Retirees Investing in Panama for Many Reasons...

The Panama Report published a segment this week that validated further claims regarding the benefits of retiring in Panama.

Panama has seen an influx of “middle-aged foreigners” looking to retire in the country, due to the worldwide recession. 

Panama offers advantages of: cheap living, low taxes (by all standards), a low cost of living, a favorable climate, and low medical costs.  Additionally, Panama does not tax income from other countries and allows property tax exemptions for 20 years.  Panama has boomed in areas of banking, real estate, tourism, and other entrepreneurial enterprises, as the country’s “pro-business” mentality has extended globally.  Now, professionals and retirees alike are flocking to this very diverse and international area. 

It should be noted that Panama offers many advantages, but is for easy-going people.  Among the challenges in retiring to Panama: the slower pace of life is not for everyone, and Spanish is the official language (however, English is widely spoken).

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STRI to Highlight Panama Land, Culture, History

The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) has announced a series of programs and educational endeavors through 2010.  Entitled “Panama at the Smithsonian”, the exhibitions will highlight Panamanian culture and its development and history, including its impact on the U.S.

The new exhibitions began in April with a free concert.  From October 5, 2009 through May 31, 2010, STRI will exhibit “Panamanian Passages”, an interactive display featuring live flora and fauna, a tribute to Panama’s natural history, and educational tours that focus on how modern-day Panama came to be. 

Panama’s biodiversity has attracted scientists since 1910, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute was founded in 1923 as a biological reserve that is devoted to ecological studies.  The STRI has been operated by the American Smithsonian Institution since 1946.  The Institute is famous for the use of two cranes that were erected in 1990 and 1997 for three-dimensional access for studies.  The cranes are located at both ends of the Panama Canal.  The STRI contributes to studies for new drugs, the global climate, species, and ecosystems.

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Economical Advantages for Retirees in Panama

Jacksonville.com published an article last week with the title of “Panama: Land of Mountains, Oceans, Scotch and Cheap Beer”.

The article taps into some of the smaller differences that exist in Panama like $3 six-packs of beer, cheap taxis and transportation, inexpensive healthcare, and widely-available high-speed Internet throughout the country. 

Panama has developed a very international tourist industry in recent years.  The area has been highly “Americanized”, with wide use of the U.S. dollar.  Additionally, the country offers cheap drinks, an upbeat nightlife, and a relaxed atmosphere.  Residents and those who have relocated to the area are offered many daily non-stop flights from major U.S. cities, Europe and Canada.  There is also a low crime rate and a strong banking system – with the most stable economy in Latin America. 

• Retiree advantages, if able to obtain a visa by proving $500 income per month, include:
  
• up to 50% off of entertainment expenses
  
• up to 25% off at restaurants
  
• 30% discount on transportation – bus, boat, train
  
• 25% discount on airline tickets
  
• 10% off of prescriptions
  
• 15% off of healthcare visits
  
• 50% off of real estate closing costs
  

Additionally, Panama does not tax offshore income, making the location truly an economical paradise.

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Panamanian Real Estate Boosted by Retirees...

Today, La Estrella ran an article, “Panama, the new Florida”. 

Panama is growing drastically, gaining popularity among retirees that are attracted to the affordable cost of living.  The article cites a couple that had a $3 million budget for a place in Miami now has a 3,000 square ft, oceanfront penthouse in Panama City.  

The Migration Policy Institute, which monitors the world’s population movement, has tracked an influx of retirees and expats to Panama.  Those relocating to the country are drawn to the fact that the dollar goes farther.  There is no taxation on foreign income, no property tax for 20 years, and great weather.  The country has a “pensioner program” that offers severe discounts for retirees and there is quality healthcare at low costs – from economical doctor’s visits to in-home care.

Those considering moving to Panama are forced to recognize that the country operates at a slower pace than most, but the advantages far outweigh the inconveniences…..

Interested in investing in Panama?  Visit Panama-Land-for-Sale to view Panamanian real estate in and outside of Panama City.  Click here for more information.

Panama Continues to Develop with Foreign Investment...

UK’s Telegraph published an article this week entitled “Future Looks Bright for Panama”.  The article, written by a British ex-pat, cites the fact that “Panama has a slice of everything and something for everyone”.  Among the benefits of Panama: the climate, the economy, and significant, if not exponential growth. 

Panama has become increasingly popular with expats and retirees.  The country is appealing based on the stability that has been achieved since Manuel Noriega was removed from power in 1989.  The country has been built on a solid infrastructure and stable economy.  Panama has a conservative banking industry, and there is wide use of the US dollar, to which the balboa is pegged. 

