joyfulfeet_immigration
American expat in Panama
Forum posts
105
Contacts
119
About me
American
Lives in Panam谩
Speaks English, Mandarin, Thai
Registration: 16 October 2018
Need Immigration Atty for Citizenship via Residency as Colombian.
Hello Popebop,Since this forum has turned into a free for all where long term members knowingly violate spamming rules until the mods put a stop to this, please contact us and we will do it cheaper than Kraemer. How you like that? Read More
Your best business development ideas in Panama by Priscilla
Hi everyone, As a foreign entrepreneur, launching a business in Panama is a fantastic project and an exciting challenge. Some ideas are likely to succeed. Some others are promising but may not work as well as intended. In your opinion, what ...
What you might be getting in on is being scammed with a "magic" cheap real estate deal. Read More
Do parents get citizenship in Panama if the baby is born there? by adammrees
In Mexico and Brazil, if a mom gives birth to a baby on the soil there, the child gets citizenship while the mom and the dad all get permanent residency. Is this the case in Panama? or something similar.
The child can get citizenship but you must wait at least three years to apply. The key word is can apply at that time. A note of caution as well, you might find that if you are not living in Panama for a majority of this time you might have ... Read More
Immigration Attorney by Guest9753
Hello- I've been getting a lot of conflicting info on what to budget for legal expenses. I want to obtain the Pensionado Visa for myself and my wife too if I can swing it. My questions: 1) What's a reasonable budget? 2) Can folks recommend ...
We are able to do it for the same price as the competitors, can provide faster communication, do not add any hidden fees that other will suddenly add as "extra costs" in the process, and our fees include the Cedula (ID card) which many ... Read More
Capital gains tax on investment income by lukeh
[cross posted to the two country specific boards, but helpful to get a wider opinion also] I have a relatively substantial ISA, a form of investment account that is tax exempt in the UK. I'm not required to pay CGT when I buy & sell ...
In Panama you are not liable to pay any tax on income earned from abroad or online. Panama is actually better than Costa Rica in quite a few categories. Contact me anytime if you need more insight. Read More
Considering emigrating from South Africa by Shawng12
Hi, I'm planning on emigrating to Panama from South Africa and was hoping to get input from others who have done the same. I'm 42 and a freelance web developer. I've already contacted Kraemer law so I'm familiar with their fees. ...
I've already contacted Kraemer law so I'm familiar with their fees. Why just them? We can provide you more in depth service for the same price. 1) What I'd like to know is what kind of expenses can I expect until I find a job? If I ... Read More
Residency issues - minimizing US state taxes
Yes, you need to clearly define your sources of income and where you are earning them. For example, if you are an employee of a company based in the USA and you are not a tax resident of the USA, but get paid while you are abroad then you can deduct ... Read More
experience on the visa and residency application process by Byr29
Good day, I have done quite a bit of reading up on immigration to Panama from South Africa. My partner and I are considering a move to Panama in 2020, and there are so many questions that I have for those already living in Panama or those with ...
In my opinion there are valid reasons for not allowing direct business postings in individual threads. 1. If expat.com allowed everyone to freely advertise their business or services in threads the site would be spammed to death. 2. There are many ... Read More
experience on the visa and residency application process by Byr29
Good day, I have done quite a bit of reading up on immigration to Panama from South Africa. My partner and I are considering a move to Panama in 2020, and there are so many questions that I have for those already living in Panama or those with ...
Hello BYR, It would be better for you to handle your residency first because it will make it MUCH easier for you to get a work permit once your obtain this.*** Read More
Paying corporation fees by marascot
Hello, where in Panama can we pay annual corporation fees? Thanks, Mike
When Incorporating in Panama it depends on what type of structure you would need. Read More
Paying corporation fees by marascot
Hello, where in Panama can we pay annual corporation fees? Thanks, Mike
***. Do you have an address with a utility bill in your name in Panama? Read More
Thinking of leaving Thailand by GuestPoster55
Looking for information about maybe retirement in Vietnam, or any other countries near by. Cost of living . As I'm thinking of leaving Thailand after living here for 2 years. Any information or advice would be appreciated.
Yes the pension program is very good and also offers you discounts on almost everything in Panama. **** Read More
Thinking of leaving Thailand by GuestPoster55
Looking for information about maybe retirement in Vietnam, or any other countries near by. Cost of living . As I'm thinking of leaving Thailand after living here for 2 years. Any information or advice would be appreciated.
