Top 5 Mistakes When Moving To Panama

[@relicofgold]

Mistakes: 1) Move without visiting first 2) Renting without seeing the place first 3) Buying a house right away 4) Sending a shipping container right away, put things in storage first 5) Getting to Panama without first apolistilling docs in your home country

[@billhennessey6374]

You also want to check the property out before signing on the dotted line because there may be crowing roosters 24/7, even if you live close to a downtown area. 😫

[@jeannedouglas9912]

Certainly not unique to Panama.

[@FeMiNem-Poet]

Thank you!!! 🪷Great info.☘️

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Thanks for watching

[@marykennelly6843]

At 72, I've been researching places to move to for quite a while now. In fact, I just returned from a 44-day scouting trip to Albania. Panama Relocation Tours (and of course, Jackie) are by far the best sources of info for a particular place. The deal-breaker for me with Albania is the language. I speak Spanish so started looking into Spanish-speaking countries. Boquete, due to the climate, seems so perfect for me. I wanted to take the tour sooner rather than later, but they're booked until March 2025. I may just have to get the online course and take a trip on my own in Jan-Feb. Thank you so much for such detailed info.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

@@marykennelly6843 since you are primarily intetested in Boquete, a Private Tour of that area would be perfect for you. We have 4 private tour guides for that area so you can book a tour in 2024! Private Tours are only $250 a day. See details at panamarelocationtours.com/private-tours

[@g.williams7740]

I was successful doing this with an attorney for more than Jackie said, but i have much respect for her she is very knowledgable on all that she says and i think it would be wise and listen to her. I have done a few visa in the past and was successful with them , Jackie tells you things that lawyers could learn about period good luck to all

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

thank you

[@jacquelinehamilton9935]

How much more did you have to pay versus what Jackie said? I'm asking because l'm taking the tour in October & will also be starting my Pentionada Visa process while I'm there! Thank you, Jacqueline

[@g.williams7740]

@@jacquelinehamilton9935 Hi it cost under $2000, but it was well worth it included a full service from a to z along with a drivers license banking services, realtor service to rent or buy this is a very professional service and the best thing is you now have a lawyer for all your needs in Panama for example i sent all my documents to her office, she confirmed them give me the instructions i needed to follow and it was done in a short time, I would hands down chat with her office another point you don't have to pay until you get down to Panama best wishes to you should you need more info I will be willing to send it to you if you contact me by email respecting our privacy best of luck Panama is a wonderful place if you are open to understand their way of life can be in some ways different

[@bonpanama]

THANK YOU SO MUCH 🙏 I'ill move to Panama this year🙋‍♀ I was there to visit 2023❣ From PanamaCity to Bocas 3 weeks 😀 I love it ❤ Greetings from Germany / Alemania ❣

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Best of luck! Enjoy your adventure

[@bonpanama]

Gracias 🤩 @@PanamaRelocationTours

[@AA_BB_CC_D]

46:50 Caveat here. If you’re not actually residing in the country, you’ll need to visit at least two time per year. Otherwise you’ll need reapply for your visa.

[@gclay741]

Great video

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

@@gclay741 thanks for watching

[@thenarrowpathoftruth9443]

You did a fine job on this video. My wife and I live in the country and have goats, chickens and dogs. I would like to continue living that kind of lifestyle if we move, rather than a city or suburban lifestyle. How likely a possibility might that be? Something not a crazy, crazy distance from a hospital.

[@jimmcskimming3057]

awesome great video very informative. thanks Jackie

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

You are so welcome!

[@guillermocharafedin]

So useful information and tips Jackie! 👏👏👏

[@handcraftedin2]

Great content, the best around for relocating to Panama. Can i get immigration attorney recommendation without the tour? I have already identified area to live.

[@terryparish7133]

Very good information thank you !

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kateydiddy2024]

??? Do I need a visa if I'm going to rent an apartment in Panama City- and will live in both Panama and the US? As long as I leave Panama every 6 months. I'd like to rent for a year before I consider purchasing property. Thank you!

[@MsAure]

Wonderinf if one need to hire someone to watch our property if gone for 6 months?I'd be curious to know.Sounds like a great idea.I have a friend in Panama City so I will ask her.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

You need a visa if you want to live in Panama. A tourists can only stat for 180 days.

