At present, such factors as the pleasant climate, low taxes and easy homeownership for retirement in Panama, have motivated foreigners to make his retirement here. But the most important causes of retirement in Panama are the economic benefits, political, cultural and social rights enjoyed by Panamanian and foreign retirees or pensioners residents.

Studies by the American Association of Retired Persons (Association of Retired Persons – AARP) qualify retirement in Panama as one of the 5 most common worldwide. Moreover, it suggests that a person, who retires, maximizes its pension by low cost buying in Panama.

Attractive retirement program

Since 1970, Panama has a full program of retirement, which came into effect through the issue of the decision of the Cabinet No. 280 and Executive decree No. 146, which was named "Retire to Panama and Live."

Among the incentives offered by this program are: security during the time of removal, transportation of household goods without taxation, access to advanced technology in the country, among others.

Direct travel

Individuals wishing to retire are encouraged by the availability of direct flights to Panama from recognized airlines: Copa Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines and Spirit. Beside, the cost of the flight ticket is relatively inexpensive.

Visas for retirement

The Ministry of Government and Justice promotes retirement programs that include retired employee visas and tourist pensioner, for people who have decided to make his retirement in Panama.

The Pensioner Tourist visa is required by retired people and pensioners of foreign governments, international organizations or private companies. This visa, which management delay 15 days, must be requested by a lawyer. For this, applicants must certify at the Panamanian Institute of Tourism (IPAT) that they have a return amount of not less than B / .500.00 to retire, and per each dependent B / .100.00 more.

The retired employee visa is granted to people who, after two years of work, are requesting a retirement in Panama. Like the pensioner tourist visa, this should be handled by a lawyer and is delivered in 15 days. Its main feature is that will obtain a special passport that is valid for 5 years. For this visa the required documents are, among others: good health certificate, original passport, photographs, minimum income of B / .750.00, and if the person has less than 2 years been resident in Panama, a police record will be requested.