Panama Forum

burchie85
Joined 2016
Posts: 1

8 years ago

Moving in September and have questions

8 years ago

Hello expats!

First, I've read many things both positive and negative, and I realize it's a huge decision and reviews are reviews, some people don't like it some people do...it's the same with anything really.

Second, I'm a US citizen, my gf is a Norwegian citizen. We have 2 reasons to want to give Panama a try, I reiterate, give it a try. Cost of living away from the big cities, which is fine for us. We both enjoy the laid back lifestyle. The bigger reason, we have been flying back and forth between out countries for a while, the only way we can stay with each other permanently is by getting married, which neither of us is ready for yet, getting there but not yet. So, doing research I cam across Panama. I am actually able to qualify for the retirement Visa, however, due to some Norwegian laws and regs, she won't be able to for about 7 years. Anyway, Panama seems to be a perfect fit for us, laid back, warm to hot, MUCH lower cost of living than Norway, and about the same or a little less than where I live in the USA, oh. And we get to be together without flying to each other's countries for 3 months and back (gets expensive and annoying).

Now, our plan is to try to stay for a year, get out of that honey moon phase of Panama that everyone talks about, and see how we like it. My biggest question is going to be, how to do this?

I know that both of our countries will be given a 180 day visa upon entry with required documentation, and that this CAN be extended. I'm not sure about the details of extension though.

I have also read that some expats in the past have went across the border to Costa Rica and then came back. Is this still doable? If so, how is the return flight out of Panama handled? Do you need to get a flight out of the country in general. Or one to your home nation as a return flight out. Do you even need to pay for a flight out at all? I need help with this particular detail of it all, if anyone can.

Next, as far as the friendly nations visa. We looked into this, and could realistically do it, is there a minimum purchase amount for buying property, going that route? Or is it any purchased property, then depositing the money/getting all the paperwork enough?

Any other ideas on how to make this a reality easier would be much appreciated!

Also, if anyone out there is in the Las Tablas or Pedasi area, Id like to chat a bit and gain some knowledge!! Thanks everyone!

Kovalenko & Vera Attorneys at Law in Panama

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