I don't blame you. Immigration is getting insane and has been getting worse every year. I suggest checking out Panama, the geography and weather is similar. Here is the good benefits. 1. You can get permanent residency in just a few months ... Read More
Friendly nations visa by mikkey201
Hi all. I'm looking for some information about the Friendly Nations Visa. Do those who apply and set up a business actually run a business? Or is it just a loop hole to jump through (and pay for) but without any actual dealings with the ...
I would say there are much more important factors to consider first if considering to relocate to Panama for the long term and only you can determine those. I would say the rumors/news should add some slight weight to your potential "Yes to ... Read More
Friendly nations visa by mikkey201
Hi all. I'm looking for some information about the Friendly Nations Visa. Do those who apply and set up a business actually run a business? Or is it just a loop hole to jump through (and pay for) but without any actual dealings with the ...
Yes, it technically has been a law that has never been enforced that you can not leave for more than 2 years. Decreto Ley No. 3. There are other laws in the same category as well as some citizenship requirements. They were created and never ... Read More
Immigration law changes/enforcement by joyfulfeet_immigration
Please everyone be aware, there are big immigration law changes coming very soon. What this means is that it is very likely that immigration to Panama is going to get more strict as this has been a worldwide trend around the world for a few years ...
Please excuse the automatically added language from expat.com. I was referencing to a well known fighting organization in the Middle East and it changed to the above reference. Please excuse the reference, I was just stating the facts relating to a ... Read More
Immigration law changes/enforcement by joyfulfeet_immigration
Please everyone be aware, there are big immigration law changes coming very soon. What this means is that it is very likely that immigration to Panama is going to get more strict as this has been a worldwide trend around the world for a few years ...
In addition, Panama may now be experiencing extra pressure since ISIS fighters that were recently apprehended in Nicaragua were found to have arrived originally in ... Read More
Immigration law changes/enforcement
Please everyone be aware, there are big immigration law changes coming very soon. What this means is that it is very likely that immigration to Panama is going to get more strict as this has been a worldwide trend around the world for a few years ... Read More
Moving to Panama
Didn't you just post this exact same question not long ago saying you were moving to Peru and Nicaragua and Belize and now Panama? Read More
Friendly nations visa by mikkey201
Hi all. I'm looking for some information about the Friendly Nations Visa. Do those who apply and set up a business actually run a business? Or is it just a loop hole to jump through (and pay for) but without any actual dealings with the ...
Yes, I understand. I was just trying to save you trouble about worrying about a program you may not qualify for. So basically: 1. You don't need to maintain the company. However you may want to if you plan to try to apply for citizenship one ... Read More
Friendly nations visa by mikkey201
Hi all. I'm looking for some information about the Friendly Nations Visa. Do those who apply and set up a business actually run a business? Or is it just a loop hole to jump through (and pay for) but without any actual dealings with the ...
Hello, Assuming you are Russian as it seems on your profile you do not qualify for the friendly nations program. Read More
What is going on?? by panamachick
Just wondering if other women have had similar experiences on this site. I am a married Woman, and it says so on my profile. Lately I have been ascosted by men looking for a Relationship. The last time I checked this was not a dating site, but ...
More than likely they are African romance scams. There probably is no 'nice guy from Aruba'. They happen all over the world including Thailand. Notice here in this one it was a Nigerian pretending to be a 'Western ... Read More
home invasions and other dangers - plus... sheep by Ramouz
Hi guys, We've been looking at both Portugal and Panama as we want to leave Canada. We visited Panama for 2 weeks and liked it a bit. Made 2 friends. My wife is from Guatemala and I already lived there for 4 years so we know how the area ...
https://www.numbeo.com/crime/compare_countries_result.jsp?country1=Panama&country2=Canada 1. Stay out of Colon unless you have a reason or business there. 2. Stay away from the Caribbean side near the Columbian border. 3. Stay out of low income ... Read More
Panama鈥檚 Pensionado visa by 57graham
If i have a Panama Pensionado visa can I work from Panama for a U.S internet company.
Please private message us directly your preferred contact. Have a great day! Read More
Children integration in a new school in Panama
Me personally I believe homeschooling is best if that is an option for one of the parents. Read More
Panama鈥檚 Pensionado visa by 57graham
If i have a Panama Pensionado visa can I work from Panama for a U.S internet company.
You can message me directly for Pensionado questions. Read More
Looking to immigrate from South Africa
Hello Shannon, there are many we also know that have left South Africa because of recent problems. Feel free to contact me anytime if you like. Read More
We are making our first trip in June by lulu fowler
Hi, we are just starting to look into where we can retire. we are considering Panama and Ecuador, and maybe Mexico. We are making our first trip in June. I think we are going to Panama first. I would like the Caribbean side but worried about the ...