Panama lies outside of the paths of hurricanes, and offers flora and fauna for those that appreciate the outdoors.  For those that desire the country’s metropolitan aspects, there are skyscrapers that draw comparisons to the Manhattan skyline.  Panama recently elected a pro-business government, and many international companies are moving to the area. 

There are a growing number of foreign investors attracted to Panama.  Property taxes are waived for 20 years for investors, earnings are not taxed, and many properties have ocean access.  Many celebrities are moving to areas like Casco Viejo, Bocas del Toro and the Azuero Peninsula.  Panama’s international airport has flights to over 40 countries. 

Interested in investing in Panama?  Visit Panama-Land-for-Sale.com to see properties and real estate for sale in Panama City, Boquete and outer-lying areas of Panama.  Click here for information on our property for sale in Panama.

Panama Canal Contract Granted - Development Continues

The Panama Canal Authority has announced the winner of the $3.4 billion contract that will double the capacity of he waterfront.

Voters approved the Panama Canal expansion, which includes a new set of locks to accommodate larger ships, in 2006. Construction began in 2007 and is due for completion in 2014, 100 years after the Canal’s inaugural construction. The new expansion will allow large cargo ships to transition between the Pacific and Caribbean Oceans in under a 10-hour timeframe. The Canal’s current capacity allows ships carrying up to 5,000 containers. After the development and expansion, the Canal will be able to accommodate ships as large as 12,000 containers.

The project was awarded to Spain’s Sacyr Vallehermoso, which partnered with Italian company, Impregilo SpA, for bidding purposes. SV beat out competitors including: Bechtel, a Mitsubishi group; Actividades de Construccion y Servicios; Acciona; Fomento de Construcciones y Contratos; and Hochtief.

According to Canal spokeswoman, Teresa Arosemena, Sacyr Vallehermoso won the project after placing a bid of $3.12 billion, far lower than competing bids. The contract was approved by the ACP, which is owned by the country. The total Canal expansion project is valued at $5.25 billion. Sacyr Vallehermoso stock rallied almost 13% after being awarded the Panama Canal contract……

Panama has maintained a consistent position for growth and development. Interested in investing in Panama? Visit Panama-land-for-sale.com to see properties, land, and residences for sale in Panama. Click here for more information.

Real Estate Development, Construction to Lead Economic Recovery in Panama

If Panama’s new President has his way, the Panamanian construction and real estate markets will lead the country far beyond the rest of the globe, in terms of economic strength. 

Martinelli has committed to several development initiatives over his 5-year term, including: the construction of a new metro system, the Panama Canal expansion, the Coastal Strip property, the Colon-Panama highway, and the promotion of housing units costing less than $30,000 USD. 

The construction industry is in solid condition to face all of the infrastructure projects that have been introduced by President Martinelli’s new administration.  Cemex, the country’s leading cement producer, has invested $270 million to increase it’s production to four times that of current production.   Cemento Panama, the rival of Cemex, is also expanding its operations by doubling the production of cement, increasing production of sand and gravel, and adding 25 concrete trucks.  Steel is the only material expected for importation. 

The construction development will also add to the area’s employment.  According to sources, each full-time position could result in two to three indirect jobs for the area.  Martinelli’s administration intends to spend less and to lower taxes.  Economists indicate that this would allow for individuals to increase demand, consumption and investment.

Panama is well-positioned for those looking to retire or relocate to an international city.  Interested in economical property and land investments?  Visit Panama-land-for-sale.com to see properties, businesses and residences for sale in Panama.  Click here for more information.

Pro-Business President to Bring Jobs, Development to Panama

According to the Associated Press, Panama’s new “pro-business” President is promising the country new jobs….

The new President, Ricardo Martinelli, 57, is a supermarket magnate that has gained wide appeal among Panama’s 3.3 million residents. Martinelli, who was sworn in on Wednesday for a five-year term, has committed to “start the biggest job-creation push ever in the country”.

Outgoing President, Martin Torrijos, was responsible for the $5 billion Panama Canal expansion, which obtained over $2 billion in foreign investment in order to accommodate large cargo ships. Martinelli has been a staunch supporter of the Canal’s expansion, but also wants to expand upon the country’s economic capabilities.

Panama has experienced a real estate boom that the President wants to recreate, amid the worldwide recession. The country is considered to be the best place for business in Latin America. Martinelli has committed to fighting drug trafficking, along with Colombia and Mexico, and also has a billion-dollar proposal for a train system for Panama City’s metro area.

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