1. Security & Political Stability
Panama has the highest rating for tourist safety from Pinkerton Intelligence Services and a low crime rate in general. Panama is a Democratic Republic. There is no political unrest. The presence of The Panama Canal ensures that the international community will not allow Panama to become unstable politically.

2. Zero Property Taxes:   
The Panamanian government is offering between 10 and 20 years of Property Tax exemptions for investors in new property.

3. Very low monthly maintenance:   
Since there are no Hurricanes (building insurance premiums are low), and service labor is inexpensive, the monthly maintenance fees even on large luxury condos are between $100 and $200 per month. Compare.

4. No Hurricanes:   
Panama does NOT have Hurricanes or other major weather problems. It has warm tropical weather.

5. Low Cost of Living: 
Services are at less than half of rates in the USA. A full time live-in maid can be hired for $300 / month. Eating out and entertainment is also at about half the cost of the USA. Medical expenses are less that one-quarter of the USA, and retired persons can get 50% off that already low cost!

6. Investment Growth:
Panama is exactly where Costa Rica was ten years ago! Panama's economic performance is, almost every year, better than just about every other country in Latin America. In fact, over the past 40 years, the country's inflation rate has averaged less than 2% per year...that's simply unheard of south of the United States.

7. Ease of owning and financing Real Estate  
Any foreigner can own a property in Panama, under the same laws as if you were a Panamanian citizen. You can do it under your personal name, or under an established corporation. For financing of the property, it is very similar to process used in the US. Since we have the dollar as national currency, you will get the same financing rates as you would in the States.

8. Ease of obtaining Visas for living in Panama  
There are several relatively easy ways to obtain a visa to live or retire in Panama.

Why Panama Is Such an Ideal Place to Invest and Retire

Panama's economy has steadily increased in recent years despite the economic crisis suffered throughout Latin American and much of the world. On March 22, 2004, the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded its Article IV consultation with Panama, which found that the economy grew a healthy 4% in real terms last year following two years of weak growth. Panama has also showed no signs of change in its upward progress. In its annual Report, Moody's Investor Service says, "the country's (Panama) split ratings and stable outlook reflect a manageable fiscal position. Free Trade Agreements, such as the recent accord with Taiwan, will also help to benefit the Panamanian economy by encouraging foreign investment into the nation's financial and communications systems, the report added. In total, Panama has Bilateral Trade Agreements with over 20 countries throughout the world. Several steps that have been taken to ensure that the current trends of economic growth and stability continue are:

Panama has excellent Business and Investment Incentives

• Equal treatment of foreign and local citizens.
• Panama is politically sound.
• Low Cost of Living. Panama has been ranked first in the region for low cost of living.
• A high percentage of Panama's labor force is bilingual.
• Panama is at the top of the list of the world's freest economies.
• No restrictions on mergers, acquisitions or joint ventures
• Panama is a 100% Tax Haven: Non-resident Panamanian International Business

Corporations (IBC's) and Private Interest Foundations do not pay tax on any of their Income derived from abroad, nor do they have any reporting requirements on income derived abroad to the Panamanian government.

• Panama's circulating currency is the US Dollar.
• Low inflation and zero foreign exchange risk.
• The Panama Stock Exchange is the fastest growing in the region with an average total trading volume of US$900 million.
• Panama is home to the second largest international distribution and trade center.
• Panama has Bilateral trade agreements with over 20 countries.

Panama has the best retiree incentive program in the world.

• The newsletter of International Living names Panama as the best place to live outside the United States.
• Modern Maturity of AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) ranks Panama as one of the top four "best places to live abroad".
• Household goods can be brought in to Panama free of taxes.
• New cars can be brought in duty free every two years.
• There are no property taxes on primary residences in Panama.
• Discounts are offered on hotels, restaurants, movies, etc for retirees.
• Panama is ranked as one of the safest countries in the world.
• Panama has a modern, American style infrastructure due to the near 100 year presence of the Americans in Panama.
• Panama has an ideal climate.
• Panama has medical facilities on a par with the United States.
• Panama is close to the United States with direct flights to Panama from 5 major US cities.
• Foreigners can buy and own property in Panama enjoying the same rights and protections as Panamanians.
• All new homes receive up to 20 years of tax exoneration due to incentive law.
• Tourism in Panama is expected to climb almost 20 percent next year.
• Panama's Gaming Institutions casino and gambling industry is also enjoying good times.