Investing in Panama
property investment - property for sale - homes sale

Panama is fast becoming one of the World's top ranked real estate investment destinations, due to its low cost of living, superb climate and incredible tax incentives. It is politically and economically stable and the famous canal is being extended and that alone will bring an additional 40,000 jobs to Panama City and generate massive revenue for the country.

Both the residential property market and the holiday market are booming, with capital appreciation of 20% upwards per annum. Hotel rooms are virtually full booked constantly in Panama that is why the condo hotel investment is hugely profitable in terms of revenue and capital appreciation.

Economically Panama is going from strength to strength and has consistently maintained one of Central America's highest per capita gross domestic products. The International Monetary Fund recorded 6% real term growth for 2006, and their forecasts are positive for the future.

The plans for enlarging the Panama Canal have started, and participating in additional free trade associations is well in place. These measures have stimulated the economy still further. Panama's Colon Free Trade Zone (CFZ), established in 1953, is the largest in the Western Hemisphere and contributes substantially to the country's economy. The second trade free zone has now been approved and is now under construction near the Panama City limits.

Panama does not require that you have special permits, authorisation or registration to qualify as investors. The 1998 Investment Stability Law protects foreign investors for ten years following the registration of an investment, land, property and business shielding them from changes in tax, customs duties, municipal and labour laws.

Because more visitors and tourists are arriving in Panama coupled with the fact that more people are making Panama their first choice to live and setup home, this has all led to a shortfall in the housing market. So new accommodation is very sort after and is in high demand. Property is a very good investment here in Panama and around 50 km of Panama City and the Canal. Political Risk Services (PRS) placed Panama in the top three countries of the hemisphere with the best risk-investment qualifications.

In addition to the above, the other benefits of investing in Panama include:

• US dollar-based economy.
• Low inflation and zero foreign exchange risk.
• Equal treatment of foreign and local citizens.
• Tourism investments have exemptions from import duties, income, land, real estate construction materials and equipment, taxes etc.
• Property tax exemptions apply to all new construction.