living and retire in Panama

[gtivano]

Searching for a country to retire for not paying my CGT due in the UK and futher income tax from investments, Panama seem to be the country I would like to go. I would appreciate any futhers comments, suggestions regarding any experiences you have had living there. Thanks

[Cathy365]

Are you still considering a move to Panama? We live here now.

Cathy

[gtivano]

Cathy, we did go to Panama City on the 3 March for 4 months.
After the first month we did decide to apply for our residence and 2 days before we left (1 July) we got our "carnet" and the multiple visa.
We will return to Panama City at the end of October if our apartment will be ready. Where you live?
Giovanni

[Joanna]

moving country can be quite difficult but Panama I found to be relatively easy. There are a lot of expats here from all over, the British embassy also throws a ball once or twice a year. The biggest stress I thought was finding a property with so much to choose from. There are some expats that run a site who I found a privately advertised property with that was $25k less than with an agent. They also helped me find a good lawyer. In Panama like anywhere if you know the right people things can run much smoother.

(Website url removed by site admin - please read the posting guidelines. We don't want any spam on here!)

[gtivano]

After 2 years in Panama I am now ready to move and explore an other country. Looking back, I do not regret my decision to came to live in Panama. Able to speak Spanish was an advantage to be able to communicate. English is spoken by some, but of course the labor force ie: supermarket, garage, restaurant staff etc. does not.
Brazil is my next stop and I hope to learn a little the language before my moving there. I have start selling my one year old fully furnish apartment privately because of the 5% commission the estate agent charge which of course most of the time is put on top of the value of the propriety.

[Jacinta]

Hi Joanna,

We are just starting on our journey to move to Panama and so totally green about the whole thing other than what we have researched on the internet. I note from your post you have a website that you found really helpful, would you mind sending it to me at my e-mail address which is irljacinta@yahoo.ie. I would really appreciate it as we have a million questions....lol.......I gather you are really pleased with your move and hopefully we will be the same.

Cheers
Jacinta & Carl