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Investing in Panama

By The Panama Review

William Russell
William Russell

Summary: Trying to decide where to move abroad, don't overlook Panama! If you're a retiree, Panama has the best incentive program in the world for foreign retirees.

Panama City is one of the world’s least expensive first-world cities. It is also among the most modern and prosperous cities in Latin America with over 3 million people. The city’s array of tall skyscrapers is reminiscent of Miami. It boasts incredible shopping where almost any product from the U.S. may be easily found. During the past several years Panama has been consistently rated in the top ten for the best retirement locations worldwide. A welcoming community, safe environment, low crime statistics, excellent incentives for retirees, together with the natural beauty and ethnic diversity that is Panama, all appeal to the increasing number of baby boomers from North America and Europe who are looking for a different option for retirement. The time to invest in Panama real Estate is now!

US Dollar:

A global benchmark currency. Little or no exchange rate parity fluctuation against Middle East currencies. The cost of living is significantly lower than that of Western Europe.

Economic climate:

The trend towards an open economy and possible trade pacts with such nations as the U.S. and Mexico are conducive to investment in Panama. There are also no government expropriation or interference as in many Latin American countries. A business-oriented government encourages foreign investment. A government that realizes the value of private business to a developing country backs all investment. In 1946 Panama’s business oriented mentality led to the creation of the Colon Duty Free Zone, considered to be the second largest free trade center in the world, after Hong Kong. In addition, the Panamanian government offers foreigners who invest in Panama many attractive incentives such as legal residency and tax privileges.

Capital Gains tax:

Since the enactment of Cabinet Decree No. 109 (1970), successive legislation has been passed offering tax benefits to developers. It has been widely accepted that, as a result of these incentives purchasers of real estate, land and property have also benefited. This tax is applicable, if the alternative of 2% for Transfer Tax is used for the transfer of real property and if there is a capital gain. This tax is also regulated by Article 699 and for corporations acting a sellers, a 30% flat tax payment on the profit will be applicable, notwithstanding, if shareholders are foreigners. Another percentage will be applicable if the seller is a natural person. If there is no capital gain on the transfer of a property, the 2% transfer tax, paid in advance for the sale, use to be understood, as a credit for the seller will be lost.

Why retire in Panama?

Panama has the best incentive program in the world for foreign retirees or Pensioners. In fact, anyone over the age of 18 may apply and can qualify for a pension in Panama.

Some of the excellent retirement benefits are:

Importation of all your personal and household goods up to US $10,000 free of taxes. Right to import a car every two years free of taxes.

The following benefits are for anyone looking to retire in Panama:

  • 50% off closing costs for home loans.
  • 25% off both international and domestic airline tickets.
  • 50% off hotel accommodations Monday-Thursday.
  • 10% off prescription medicines (which are inexpensive to begin with) and 15% off dental and eye exams.
  • 30% off bus, boat and train fares.
  • 25% off at Restaurants, 15% off at Fast Food Restaurants
  • 20% Doctor visits and Surgery
  • 50% off entertainment including movies, concerts, theater everyday.
  • In Panama, all banks (mandated by law) have special express lines for retirees.
  • The greatest of all benefits for retiring in Panama is that you can hire a full time maid for less than $300 a month.

Popular investment areas:

Panama City has become a cosmopolitan modern metropolis - there are many fantastic real estate opportunities in Panama with raise buildings overlooking the ocean and the Bay of Panama. Exclusive residential areas like Marbella, Paitilla, Coco del Mar, David, Punta Pacifica and San Francisco offer a good range of apartments and condominiums for sale. Suburban residential areas in the former Canal Zone like Amador Heights, Balboa, Albrook and Clayton offer large and attractive single-family homes and condominiums. Casco Viejo — the oldest city on the Pacific Coast of the Americas — has become a desirable place for real estate investment, encouraged by the Panamanian government's Casco Viejo investment incentives for the restoration of the historic Casco Viejo district.

Outside Panama City, there are beautiful real estate properties located in popular destinations including, Chiriqui, El Valle, and Altos de Maria. Known mostly for their cooler climates, incredible flora and quiet peaceful atmosphere, real estate in the highlands of Panama are ideal for those interested in retiring abroad. Bocas del Toro is another popular destination for Panama real estate. Most known for its crystal clear waters, rich Antillean culture, unique over-the-water architecture and laid back tropical atmosphere. In recent times, Bocas del Toro has become a booming center for European and American Expats, as well as an impressive number of tourists. Real Estate Values in Panama and primarily in these Pacific Coast Beach areas has been appreciating very steadily, and as interest and growth increases so to do the real estate values.

