Thread: Expats Living In Panama - Question For Ya...

I live in the US right now and I am intrigued by what I've read about Panama. I'm planning a visit next year. IF I like it, how can I move there?

I ask because I don't seem to quality for any sort of residency visa.

I'm not wealthy nor am I retired. I do receive over $1000 a month in online advertising revenue, but I'm sure that won't qualify me for the pension visa... Or could it?

I'm just thinking ahead here...

You could do the same thing a bunch of us do....live here on a tourist visa.

Thanks. I have thought about that. I've read that people leave when the 90 day tourist visa runs out, stay gone for 72 hours and return and repeat that process. I guess I was wondering if I can get around having to do that.

If possible I would like to be able to get an apartment and really set it up, as opposed to packing up everything, leaving, then returning and finding another place to live and just repeating that process... ya know?

You would probably be ok, but what if they change the law?

you do not have to pack up , you are only going for 3 days , a long weekend , lock the door and go visit costa rica , buy a big van and charge a load of gringos to go with you that have to do the same thing , lots take the bus up there , nicer in a private van , god you might as well work illegal also , it seems everyone is doing it . well maybe not everyone but lots LOL , and if they change the law , that will suck for a bunch of people LOL

Ah I see. That sounds like a plan!

If I can find some way to earn some extra cash that would be great also.

I suppose it's not that difficult to find someone to rent an apartment to me?

try encuentra24.com , Propiedades en Panamá - Bienes Raices en Panama - CompreoAlquile
should give you a good idea about rentals. I think a decent apartment in panama city runs from around 500 and up in a central area.
craigslist is a bit sparse for rentals, especially affordable ones. They do pop up from time to time though, and you're guaranteed they'll speak english.

p.s the tourist visa is 6months now

6 month visa?? Nice!

Thanks for those websites Gwilson. I'm glad my google toolbar has that "translate" feature!

500 is not bad for rent. I was thinking of starting my Panamanian adventure in Panama City. From what I've read I can meet lots of expats in Panama City and Las Tablas.

that 6 is for non visa countries only though, US, Canada, most of europe I think etc...
encuentra has an english button up top, compreo doesn't. Im looking for a place right now, will probably end up spending about 750 on a 2bd in the area I want, unfurnished with kitchen stuff...btw, it's strange upon translation but if you see linea blanca that means it has kitchen stuff. I have no idea why it's called white line.

Ok cool thanks.

Linea blanca means kitchen stuff? I would have never guessed...

So what area are you looking in for your place?

I have heard that it's better to live outside of Panama City. I think Mr Woohoo said that if I'm not mistaken... Cheaper and safer. I would like to be at least close to Panama City though...