What are retirees looking for when choosing a destination? Safety, closeness, lifestyle, good medicine, and more. Certainly, when evaluating, the variables are superfluous.

Panama has a lot to offer. Especially when assessing the possibility of retirement in the country. For good reason, it is included every year within the top 3 in the Ranking of the International Living publication (one of the most recognized regarding the matter).

We are going to give you some interesting information that you can help with your research.

The benefits of this visa are unique and they are not a myth. The pensioner program (which has been a Law of the Republic since 1986) is one of the biggest magnets for retirees who are looking to live well in a country that has everything. It is valid for every woman (55 years old) or man ( 60 years old) Panamanian or legal resident in the country. The retiree can enjoy a series of discounts on entertainment, tourism, gastronomy, public services, medical expenses, etc. Here are some of the benefits:

• 50% discount on entertainment such as cinemas, theaters, sports and other public shows. In recent years, world-class shows such as Cirque du Soleil have been presented in Panama.
• 30% discount on bus, metro, ferry and train fares. The country is the only Central American country with a metro system in the city. It currently operates with two lines and several more are planned to open in the coming years.
• 25% discount on air tickets (with national origin). This discount applies at airline sales offices any time of the year. Coming to and from Panama has never been easier.
• 30% to 50% discount on hotel stays.
• 15% to 25% discount in restaurants.
• 15% discount off the total bill for services from hospitals and private clinics.
• Discount of 20% in the price of drugs in pharmacies.
• Discount on medical services, such as consultations, dentistry, and optometry, which will depend on which of the services described above is used.
• 20% discount on the price of all prostheses, as well as all aid devices and accessories.
• 1% discount on the interest rate on home mortgage loans for your own use.
• Property tax freeze.
• Exemption from payment of the valuation fee.
• 25% discount on monthly electricity consumption.
• 50% discount on the tax rate of the airports.
• 25% discount on the fixed charge for telephone service.
• 25% discount on the rate for water consumption, public or private.

In addition, foreign pensioners are entitled to two great benefits:

A one-time tax exemption on the importation of household goods (up to $10,000).

A tax break every two years when importing or (even better) buying a car locally.

Reason 2: Connectivity

With the new Terminal 2, the Tocumen International Airport is consolidated as the most connected point in the region. There are 29 commercial airlines operating in the country, which carry out more than 400 daily flights to more than 89 destinations in 39 countries in America, Europe, and Asia. More than 16 million people transit through the Tocumen airport daily.

The destinations with the greatest activity are Miami, Bogotá, Cancun, and Havana. While South Americans are the largest users of the terminal with 41%, they are followed by North Americans with 30%, the Caribbean with 13%, Central American with 11%, and Europeans with 8%.

Copa, the Panamanian flag carrier, currently travels to 86 destinations in 33 countries between Canada and Argentina and is also recognized as the most punctual airline in the world.

Reason 3: The weather

The climate in Panama is exceptional; for all interests, but above all SAFE. With two well-marked seasons, the area is well away from ‘Hurricane Alley’, so beyond some heavy rains, the possibility of a climatic catastrophe is low. Also, depending on the area selected, the temperatures are much more refreshing.

The average temperature of Panama is 29 degrees Celsius throughout the year on average. This has the advantage that it will not be necessary to carry large coats, even in the highest areas, such as Valle de Antón and Boquete, where the temperature can be somewhat cooler.

It is characterized by being tropical: it is quite hot throughout the year, mainly in the coastal areas and the lower parts. Panama can be a great refuge during the winter seasons in the north or the south.

Reason 4: Health services and insurance

Quality and above all, a wide range of complementary benefits.

“It is very convenient for a foreigner residing in Panama to acquire this type of product because they have access, for example, to top-level clinics in the United States and Canada, with costs that can reach half of what they pay there.” David Larrinaga, a partner at Peace of Mind, defines the advantages of acquiring private insurance in the country.

Some of the best insurance companies worldwide operate in the country such as Bupa (England), Pan-American Life Insurance Group (USA), Mapfre (Spain), and others such as Allianz (Germany) are represented through the figure of “fronting” through insurers legally registered in Panama such as Acerta Seguros, for example.

It is worth noting that these first-rate health insurances are considerably cheaper for local or foreign people compared to the costs of similar products in the USA. The foreigner must have Panama as their main residence, which means that they have lived in Panama for more than 6 months or a year.

As for the hospitals, the four main ones have alliances with important USA hospitals. In addition, many specialists were trained in that country.

Reason 5: Safety

Panama is a safe place with relatively low rates compared to those in the region. The country offers peace of mind to residents

From the legal and investment protection point of view, for years, Panama has promoted a series of public policies to attract foreign capital – complying with all the regulations required by international taxation organizations – through a series of laws that promote legal security and investor protection and all qualified professionals who come to provide services to the country.

The last reason, but not the least important, is the quality of life.

Panama has it all. One of the most developed capitals in the continent, with a dollarized economy, a nightlife 365 days a year, and international and local gastronomy that is making a name for itself worldwide, already appearing in the main rankings. Luxury sports facilities for all tastes, and shopping centers where the main fashion brands are present.

However, if the city is not your thing, Panama offers amazing places to make your life a unique experience. You just have to decide to get to discover it in depth and fall in love with every corner of the country and its people.

This has led to the existence of large communities of foreigners who in one way or another have influenced the development of the country’s identity.