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

@@MsAure you should rent it out while you're away

[@galethurman6910]

love to hear more info on those 70k homes

[@VitaD26]

Thanks Jackie! Just need to know if there's a waiting period after receiving my pension to then apply for the pensionado visa? Thanks! Can't wait for my tour!

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

You need to have at least 1 pension payment deposited into your bank account before you apply for a visa

[@MV-fv9rm]

We love your New Hairstyle ❤

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Thanks! It was warm that day so I put my hair up.

[@carlosyepez4599]

Hello, In Canada to not lose the Medicare (provided by the Canadian or Quebec government) you cannot be absent more than 6 months, so if I apply for a 'Pensionado' Visa, do I need to stay 9 months/year or what is the minimal time to stay in Panama to not lose the 'Pensionado Visa', my plan is 6 months in Panama (Winter) and 6 months in Canada (Summer).. Please advise, thanks Carl

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

When you get a pensionado visa, there is no requirement to live in Panama. You just need to come back for at least one day every two years. The advantage of getting the Pensionado visa are the Pensionado discounts including 25% off airfare!

[@mirthacacho]

Just found this video wow thank you, question living abroad how do you do with taxes in the state?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Thanks! The Online Panama Relocation Guide has attorney recommendations. honest real estate agent recommendations, insurance brokers, car brokers, and everything else you need to know to relocate to Panama the RIGHT way. panamarelocationtours.com/guide

[@CarmenRivera-sj2qc]

Question; Can a senior couple having a relationship and living together apply to the Pensionado Visa and Cedula together? Or do they have to apply individually?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

You would need to apply for a visa individually if you are not married (or if same sex partners)

[@rob4294]

Had a DUI 25 years ago. Is that a show stopper for the Penaionado? Thank you!

[@elevateyournow7418]

Thank you for this information! We would like to come to Panama to scout for 1 year. Should we do a regular visa or go ahead and apply for the retirement one?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

a tourists can only stay in Panama for 180 days. If you want to live in Panama, you will need to get a visa. Each visa has different requirements. To the retirement visa, you will need to show that you make at least $1000 per month in LIFETIME income plus an extra $250 for your spouse.

[@BC19572]

Will ss give a letter to us stating our benefits are guaranteed for life? My online ss account has their regular verification letter for my benefits but it doesn't say guaranteed for life. It basically says I will get this amount every month.

[@FeMiNem-Poet]

🌷Any social security letter - the Social Security pays for one's lifetime.🪻 Always double check all info.🎉

[@robertgillies9382]

Do you recommend for someone who lives permanently in Panama to cancel Medicare B?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

You never know what the future will be so you may want to keep Part B just in case you need to go to the US for treatment. Only consider canceling if you have good Panama insurance.

[@aleongstudiosLLC]

Hello Jackie I am watching your video and I need help choosing a good visa attorney

[@JohnWhartonMedia]

??? can you borrow to buy house to purchase a house based on my Social S ecurity? My SS is quite high. Thank you, John

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

You can get financing to buy a house in Panama but... the rules are very different. Read about it here - panamarelocationtours.com/buying-real-estate-in-panama

[@Carolinapetroska]

So you would recommend to go through the CD route rather than the real estate route ?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Yes, we recommend the CD route. Don't buy real estate until you have spend at least a year in Panama.

[@seizeself-loveself-care9869]

Is social security considered pension?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Yes, retirement Social Security is considered a pension

[@LibertarianShaman]

???I'm seriously considering relocating t o Panama... To Volcan when your next tour?

[@toddenglund3469]

do they only go back 2 yrs for criminal report?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

@@toddenglund3469 Panama looks at lifetime criminal record

[@bandcrazyadventure]

Great info. One question if you see this. I have a long term partner over 5 yrs not married. If we want to use my income for both of us to qualify for the pensionado visa does that work. Or do we have to get married first?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

You would need to be legally married to qualify for a visa as a couple. (note, Panama does not recognize same sex marriages) If you do not want to get married, you and your partner would each need to qualify individually for a visa.

[@bandcrazyadventure]

@@PanamaRelocationTours thanks for the info we are not same sex 😂 we just didn't feel the need to get married as we are both over 50.

[@violaknox5076]

I'm visiting Panama on July 27, is there any way I can connect with you while there?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Enjoy your trip! You can meet with someone from our team if you take a private tour. Learn more here: panamarelocationtours.com/private-tours

[@CarmenRivera-sj2qc]

I am a Spanish speaker. Can I do my Pensionado Visa process by myself or do I have to use an immigration attorney anyways?