No one can tell you if Panama will be right for you. It is true that in general you are NOT going to get anywhere the same level of efficiency or customer service quality as you would generally in the USA, there are the occasional exceptions of ... Read More
Panama鈥檚 Pensionado visa by 57graham
If i have a Panama Pensionado visa can I work from Panama for a U.S internet company.
Yes, you only need a work permit to do work inside Panama, remote work being a digital nomad is perfect. The pensionado visa if you are single requires $1000 USD/ month from social security or a pension. There are many other options if you can't ... Read More
Interested in visiting, David, Boquete Panama by delrio12
My husband and I are looking at places we may want to retire. David is especially appealing given it's amenities as well as affordability. Can any expats currently residing there share their overall experience? We would specifically like ...
I agree with Kris, David can be an excellent location. There are many other locations across Panama to consider but to be honest know one is going to be able to tell you what YOU will like best because each individual has their own personalities ... Read More
home invasions and other dangers - plus... sheep by Ramouz
Hi guys, We've been looking at both Portugal and Panama as we want to leave Canada. We visited Panama for 2 weeks and liked it a bit. Made 2 friends. My wife is from Guatemala and I already lived there for 4 years so we know how the area ...
As with any place you need to do your research. Crime in Panama has gone down in recent years. For the most part you just want to stay out of the areas where there is a greater population density that is relatively poor. Panama is better also ... Read More
Work permit or not?
No you don't need a work permit. Any work done online or remotely does not require a work permit and it also tax free in Panama. The only thing you will need is a good solution to remain in Panama. Most will go through the Pensionado program ... Read More
Panama visa authorization for restricted countries by Aryal Career
Hola guys ! Does anyone have source to get Panama visa authorization for restricted countries ?
Hello Greg, Your plan is on the right track. I would suggest you get married and get them citizenship and a passport from your home country first. Then instead of the Pensionado program I would apply for the 3 of you through the friendly nations ... Read More
Panama visa authorization for restricted countries by Aryal Career
Hola guys ! Does anyone have source to get Panama visa authorization for restricted countries ?
There are many different programs available, more than most people know about. The problem is that most people are not going to take the time and effort to help out because it is not worth it to them. Probably the best option is by ... Read More
Warning-real estate in Panama is not what it seems by WarningToAll
We purchased a condo, pre construction, from what we were told to be a reputable and a premium developer [Moderated] of Panama City, Republic of Panama in October of 2006. The project was named Oceanaire, and was supposedly the best amongst the ...
You are right though, the Chinese have been moving in in a major way. They just signed some major agreements last year and are looking at using Panama as their gateway to getting a stranglehold in Central and South America. I remember just a few ... Read More
Warning-real estate in Panama is not what it seems by WarningToAll
We purchased a condo, pre construction, from what we were told to be a reputable and a premium developer [Moderated] of Panama City, Republic of Panama in October of 2006. The project was named Oceanaire, and was supposedly the best amongst the ...
Panama homicides last year were the lowest in a decade with 32 in 2018 down from 45 in 2017. There were 561 homicides in the city of Chicago in the USA alone for 2018. Read More
Mandarin language school in Xinxiang
Sorry for you. The pollution is very terrible there. You can go to Henan Shifan Daxue to learn Chinese, they have a program there. Read More
Keeping fit in Panama by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Keeping fit during your time in Panama is of utmost importance. How about sharing with us and your fellow expats how you keep healthy in your host country? What are your daily health hacks in Panama? Do you exercise ...
If I can't make it to the gym I really like to do the PACE workout. It's basically a tiered HIIT workout that anyone can do. You can view it on Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ub0eov_MxJs Read More
Why does everyone expat hate Thailand by CHAUNCEHAYDEN
I'm reading the forums and it seems everyone who lives in thailand hates Thailand. Is it as bad as the expats are saying?????
What I have found in my experience is that Thailand has a false welcoming presence. Basically it goes like this. Someone comes to Thailand for a week or two and thinks "Wow, this place is great" and maybe even 'falls in love' ... Read More
Should I stay or should I go | Closed Doors by JordesJordes
Hi expat community, I am new here. Happy 2019. I'm a 29yo Brit based just outside of London in Surrey. I have plans and goals to achieve towards Aug/Sept of moving to Thailand and starting a new life there with my beautiful girlfriend of nearly 3 ...
