Insights and expert guide for your relocation journey

Feb 13, 2024

Happy Valentines Day! We hope you are spending it with your favorite expat friends. Here is 1 expat tip, 2 residency paths, and 5 Panama news you need to know.

🗺️One Expat Tip

Rent before you buy. Panama has so many different neighborhoods. Most expats in Panama will recommend that you live in an area for at least 6 months before committing to a real estate purchase. Even if you love the area, you might not like your building or your apartment. So, before you splurge, spend a few months doing first-hand research. Here is a video on 10 of the most popular areas in Panama.

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🪪Two Residency Visas

• Friendly Nations Visa: Become a resident if you are a citizen of select "friendly nations."
• Pensionado Visa: Embrace a luxurious retirement lifestyle in Panama with the fastest, most cost-effective, and simplest residency visa available.

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📰 Top 5 Panama News

Here are some top news you need to know about Panama this week.

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1. Panama Ex-President Granted Asylum

Nicaragua grants political asylum to Panama's former President Ricardo Martinelli. Watch our YouTube video to learn what this means for you.

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2. Panama Carnival Great Success 🎉

The 2024 Carnival in Panama is considered the most attended carnival in the last 5 years. It was also one of the highest for traffic fines with over 3,400 during the weekend. Check-out some carnival music here.

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3. 📅 2024 is an election year in Panama

🌍 Candidates are generally moderate, staying close to the center.

☀️ Left-leaning Suntracs candidate participate but typically gains little attention.

🔄 The incumbent party has never won a reelection, casting doubt on the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) for 2024.

🤝 The Lombana/Chen ticket, featuring an Independent for President and a 3rd generation Chinese-Panamanian for VP, could surprise.

🆚 They pose a challenge to prominent candidates: former president Martin Torrijos and 2019 runner-up Romulo Roux.

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4. Panama's Manzanillo Port Growing

🚢 DP World Marine Services, a leading global port operator and logistics company based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, launched a new direct service connecting four Colombian ports with Manzanillo, Panama, enhancing cargo transport.

🍇 The service, focusing on time-sensitive exports like fresh fruits, promises quick transit times between Turbo, Santa Marta, Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Manzanillo.

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5. First Quantum CEO hopeful of post-May elections 🤝

Amid cooling protests and legal battles, First Quantum CEO Tristan Pascall sees potential for discussions on mining's role in Panama's economy, focusing on responsible sector contributions amidst emerging economic challenges. 💼🌱 With a preservation plan costing $15-20 million monthly, First Quantum is engaging constructively with the government, preferring negotiation over legal arbitration for the mine's future and environmental management.

Until next week,

Claudia Perez
Legal at Work Founder and Startup Advisor​

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p.s. Get you FBI Background Check in Panama with Legal at Work ..

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Luxury Apartments for Sale in Former Trump Building 🏠

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Two Balconies, 98M2, 1,055sqft, 1 Bed, 1 Bath, Floor 58, New Kitchen, New Appliances + Hot Tub

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106M2, 1,140sqft, 1 Bed, 2 Bath, Spacious Balcony & View of Ocean, Floor 4, Direct Access to Infinity Pool

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