[@CarmenRivera-sj2qc]

Your response is important for me. Please reply

[@juliekeylargo]

My mother was born in Panama. She is Panamanian and my father is American. I lived in the canal zone for 18 years and moved to Miami. Do I need to get anything because my mother is a Panamanian and I have dual citizenship. I also have a lot of family in the city of Panama, aunts, uncles’s cousins???

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

you need to get a certified copy of your mother's birth certificate (authenticated or apostilled) to prove that she was born in Panama. We have a list of reliable immigration lawyers that can help you get citizenship. panamarelocationtours.com/guide

[@nicolegale4768]

??? Is there expact communities near the ocean

[@wendybeau6356]

How much does the Pensioner Visa cost

[@teknicol]

Anyone know info on a credit card for free currency changing?

[@bessmahaneypilates8638]

Schwab ATM

[@toddenglund3469]

crimmal record i have 2 felony's assault fraud and 2 dui's would i get a visa?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

@@toddenglund3469 you cannot get a visa in Panama if you have a felony. Check out Mexico. Mexico does not require a criminal report to get a visa.

[@wrkdiver35]

Hi Jackie. We are considering a relocation recon trip to Panama this year and we have a few questions. 1.) How many people are each of your group tours? 2.) If you own property in Panama do you need any special permits or licenses from the Government in order to rent it out if and when you are not in the country? I've heard countries like Spain and Italy have a requirement like this for rentals. 3.) Are there companies in Panama that offer “renter’s Insurance” to expats who are renting long or short term? 4.) I’ve heard in expat groups in Belize that they are not even allowed to volunteer their time while living there. Is this the case as well in Panama? My wife and I perform a lot of volunteer work with animal shelters here in the US and not being able to do something like this else where might be a no starter for us. Thank you.

[@anthonycappuchi7619]

1

[@nicolegale4768]

??? Is there old age homes available for people with dementia

[@holgermessner851]

What I did see many times, being 4 years in Panama now and I honestly don’t get it - is North Americans complain in the stores, restaurants, gas stations - that Panamanians don’t speak English. Then right after, they turn around and tell people: “In the US, you can’t get a job (as foreigner I’m guessing) if you don’t speak English and Spanish. Most of the time, I respond: That’s very good. So and why you don’t use your Spanish that you must know in the USA and ask the person nicely again? - You will see that they just walk away. - My Spanish is still horrible. But I try. And with “hand & feet”, the help of the very friendly people here - I get what I am looking for. With one person in particular, I did see what happens if you are just rude every day. The person liked to buy one kind of cheese. I couldn’t stand this person at all. So one day, we walked into a supermarket. Every person who worked there does know you after a couple weeks. The nice & bad foreigners…. So I’m lining up to get some cheese. That “crazy” North American right in front of me. And I just witnessed that the person working at the cheese department took a big chunk of cheese out to hide it under the counter….. Now comes the crazy person asking for “his” cheese. Answer? “We don’t have it. I am sorry…” Reaction from the crazy person? Yelling at everyone as loud he can: “F……. Panamanians! They can’t even get cheese you can get even on the moon….” And on and on… You still could hear him between the other shelves still yelling. 😮 When he left the cheese department, the person did reach under the counter and placed the cheese right back and smiled: “Never for him. If you like a piece it’s always available…. Treat people here like you like to get treated yourself. And yes. It gives countries where everyone speaks English. Latin America, Italy, Russia, China aren’t places where you can expect that people speak English! I am from Germany. Try to ask Panamanians if they speak German. The reaction? Big eyes and a laugh: Only Spanish…. 😂 - If you expect to get the same what you normally expect in a Western country, don’t leave your country. In Latin America - nothing is going fast. Especially for rude people. I did buy a lot after being 2 years in Panama. Before that, I moved 4 times around. I don’t like permanent rain, I don’t like cold, I don’t like that 60 cars showing up on Fridays at the beach and playing loud music until Sunday evening! Especially the part with the loud music. People who like to live at the beaches in Panama must calculate that there are power outages. No power means most of the time no water and no internet. It is like it is. Without a generator or a water tank - it means you need to go to the ocean to clean up like the locals do…. Now to my property. Applied for the building permit… After a couple of months, I figured out that I was in a middle of a small dispute between the development company and the municipal engineers office. I asked the lady in the office what the hold up was. And there it was again. You do NOT tell a person in a Panamanian office how he or she has to make their work and what documents are needed or not. Ohhh boy. It took 16 months to get my building permit for a small house! “Nothing against you sir. Your documents are all fine. I still wait for some copies from the company….” So I had to asked many times about this copies and got every time the same answer: “In many years in the business, I never had to send them. She is a stupid …….! “ Big mistake in Panama No.1: NEVER EVER ARGUE WITH ANY OFFICE WORKER. You will lose in 100% of the cases. Enjoy Panama.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

