An increasing number of people are choosing to spend their retirement years in Panama. One of the reasons why Panama is such an attractive destination is the government’s pensionado visa. Over the years, this program has gained a reputation as one of the best retiree schemes in the world. The pensionado program offers unique benefits that are hard to find anywhere else. Which means you can spend more time enjoying your retirement. Best of all, the pensionado program is available to foreigners. By meeting a few simple requirements you may be eligible to apply for a pensionado visa. That means you can retire in Panama at a fraction of the cost of what it would cost to retire in many other countries. ( Watch the video below or read on to learn more) Why Panama is a Great Place to Retire Panama checks all the boxes on a list of what to look for in a great place to retire. And don’t take our word for it. Every year thousands of people from around the world choose to move to Panama for retirement. While many retirees come from North America, Panama is also becoming popular with European and Asian expats as well. Ease of Living in Panama Easily the best part about retiring in Panama is the country’s ability to offer the conveniences of a developed country. As well as offering low costs and natural landscapes of a less developed destination. Panama City offers all the amenities that expats could long for. Panama’s capital is as much a modern metropolis as any. And it is often considered an “Americanized” city thanks to the long-term involvement of the United States with the Panama Canal. Shopping and dining options abound at prices that are much lower than what you will find in big cities in the United States. A three-course meal at a nice restaurant can be had for as little as $30-$50. And don’t think you’ll be limited to Panamanian fare. Panama has a long history as a destination for expats. This means that quality Spanish, French, Italian, American, Japanese, and Middle Eastern restaurants are easy to come by. Panama City also boasts modern hospitals and top of the line medical facilities. There are even great options for affordable health care which is hard to come by in the likes of the US. English speaking doctors are very common. In general, Panama has a low language barrier. Many Panamanians speak English, making the transition to living in a new language much less stressful. While Panama City offers all the amenities of a modern capital, there are plenty of other regions of Panama for those who wish to escape city life. Whether beaches, mountains or the city calls your name, Panama has plenty of all three. With a perfect climate all year round, it’s easy to see why so many people choose to spend their golden years in Panama. A final reason why retiring in Panama is so popular? The government offers special benefits for retirees. And through a pensionado visa, one doesn’t even need to be from Panama to take advantage of these great perks. What is a Pensionado Visa? A pensionado visa is available to anyone looking to move and retire in Panama. But a lifetime pension income of at least US$1,000 is needed per month. While there are no age limitations for receiving a pensionado visa, however, retirees are more likely to have a monthly pension income. There are a few loopholes to getting the visa for individuals who don’t have a lifetime pension of at least $1,000. For example, married couples can combine their monthly pension incomes to meet this requirement. Additionally, if you have a monthly pension of at least $750, but short of $1,000, you can buy real estate in Panama worth at least $100,000 and the monthly minimum drops to $750. Benefits of a Pensionado Visa The benefits of a Pensionado Visa highlight why many expats choose to retire in Panama. To start with, retirees who’ve recently moved to Panama have a one-time tax exemption for up to $10,000 in household goods that they’d like to import. Additionally, there is a duty tax exemption for importing a new car every two years. Below are some of the benefits that Pensionado Visa holders can expect to enjoy during their retirement in Panama: 50% off entertainment anywhere in the country (movies, concerts, sports) 30% off domestic transportation fares (trains, buses, public transportation, boats) 25% off domestic and international flights 50% off midweek hotel stays 30% off weekend hotel stays 25% off at sit-down restaurants 15% off at fast-food restaurants 15% off hospital bills (if no insurance applies) 10% off prescription medicines 20% off doctors visits 15% off dental and eye exams 20% off professional and technical services 50% reduction in closing costs for home loans 25% discounts on utility bills 15% off loans made in your name 1% off home mortgages for homes used for personal residence As you can see, the savings available are extensive. When you add this to the already low cost of living and high quality of life available in Panama, it makes it clear why the pensionado visa is so popular. For retired individuals, this is a great deal to enjoy the rest of their lives to the fullest at a fraction of the cost. And unlike some countries, Panama will never arbitrarily rescind your pensionado visa. Even if future requirements for the visa change! Applying for a Pensionado Visa Like most legal processes, obtaining a pensionado visa requires a bit of paperwork. Getting all your documents in order before you start the process can save you a headache down the road. You’ll also want to hire a lawyer to help with the completion and filing of your application. If you know other expats living in Panama with pensionado visas, find out what lawyer they used. If can’t get a personal recommendation, you…
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