Unfortunately I think you are going to have a tough time. Thailand is always going to look to hiring a cheap locals first especially since they don't have to deal with work visa's, and language and cultural issues and such. I seriously doubt ... Read More
Employment visa atteststion by Melanistic
Hello, The embassy is rejecting my application for a work visa because the employment contract is not [b]physically [/b]stamped by the Chamber of Commerce. The employment contract was electronically attested by the Chamber of Commerce however the ...
It doesn't matter. Unfortunately they do whatever they want to do. If they are telling you that you need the original document then you need to get that sent to you. Read More
Paraguay PR & After 3 Years Citizenship by sahil_n15
Respected Friends, My name is Sahil i live in Saudi Arabia country but I'm Pakistan National and my wife is Indian national the problem is she don't wanna be an Pakistan national and i don't wanna be an Indian national so we both ...
We have seen quite a few cheap Charlie's come through over the years and in order to save "a few bucks" try to do it themselves and go through so much trouble and waste so much time. Then they find out later that the money they ... Read More
Panamanian Citizenship by RAW2019#
To Whom ever will respond; Yes, I am a newbie of sorts, I have lived in Panama before back in 1950, my Father was responsible for the ammunitions dump deep in the jungle with the Navy. We lived on the Navel reservation, I was only three years old at ...
The pensionado program is a retirement program that you can apply for regardless of age with a minimum of $1,000 USD/month from a pension or social security. There are other options as well depending such as the friendly nations program that can ... Read More
Attorney to Handle Pensionada or Friendly Countries Visa by joanastarr
Can someone recommend an attorney in Panama who handled their own visa satisfactorily? Also can you share the cost for the pensionada visa? I am coming mid-late October and would like to speak with someone while I'm there. Thanks! Jo Ana
You are correct. You are not allowed to do the Pensionado on your own. But you are allowed to get your cedula after the fact as you say. *** Read More
India to Panama by Harikishan
Hi all. I am from India and I thinking of settling in Panama along with my wife on Pensionado visa. I request members to help me in giving information on the following matters: 1. Best lawyer/attorney to get Pensionado visa who charges ...
Hello, Indian citizens are considered a restricted country so the requirements are much higher than the normal Pensionado. Outside of that program for Indian citizens you will need to invest at least $300k USD to apply for residency in Panama. ... Read More
Moving from SA to Panama With My family by ConradBotha
Hi all I'd like to move my family over to Panama I'm in the IT industry with 18 Years Experience , but sadly no diploma or degree My wife is a qualified Junior bookkeeper and my son is 6 years old we would like to relocate and work in ...
Hello, It depends on your citizenship. The easiest way for you and your family will be the Friendly Nations program if you are a citizen from one of these countries. You can get your permanent residency in about 2-3 months through this program. ... Read More
Can you work under the friendly nations visa? by Leapoffaith2016
If you start a business and apply for the friendly nations visa does that allow you to work?
Yes, you can work when you receive your permanent residency and do not need a sponsor. You will need to apply for your own work permit first though. Read More
Panama Rainforest Investement by TheSisco
Hello, I am wondering here is anyone has moved to Panama using the Rainforest Investment option. I am considering this. Cheers, Ben
No it is not worth it anymore. Most of the prices people put on the internet are very old and outdated. You can't find good cheap land like that anymore. If you are considering this for residency in Panama it is better to just buy a home or ... Read More
Friendly nations visa by mikkey201
Hi all. I'm looking for some information about the Friendly Nations Visa. Do those who apply and set up a business actually run a business? Or is it just a loop hole to jump through (and pay for) but without any actual dealings with the ...
Sorry, Pakistan is not a friendly nation member country. You will need to invest $300k USD in Panama to qualify for residency. Read More
Friendly nations visa by mikkey201
Hi all. I'm looking for some information about the Friendly Nations Visa. Do those who apply and set up a business actually run a business? Or is it just a loop hole to jump through (and pay for) but without any actual dealings with the ...
Hello, The Friendly Nations program can get you a permanent residency in about 2-3 months time and will cost about $8k USD. You will be required to set up a corporation in the name of your choice. This is to demonstrate an economic tie the country ... Read More
New members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Panama forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Sorry, working as a nurse is a restricted profession in Panama only for Panamanian citizens. Read More
New members of the Panama forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Panama forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you聽;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hello my name is RP. Originally from the USA. I run a company based in Panama City that specializes in 2nd citizenship programs, permanent residency programs, offshore corporations, and offshore banking. Please feel free to check out our website ... Read More