The Best Regions in the World for Retirement 2025
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Thank you for posting this question - one common misperception about Panama (because of its famed pensionado or pensioner's program) is that it doesn't welcome younger expats or expats without pensions. However, Panama actually has great programs for non-pensioner expats, including the friendly nations program (for permanent residence) and a digital nomad option (for temporary residence) for people who want to test-drive life here for 9 or even 18 months.
The Friendly Nations Visa opens the door to professionals and entrepreneurs from countries that “maintain friendly, professional, economic, and investment relationships” with Panama. Created in 2012, the program is open to potential expats from dozens of countries, including the US and Canada.
It's great because you can choose one of the following options to qualify:
Option A: Invest $200,000 in real estate.
Option B: Open a three-year fixed term deposit account in a bank in Panama - at least $200,000 but there is no requirement to spend those funds on real estate or any other investment. (The money remains yours.)
Option
Show evidence that you require permanent residency for work purposes. (You will need an employment letter and work contract from a Panamanian company with a business license)For more information on exciting, welcoming Panama visit the IL Website and choose Panama from the countries menu. Happy reading...
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Ted Baumann did a piece on the latest requirements, here: https://internationalliving.com/countries/malaysia/visa-and-residence-in-malaysia/
Mind you, this MM2H program has been in flux. Keith Hockton, our Malaysia correspondent, says thatiIt seems like this state of affairs is here to stay--but one can't be absolutely sure!
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What about Colombia with Medellin, Cartagena, Bogota ?
I don't see it in the list -
Hi Denise, I see someone's replied here already but I'll add that on the International Living website we have a wealth of information about the different regions of Panama (outside Panama City) - there is a ton to choose from, including the mountains with their cooler, springlike weather and the beaches and islands of the Pacific and Caribbean.
Here are some links to get you started
https://internationalliving.com/up-and-coming-retirement-regions/
https://internationalliving.com/my-2900-a-month-california-girl-lifestyle/
(read article and scroll down to watch a new video)
And there's lots more great info on the website, as you'll seeAnd if you're wanting /able to act now there may still be time to sign up for IL's Feb 7-9 conference in Panama (See https://internationalliving.com/events/)
Best of luck with all your Panama plans...
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
We have beefy itineraries for many countries here in our bookstore: https://www.ilbookstore.com/Search?q=itineraries
And our big Escape to guides--these include everything you need to know to go, retire, invest, travel get healthcare, etc. (they're each several hundred pages long)--for each country all have suggested travel routes in them, too: https://www.ilbookstore.com/Search?q=escape+to
And if you look on our website, you'll find lots of details about specific communities worth investigating... for instance:
Silver Coast, Portugal: https://internationalliving.com/countries/portugal/the-silver-coast-portugal/#how-to-spend-seven-days-on-portugal’s-silver-coast
France: https://internationalliving.com/countries/france/travel/
Spain: https://internationalliving.com/countries/spain/travel/
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Hi Bob, we love Uruguay and you'll find quite a few articles here on the International Living website and a book called Escape to Uruguay in the International Living Bookstore. We also recently ran an article about different regions of Uruguay in International Living magazine, go to the member's site or use https://members.internationalliving.com/magazine-issues/2025/ and search "Uruguay" or click on the May 2024 issue. See also Dec 2024 issue. Happy reading.
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
sadly, I didnt see the email of this event until 2:25pm. Would have been nice a couple days earlier so i could put it on my calendar. Was it recorded?
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Hello MAINEFUNCTIONALMED,
You can fly to Boquete if you're pressed for time, it's just an hour, see www.AirPanama.com.
Your best spot to see the Panama Canal is probably Panama City, you can stay in the city and Uber to the Miraflores Visitor Center on the city's far western edge.
