The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
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Hello! We are considering retiring to either France, Mexico, Panama or Portugal. Visas can be tricky. Do you recommend consulting an immigration attorney first? And would they be attornies in the U.S. or the country we are interested in? And how do we find these attornies? A similar question relates to renting a home or apartment. I read that it is a good idea to have a local attorney review the contract since countries have very different laws related to this process. Any thoughts or information would be greatly appreciated.
Hello, we always recommend enlisting the help of a reputable attorney, licensed in the country in question, to help you with immigration/visas and real estate or rental matters (contracts, etc). In many countries the same attorney can assist you with all these things but it can vary from country to country.
Re Panama: In our Escape to Panama book we list contact information for Panama attorney Rainelda Mata-Kelly whose firm, Mata-Kelly & Partners, specializes in visas and real estate, among others.
Rainelda Mata-Kelly
Mata-Kelly & Partners
Local tel: +(507) 216-9299
From the US/Canada: (011 507) 216-9299
rmk@mata-kelly.com
www.mata-kelly.comSimilarly you can find resources on the other countries you're interested in here on the IL website and at the IL Bookstore (www.ilbookstore.com).
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
We are big music people. What countries/cities have the best nighlife (as in live music, not "club" music).
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what are the financial requirements for residency as a couple in Panama?
Hi Mikel, there are several options for residency. You can read about visas here on the IL website at https://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/visa/ and/or watch this video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2Ab76QTi_Q&t=2s&ab_channel=InternationalLiving.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Does anyone have a recommendation for Financial Planner to help set up alternative "Passive Income" that meets the ERV requirements?
If you're not already signed up for and reading the free Field Notes newsletter you may want to sign up, they're very informative:
https://globalintelligenceletter.com/subscribe-3/Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
please advise how much of the native language you need for each location or can you get by with just Englis and a transilator app
In most of the places we've featured here you can get by with English and a translator app but before scouting a country we recommend reading about it here on the International Living website so you at the very least know what language is spoken as the national language. We recommend learning as much as you can, starting with polite basics like "please" and "thank you," which will help you be a more respectful visitor and potential expat.
In Belize English is the national language, making it a great option for anyone who's very apprehensive about learning or dealing with another language. Read more about Belize here on the IL website (https://internationalliving.com/countries/belize/).
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
I am a musician and I'm wondering what is the best way to research the community music scene in various places overseas.
Most expat communities share info about fun activities on expat Facebook pages. Search the name of the place you'll be visiting with the word expats (e.g., Boquete expats) and see which groups are active. You may also want to "follow" restaurants and other venues advertising live music.
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
safest place to retire?
To the responses here I'll just add that in any country it depends on the city/town/neighborhood you choose. All the countries we've listed here today have excellent, safe communities. Research the countries you're interested in here on the IL website and then you can drill down into communities within your chosen countries. We have plenty of profiles on the website and in International Living magazine that highlight what life is like and how safe expats feel in specific neighborhoods/towns.
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
Do you have a personal contact member at each country or location that can be hired to guide and advise me as to what and where it takes to move there I would fly in to meet them Somewhere like Porta Vallarta
While International Living generally does not organize tours or make introductions you will find rolodexes full of contact information in IL books (e.g., Escape to Panama, www.ilbookstore.com)
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
We are interested in retiring to either France, Mexico, Panama or Portugal. Getting visas can be tricky for those of us who haven’t done it in the past. Do you recommend getting an immigration attorney? If so, would that be one in the U.S. or the country we’re interested in? How do we find a knowledgeable immigration attorney?
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How do we find an attorney that can review home or apartment rental contracts before we sign them? Rental agreements in other countries can be tricky.
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Considering a winter stay--January through March in Panama. tips and suggestions on how to proceed
Hello, you'll find a wealth of information right here on the IL website, https://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/
Have a wonderful time.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
what if we wsnted to stay in multiple countries throughout the year at most appropriate times within each cointry? Maybe three or four countries?
Hello, you'll find a wealth of information right here on the IL website. Choose the country/countries you're interested in from the "Countries" menu. On the website, in IL Magazine, and on our YouTube Channel (https://www.youtube.com/@internationalliving) we also frequently feature super helpful slow-travel and multi-country articles.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
What are the biggest hurdles to overcome when moving to Panama from the US?
Hello that's a big (and important) question; you'll find a wealth of information in IL Magazine and right here on the IL website, https://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/. Generally each expat we interview shares thoughts on challenges in addition to all the things they like. In ultra-specific IL resources like our book Escape to Panama we go into very great detail, see www.ilbookstore.com.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
In Panama you need to be a legal resident for at least 5 years before you apply for citizenship. There are several options for residency to get you started. You can read about residency visas here on the IL website at https://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/visa/ and/or watch this video on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2Ab76QTi_Q&t=2s&ab_channel=InternationalLiving.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Is it cheaper and easy to ship a car to Panama, Costa Rica or Portugal or purchase a car in country?
In Panama it's very easy to buy. Shipping adds thousands of dollars in expenses so I generally recommend just buying locally and choosing a model that's popular so it's easy to get parts/repairs for. Foreign models of the same car may differ so it's almost always better to have the locally sold model.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Female - 84 in February, 2025
Active and mentally alert/Multi-lingual
Somewhat limited financial resources
Any suggestions?All the countries we've listed here today have excellent safe and active (and affordable) communities. Research the countries you're interested in here on the IL website and then you can drill down into communities within your chosen countries. We have plenty of profiles on the website and in International Living magazine that highlight what life is like in specific neighborhoods/towns.
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
Do you have anybody at the different locations that could be hired to give a tour and show someone around the area and explain things tht are needed ?
While International Living generally does not organize tours or make introductions you will find rolodexes full of contact information in IL books (e.g., Escape to Panama, www.ilbookstore.com)
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
I have a unique question...I started playing Senior Softball here in Florida last year, and I really enjoy it. Does Panama have any Senior Softball leagues or pickup games? I know baseball is popular there. I'd be interested to see if Mexico or Costa Rica has Senior Softball also, but I would tend to think not...Thanks!
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UK has horrendous waits to see a dr. how are wait times in the countries you mention?