Thread: hello

Hello. Recently discovered this forum and just registered.

Questions:
If one is not old enough to retire (e.g. under 50), what are the chances of becoming a resident? What would be enough to support oneself, without kids or spouse for, say 10 years?

I met a few expats when in Panama a few months ago, but they were all retired, and receiving income from social security, pensions and such. The only others I met were pretty much there for prostitutes and cheap beer; they didn't seem able to talk about anything but what they were apparently there for.

I was really fascinated by Panama City, but haven't spent time anywhere else in the country.

Forgive me for being long winded.

Residency is not so much of an age requirement. There are different opportunities in regards to investment, pensionunado, or getting married (all with the required paperwork) that can solve your status. Also keep in mind many people live here on a tourist visa and leave every three months (like me) for Costa Rica or other countries for a period of 72 hours. Start reading through the threads and I think you will find A LOT of discussion in regards. Next time you return you might want to get some attorney referrals prior and get several free consultations. Make yourself a list of questions.

Thanks for the reply whoohoo.

Is there a tipping point at which some official might decide not to let you into the country because he/she can see that you are essentially living on a tourist visa? I am just curious... can it be that easy without dangers? Thanks for your indulgence.

I have been doing it for almost 3 years and I know other folks that have done it for longer.

Thanks again.

How about working? I assume this is next to impossible to do legally without residency. I am interested in teaching, and have teaching credentials in the States.

Forgive me for thew rapid fire questions; you are a victim of your apparent willingness to inform.

Originally Posted by explorer

Thanks again.

How about working? I assume this is next to impossible to do legally without residency. I am interested in teaching, and have teaching credentials in the States.

Forgive me for thew rapid fire questions; you are a victim of your apparent willingness to inform.

Lol, no problems, I know what it is like, I was new once as well. Legally you should not be working here without a work permit, being a citizen, or starting your own corporation (generally speaking). I will say I had a friend whose wife worked as a teacher in a private school and was actually getting social security without having anything but a tourist visa.

I should come again for an extended visit. I am planning a trip soon, but want to avoid Panama City this time. Are cities like David and Boquete simply a Latin American Florida? I am in my 40s, but just don't have the same... interests and motivations... as the typical American ex pat an tourist I met when I was last there.

Originally Posted by MRWOOHOO

I have been doing it for almost 3 years and I know other folks that have done it for longer.

WooHoo,
When are you going to make your girlfriend an honest woman and marry her? Just think of the time/money you could save by not having to make the Costa Rica run every 3 months!

But then again, I've heard there is a reason the Spanish word for "marry" is the same as "handcuffs"!


(I've been married for 11 years to a wonderful Panamanian woman - I should know!)

@ explorer,
below you find a link to the translatetd visa laws of Panama / uptodate 08.08.2008.
But the new President will change some parts of it (i heard soon). No warranty that they are still the same when you come :-)
http://www.panamaproperties24.com/vi...ration_law.pdf

Kind regards
Dirk

Originally Posted by TennVol

WooHoo,
When are you going to make your girlfriend an honest woman and marry her? Just think of the time/money you could save by not having to make the Costa Rica run every 3 months!

But then again, I've heard there is a reason the Spanish word for "marry" is the same as "handcuffs"!


(I've been married for 11 years to a wonderful Panamanian woman - I should know!)

Lol, isn't that the truth. We are going to be doing it probably within a year. We have been living together for almost 3 years and were not sick of each other yet.

Originally Posted by panamaproperties24

@ explorer,
below you find a link to the translatetd visa laws of Panama / uptodate 08.08.2008.
But the new President will change some parts of it (i heard soon). No warranty that they are still the same when you come :-)
http://www.panamaproperties24.com/vi...ration_law.pdf

Kind regards
Dirk

I hope they'll change the "solvencia economica" residency visa. The $300k limit is just too high, should go back to $200k like it used to be before august 2008.

Yes Hosem1,
you are right,
also they could include the small investment visa again.
Fyi: the raised it from 40.000 US$ to 160.000 US$

PS:Here is the Link to the complete Law but its only in Spanish.
http://www.panamaproperties24.com/vi...ration-law.pdf

Originally Posted by panamaproperties24

Yes Hosem1,
you are right,
also they could include the small investment visa again.
Fyi: the raised it from 40.000 US$ to 160.000 US$

PS:Here is the Link to the complete Law but its only in Spanish.
http://www.panamaproperties24.com/vi...ration-law.pdf

Thanks.
When you say soon the law will be modified ,do you mean in a few weeks? I surely hope so.
Also, the 40k investment visa will be fantastic news.

Hi Hosem1,
the new goverment surprise us everyday, with new infos and changes also my lawyer has problems to be uptodate.
And what changes they will made i dont know also is possible that they make it again more difficult.
But till now Martinelli looks very foreigner friendly.
Regards
Dirk

Originally Posted by panamaproperties24

@ explorer,
below you find a link to the translatetd visa laws of Panama / uptodate 08.08.2008.
But the new President will change some parts of it (i heard soon). No warranty that they are still the same when you come :-)
http://www.panamaproperties24.com/vi...ration_law.pdf

Kind regards
Dirk

Seems like a lot and rather expensive to apply for permanent residency.

[QUOTE=panamaproperties24;50919]Yes Hosem1,
you are right,
also they could include the small investment visa again.
Fyi: the raised it from 40.000 US$ to 160.000 US$

I totally agreed with you. It was heart breaking for me to read the small investment was $40 000 jumped to $160 000. My dream of coming to Panama is becoming a little difficult. HOWEVER it is not stopping my family from trying it out. We are going to do the visa run several times before figuring out our next step. I am glad to hear no one seem to have much problems doing the visa run.
Picturing my two boys, husband and I had the borders being held from entering is not a good sight.
Panama Dreamer
Panama DReamer

P