There's tons to do all over the country, whether or not you choose to stay around Panama City, here are some recommendations and there's tons more on the International Living website, start here: https://internationalliving.com/things-to-do-in-panama/
Have a wonderful time
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Hi LIZZANZE,
US citizens do not need a visa to come to Panama for up to six months. Though I can't predict the future exactly I can definitely say we don't anticipate this changing anytime soon. We don't expect Panama residency options to change over the next four years either. Keep reading IL Postcards, International Living magazine, and the Interational Living website for real-life accounts from Panama - we love Panama and will continue to dedicate ourselves to keeping you informed about this great little isthmus.Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
When it comes to South America and affordability, I'd look to either Ecuador or Colombia. We recommend Uruguay as well, but things (while still costing less than in the US, are more expensive than in those first two options).
Cuenca, Ecuador and Cotacachi, Ecuador are excellent options
https://internationalliving.com/countries/ecuador/cuenca/
https://internationalliving.com/countries/ecuador/cotacachi-ecuador/Medellin, Colombia and Pereira, Colombia are excellent options as well
https://internationalliving.com/countries/colombia/medellin/
https://internationalliving.com/countries/colombia/pereira-colombia/And, too, I'll simply say that smaller communities in Mexico can be very affordable as well. You might consider, for instance, the Lake Chapala area (that's over near Guadalajara), Queretaro (in the colonial highlands) or the northern Baja like Ensenada (that's just south of San Diego).
https://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/lake-chapala-mexico/
https://internationalliving.com/countries/mexico/queretaro-mexico/
https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/may_2023/4094025/ -
At an elevation of approximately 3,500 feet, Boquete is a near-perfect refuge located at the base of Panama’s tallest peak, Volcán Barú. The Caldera River rushes through the middle of town, while lush green hills and waterfalls surround it. Though banana, mango, and passionfruit trees abound, this is coffee country. The climate is perfect for it, and Panama’s brews—especially the ones from this region—are world-renowned.
Thanks to the elevation, day¬time temperatures are generally in the 70s to low 80s F, and nights are cooler (though 60 F is about as cold as it gets). The spring weather makes Boquete ideal for full-time residents and snowbirds alike.
Like every expat destination, it has its pros and cons. It gets a lot of sunshine, but it also gets a lot of rain—up to 100 inches a year. (This is true of any mountain town in Panama). The upside: the frequent misty rain keeps everything green, so you can grow just about anything.
The community—mostly Panamanian, with a sizeable contingent of foreigners from different parts of the world—is the definition of welcoming. People of all colors, religions, and orientations live here. And though you’ll see expats everywhere, it retains a very traditional Panamanian feel. Parents walk their kids to and from school, and families spend Sundays together. As they say around here, life is tranquilo…tranquil.
Read more about Boquete on the International Living website and in International Living magazine. Here are some links to start and you can search for more:
In the magazine: https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/july_2023/4110329/
Happy reading....
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
You mentioned assisted living communities in Panama, but what about independent living communities or CCRCs (Continuing Care Retirement Commuities, that have assisted, independent and nursing and rehab in one spot). I am a single woman, retired, 77 years old. I still am independent, healthy and still drive, but I am thinking ahead. I would like the feeling of security that a retirement community can give. Perhaps a gated community would do it?
It seems from the comments that you could do a webcast on living abroad for single women. -
Hi TALAIRYS,
The Panama Canal doesn't have any discernable impact from a Panama City resident's point of view.
You can read about the Panama Canal's environmental programs and achievements here: https://pancanal.com/en/green-route-strategy/
There are no beaches in Panama City.
There are hundreds of swimmable beaches from Veracruz and Taboga (about 20 minutes drive and 30 minute by ferry from Panama City, respectively); to the Pacific Coast regions around Chame, Coronado, Farallón, the Azuero peninsula and the province of Chiriquí; to the Caribbean beaches and islands from Bocas del Toro to Portobelo. You'll find helpful information on the different beach regions of Panama on the International Living website and in International Living magazine.
For anyone with further interest in environmental topics:
Panama is number one in Latin America on the Environmental Performance Index.
The Panama Canal Authority, Panama’s Environment Ministry, non-governmental organizations like ANCON, and Panamanian activists have all played important roles in raising and maintaining Panama’s status on the EPI. New laws and initiatives have proliferated over the past decade, and today Panama is a pioneer in everything from plastic bag use to wind energy to electric car incentives.
