EASY, BREEZY, BEAUTIFUL PANAMA
Whether you’r
e an entrepreneur looking for an investment or a retiree looking for the quiet life, Panama has something for everyone, says Isobel Palmer
Is Panama the 21st-century version of Shangri-La? For those approaching retirement, in possession of an average income, love of nature and tropical climate, plus an easy-going attitude to life, it certainly looks that way.
For this little Central American jewel – it’s smaller than Scotland – combines topping quality-of-life indices with an unparalleled scheme of incentives and perks for pensioners. Tax relief is a huge part of this, and is fundamental to retirement planning of course, but how about 25% off airfares; 25% off restaurant meals; 10% off prescriptions; 20% off professional and technical services?
All you have to do is qualify for the government’s “pensionado” programme by proving you have a guaranteed income of a certain amount. The only age limit is 18. Yes, 18. Read the rest of this entry »