wow that was a lot... who was this crazy bully? Is he still there? I want to avoid those kind if possible. I got my Google translate, bought some flash cards to learn some Spanish, doing Duolingo every day.. Practicing on my Spanish speaking coworkers when they will tolerate it... counting the days till I can make the jump. 2025...

[@holgermessner851]

@@anniesshenanigans3815 Well. This person did actually live around 30 years in Spanish speaking countries….. I worked and lived in Canada for 14 years. Now 4 years in Panama. Traveled all over Europe, some North African countries, Philippines…. I always tried to respect every single person. In Panama? Some people still think that they are the Colonial Masters and everyone else is just below them. Maybe people can understand why Panamanians have a “North American allergy “.

[@michaelriggert4094]

What kind of Govt. does Panama have? Do they have a Constitution like the U.S.A.? What about firearms, can I own firearms in Panama?

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Panama has a constitution. Panama has a representative democratic republic. And yes, you can own firearms after you get a gun permit in Panama. You cannot get a gun permit until you have a permanent residency visa.

[@elvdell5582]

Very good information. One question I never see. With the current environment being what it is, people are retiring early based on nest egg money that is meant to tie them over until pension years. 1. For people who have a healthy bank account, and essentially pay themselves a yearly salary, what visa options exist? I heard lifetime income a lot and am wondering how best to proceed. I'm not against putting my money into some kind of annuity if that would qualify. 200k in cash tied up for 3 years would not be my first option... 2. Also, just what qualifies as lifetime income for a pensionado Visa? From an American viewpoint retirement is usually in a combination of Traditional IRA, Roth IRA, and 401K. All of which are investment accounts. So how do these accounts tie into being used for pensionado visas? Pensions are a thing of the past for many people retiring today so I'm not sure what qualifies since the word pension keeps coming up. 3. I do get medical disability from the Military as a disabled Veteran, does that in any way qualify? Thanks so much for a great video.

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

your military would qualify if it's for life. Investments and annuities do not qualify under the current pensionado scheme. the PRT guide has all the good info as well as watching the videos all the way thru. I have been watching them for years now.. lots of great info. the website also has some archived calls.

[@elvdell5582]

@@anniesshenanigans3815 Yeah. But what do you get that says it’s for life? And even a million dollar 401k wouldn’t qualify. It seems like there is very much a need for updating. I’ve said this before but not many US companies even offer pensions anymore. Things are going to start drying up if a lifetime pension is the only thing accepted.

[@FeMiNem-Poet]

Wow!🪷 Great - thorough information. Thank you.🌷

[@wendybeau6356]

??? How are same sex U.S. marriages handled with regard to Pensioners Visa?

[@anniesshenanigans3815]

not recognized in Panama at present time. You have to each qualify separately.

[@PatriciaJD-d7r]

??? Will a felony 50 years old disqualify you for a visa in Panama 🇵🇦

[@PanamaRelocationTours]

Yes, a felony will disqualify you for a visa in Panama. It does not matter how old it is. Check out Mexico, as they do not require a criminal background check.

[@pnachtwey]

I went on PRT #236. There is plenty of help in the PRT Guide and on the tour. I will be making my third trip and NOW I am looking for a RENTAL or what is called a landing spot in Panama City. I also want the the pensionado, e-cedula and drivers license. I wasn't prepared as much as I should have be in my second trip but I got a temporary vista, a bank account,. bus pass. I used a recommended immigration attorney. The attorney recommended a bank and that smoothed getting the bank account. Diito getting the attorney to tell you what you need. Diito mailing the Social Security and FBI to the immigration lawyer before going to Panama.