Price ranges:

The Panamanian government incentives for the restoration of the historic Casco Viejo district encourage investment here. This area is reminiscent of New Orleans or Soho years ago abounds with shells of graceful buildings that are crying out for renovation. Outside of Panama City excellent real estate properties are available for developers and individuals. The more remote the location the more reasonable the cost but be aware that you may be far from utilities or roads. The real estate in Bocas del Toro offers beautiful Caribbean beach property. Here palm-fringed golden sands surround the islands and turquoise waters where the rain forest meets the ocean. Here families shop by boat, enjoy water sports and the natural beauty of this wonderful location – better yet it is still affordable.

Budgetary guide:

Prices per square meter in Panama vary according to the location (city, mountain, beach). In the city, you may find prices starting 1000$ per square meter in a new condominium. In the mountain, the price may drop down to 20$…yes this is not typo; however, in those cases, you might want to research the access possibilities to this property. Many areas in the mountains have no road of access and local transportation might not be available. In the beach, prices depend on the zone. An hour away from the capital, prices start at 600$ per square meter depending on the quality of the beach and neighborhood.

Service Fees:

Fees charged by the Public Notary and the Public Registry, which total in the range of $200 to $300 for registering a buy/sell contract for the sale of real estate in Panama. The closing costs vary depending on the particular transaction. For example, if the property is held in the sellers personal name, and the buyer is transferring the property title to a Panamanian corporation (most recommended), then the closing costs would include; (1) the legal property transaction fee of US $1200 (includes; title search, buy/sell contract, closing, & property title transfer service), (2) public registry title transfer fees of approx. US$200 to US$300, (3) escrow fees from 0.5% to 1% of the transaction amount (vary depending on amount of transaction), and (4) incorporation fee of US $1000 to setup the Panama corporation. However, if the property is held by a Panama corporation already, and the buyer is purchasing the shares of the corporation, then the transaction is relatively simple because there is no registration of title transfer, meaning that there is no title transfer tax, and no public registry title transfer fees. In this case, the closing costs would include; (1) the legal property transaction fee (includes; title search, purchase of shares contract, and closing for US $800), (2) change of directors / resident agent of the corporation (approx. $350), and (3) escrow fees from 0.5% to 1% of the transaction amount (vary depending on amount of transaction). The notary and public registry costs total up to approximately $200 to $300 depending on the particular transaction. Title transfer taxes are normally paid by the seller. Escrow fees (if an escrow company is used), are normally paid by the buyer, and range from one half of one percent (0.5%) up to one percent (1%) of the transaction.

Mortgages:

Between 60% - 70% of the purchase price or appraised market value, whichever is the lesser. Interest Rate from 5.5% to 6.5%, plus FECI 1% per year.

About the Author

The Panama review has news, information and reviews on living, travel and investing in Panama


William Russell
William Russell

William Russell
William Russell

Comments

guest
Sep 28, 2010 16:58

Sooo helpful. This is something everyone should read if they are even considering moving to Panama. This cleared up alot of question I had on fees that would have to be paid other than what we are used to here in the states. Of course here the paperwork is so volumous you feel like you are signing your life away!

Businesspanama
Dec 7, 2010 13:37

12 REASONS WHY ENTREPRENEURS SELECT PANAMA TO MAKE MONEY: • Panama has a stable government and a growing economy • The US dollar is the legal tender. Panama has a stable economy that has been based upon the U.S. Dollar. • Aliens do not pay taxes on foreign earned income • Foreigners can buy and own property in Panama with the same rights and protections as Panamanians citizens. • “Pensionado” Program (retiree incentive program), the best in the world, is not necessarily age related and the benefits are considerable • Tourism investments have exemptions from import duties, construction materials and equipment, income, real estate taxes, etc. • Property tax exemptions apply to all new construction on a sliding scale according to value. • English is widely spoken and in business matters 100% English. • The US presence in the country for many years has lead to a US style infrastructure with a number of familiar names and businesses • Panama has a number of US standard health care facilities and services with many US trained English speaking doctors available. • Panama has a reliable communications system with fiber optic telephone lines and much of the country has wireless-satellite internet. • Panama is one of the best offshore havens in the world Do you want business in Panama? Contact me: http://www.businesspanama.net/ Elias Arosemena Mov +1 507.65036928 Phone +1 507.259.1766 [email protected] - [email protected]

guest
Jun 10, 2011 05:53

We have been to Panama a few times for holidays and liked it so much we bought a place denise

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