Looking to move to Panama or living in Panama, maybe i can help.

Hi I have lots of questions regarding migrating there (i.e. do I bring my appliances there? are good, used kitchen appliances costly or easy to acquire there? what are the best places to live?)
Do you respond here or by email as well?  Looking forward to your reply.

You can get appliances here you dont have to bring your own. There are lots of places to shop at. The majority of stoves here run with gaz but you can get that run on electricity. As for best places to live that really depends on how you want to live. If your a city person or if you prefer living in a peaceful area. It also changes from province to province. Youll have to be a little more specific.

Hola PG
Thanks for the reply.  I am planning to move to the rural south about 5 hrs from the big city.  I am not sure what is in the vicinity.  Can you refer a reasonably priced, competent real estate lawyer.  My computer cannot run skype, but I do have a program similar to it called jitsi.

You would have to look for an agency there. The ones here in the city don't usually sell in the interior. So I can't really refer you to anyone or know anyone. Do you know where about you would like to stay.

I need a honest realtor and a good lawyer , (preferable American/Canadian for the lawyer) I am a dual citizen ,( American /Canadian ) My location of choice is David/Bouquet. I want to live in a expat community , not far from the beach , but I want more moderate temps , so maybe a little distance from David . Bouquet I understand has 80 degrees max year around and 60 to 70 at night.. No air or heat needed . I would like to get most of the documentation and research out of the way before I fly down . I have been interested in Bouquet/David for the last 5 years , but need someone on the ground to smooth out the bumps .. Thanks Brian M

brianmos13 wrote:

I need a honest realtor and a good lawyer , (preferable American/Canadian for the lawyer) I am a dual citizen ,( American /Canadian ) My location of choice is David/Bouquet.

Brian, IMO you just need to get on your horse and visit Boquete (note the spelling) via David and surrounding areas. There are a number of highly recommended immigration lawyers in Panama City (which is where the legal help is needed). As for realtors, you can't escape doing your own legwork, even among various realtors as there is no MLS system as such. But only you can get a feel for the type of location appeals (or otherwise). Just my opinion, but some things cannot be delegated.

We will be visiting Panama City Christmas week; trying to find the best hotels 4 star for reasonable prices in safe areas and will do some tours. (inexpensive ones). Any advice on this is helpful at this time. We will consider a relocation there after we get there and get a feel for the country.

I stayed @ the Continental & Casino in July  We enjoyed our stay

Hi,

My name is Massimo from Italy.

I have 2 questions:
. Can you suggest me a lawyer for immigration
. Can you tell me which documents I need to bring from Italy in ordert o apply for residence

Thx

Massimo-  rely on your lawyer to advise you on needed documents - that is what you pay her for!
I can recommend Mayra lamboglia DE ruzzi in Panama City.  Google her contact info. Mention me. 😊

massimo70 wrote:

Hi,

My name is Massimo from Italy.

I have 2 questions:
. Can you suggest me a lawyer for immigration
. Can you tell me which documents I need to bring from Italy in ordert o apply for residence

Thx

Massimo,

In regards to the lawyer, I had a good experience with Pedro at Panama Offshore Legal services (easy to find through a Google search).

In regards to the documents, you'll need:

- Criminal Record (Certificato Generale del Casellario Giudiziale) with Apostille
- A certified copy of a second ID (i.e. Carta d'Identita) with Apostille

Something else I suggest you to get is a certified copy (from the Motorizzazione) of your Driver's License, with Apostille. With it you'll be able to get a Panamanian Driver's License. (in theory this sort of documentation is something that the local Embassy should be able to provide, but the Italian Embassy in Panama for some reason doesn't release such certificates anymore). Btw you don't need a lawyer to get a Driver's license.

I am still looking for an honest, competent real estate lawyer who will work with me on a real estate purchase in southern Panama.  Sound leads and referrals appreciated.  Please respond with pvt message if necessary.

Thanks.

Thanks.

One more question:
an attorney I contacted via email, is asking for a bank reference letter from my bank in Italy.

Is it required?

If you are moving to the David/Boquete area, I'd advise you to get an attorney in that area.  Years ago, the only competent lawyers were in PC but that's no longer true.  We use an excellent one in Boquete who helped us with Temp and Permanent cedula, multi-entry visa, driver's license, our house purchase, and we can drop in if we have a question about wills, corporations, and end of life documents.  Otherwise you will be making multiple needless trips to the city.
You will not find an American/Canadian attorney because immigrants cannot take jobs that compete with Panamanians.  If they are not Panamanian, make sure you ask to see their legal work documents - required to earn any money in Panama.  As you get settled, as gringo neighbors who they used.  It is illegal to disparage anyone's work so asking for negative comments online will do you no good.  Do it face to face.
As far as a realtor, where we live they normally get the 'left-over' rentals as the good rentals are gone by word of mouth.  It is not a good idea to buy before living in Panama at least a year.  We have seen numerous expats come and go after a short time.  Just my 2 cents

We agree with Tombseekers. Look for a rental on your own. Check out all the blogs, chiriquilife,
boquetening,
encuentra24.com/
www.viviun.com
panama.en.craigslist.org
etc.

You really do not need a realtor here... especially when you decide to buy. The seller will be more then happy to sell to you without a realtor. You both save at least 5%.

Thanks.
I noticed from your comment and other expat experiences with attorneys in PA that attorneys tend to practice mostly in the towns/cities where their offices are based.  Is this accurate?

They can practice where they want to.