Panama is one of only three carbon-negative countries in the world.
There are about 50 national parks and protected areas here, including marine parks and important mangrove areas. As a matter of fact, the country boasts rainforest coverage on over 60% of its land, making it the most forested country in Central America.
Panama has also protected a vast amount of its maritime region. In 2023, the country announced that it had surpassed its “30% by 2030” goal by expanding protection to include more than 50% of its total marine area, making it one of few countries on the planet to have achieved such a significant milestone (and the only such country in Latin America).
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Are you comparing prices in the US with the Big Cities only? about 3/4 of America is suburban and rural / not big city life.
Where I live in a rural area it is much cheaper than any of the places you have listed. -
Hi JREEDORCHARD I never get bitten in central Panama City as it's so developed and regularly monitored and sprayed for mosquitoes. If you go to heavily forested areas like Howard/Panama Pacifico or the rainforest parks, you'll likely want to wear repellant. I always keep some Off in my car just in case (but almost never need it).
If you travel to parts of the country with abundant mangrove growth, sand fleas or small gnat-like bugs can cause similarly itchy bites so again it's nice to keep repellant in your go-bag and/or car (not an issue for me in most of the nice beaches I frequent though)
Remember that medical professionals generally recommend wearing mosquito repellent in any country where mosquitoes are prevalent, to ward against maladies like dengue.
To read up on vaccinations and health advisories, check online sources that offer recommendations specific to the different areas of Panama (or whichever country you are visiting... or even different parts of the US), including the World Health Organization (website: www.who.int), the CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control, website: wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/), or the Canadian Foreign Affairs Office (website: www.voyage.gc.ca).
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
The more you learn, the more you'll enjoy yourself - because you will understand more and because you're even more likely to be liked and helped when you show respect for a country's language and culture. That said, most of the expat communities we write about - including beloved destinations like Coronado and Boquete, in Panama - are home to lots of English speakers and provide a comfortable soft landing for new arrivals who don't speak the language.
Not all Panamanians speak English. Many doctors and white collar types do speak English, while lower wage earners like bus drivers and store clerks generally do not... however there are so many international residents all over Panama that it's very easy to find help in English.
Panamanians are incredibly welcoming and love to tease and laugh, so trying (and making mistakes!) will generally get you lots of smiles and help. Even if you don't speak the language, learning please (por favor), thank you (gracias), and just a few other polite phrases is hugley beneficial and every expat should do this.
Have fun exploring...
Best,
IL Overseas Editor Jess Ramesch -
Hello Susan,
I lived in Panama City and still visit more than a few times a year; as a single woman I liked how many nice, walkable areas there were. Seeing people relaxed, wearing jewelry, walking along the waterfront (Cinta Costera), driving nice cars... and the scintillating nightlife and restaurant scene... put me at ease. I walked outdoors, went out till late at night, took the metro and Ubers, and had a great time.
Every city has bad areas too but in Panama City they're easily avoided and hard to stumble into. Furthermore random crime like snipers and mass shootings and serial killers are unheard of here. That means if you're not involved in organized crime and the like it's far easier to avoid being a target in Panama. I generally feel safer in Panama City than in US cities. You'll hear many expats here say the same.
If you'd like to learn more about the modern impressive Panama City of today you can read a full detailed article about Panama City in the December issue of International Living magazine here https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/december_2024/4235809/
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch -
Hi Sonya, I don't know the exact terms of squatter's rights but Panama attorney Rainelda Mata-Kelly can advise you:
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.comGenerally in apartments there are concierges/security so no one can squat. If you have a house somewhere isolated (i.e., not in a gated/developed community) you'd probably want a caretaker. Many expats and Panamanians who travel for long periods prefer apartments or homes in developed communities so they can easily "lock and leave." I have pets so I have been using TrustedHousesitters.com to get someone to care for them (and my apartment) in exchange for lodging.
Best,
IL Panama Editor Jess Ramesch