Getting There — Visa

Friendly Nations Visa — available to US citizens with professional/economic ties to Panama. Requires employment, $200,000 real estate investment, or $200,000 bank deposit. Grants 2-year provisional residency, then permanent. Pensionado Visa — for retirees with $1,000+/mo pension, extensive senior discounts on flights, restaurants, and utilities.

Cost of Living

40-60% less than US major cities. Panama City runs $1,500-2,500/mo; countryside is much cheaper. The US dollar is legal tender (the Balboa is pegged 1:1).

Key Fact

Panama uses the US dollar, has no income tax on foreign-earned income, and offers a Pensionado program with extensive senior discounts (flights, restaurants, utilities). It is the most tax-friendly destination on this list for US expats.