Alternative Investment Opportunities
- Agriculture: Investment opportunities in coffee, cacao, and teak farming and processing.
- Real Estate: Multi-unit or condo-hotel managed real estate investments.
- Pre-Construction Real Estate: Access to discounted real estate developments, including condominiums and villas, in prime community locations within Panama City and popular coastal tourist areas.
- International Opportunities: Referrals to additional agricultural investments (e.g., almonds and truffles) and real estate opportunities in attractive markets such as Spain and Portugal.
These alternative investments can provide diversification and potential for growth, particularly for accredited investors seeking opportunities beyond traditional markets.
Agriculture Investment Opportunities
Panama’s agricultural sector is expanding, offering investment opportunities in producing fruits, vegetables, grains, and other agricultural products. The Panamanian government supports this growth through tax incentives and financing programs that encourage farming and investment in the sector. These alternative investments can generate appreciation and provide strong income potential.
I personally invest with a reputable company in Panama specializing in high-quality coffee and chocolate production. This company offers investment opportunities to acquire low-yield coffee farms and transform them into high-yield specialty coffee farms. These limited partnerships provide a strong income stream over the holding period.
Investments include the acquisition of coffee farms, investment in post-harvest processing facilities, and chocolate processing equipment. A top-tier management team oversees all aspects, from cultivation and harvesting to retail sales. The team has significant “skin in the game,” ensuring alignment with investor interests.
The investment offers multiple benefits, including a professional, experienced, and educated management team. The founders, of Canadian and Irish backgrounds, are transparent, honest, and forthright in communicating with investors. Semi-annual due diligence tours of farming operations are available, and the company’s products are marketed and sold worldwide. Investors can expect attractive returns, positive social and environmental impact, and the chance to be part of a growing company. Contact me for full disclosure information and detailed investor pro forma data.
Teak Farming and Processing
Teak farming is another promising long-term investment for those seeking private equity income streams. Panama is one of the few places on earth where teak trees thrive. This renewable resource is in high demand—for furniture, kitchen goods, flooring, and premier boat decks. Demand consistently outstrips supply, and we can introduce you to a leading company in this sector known for its longevity and stability.
Residency in Panama
Panama offers an attractive residency program for investors seeking permanent residency in the country. To qualify, investors must make a real estate investment of at least USD $200,000. The Investor Residency Program provides numerous benefits, including the right to live and work in Panama and access to public services such as education and healthcare.
Panama’s modern, thriving environment and strategic location make its residency options particularly appealing. The country offers a variety of visa programs, including:
- Pension/Retirement Visa
- Friendly Nations Visa
- Person of Means Visa
- Professional Employment Visa
- Reforestation Investor Visa
- Business Investor Visa
- Pensionado Visa
The Pensionado Visa, designed for retirees, offers a wealth of discounts, such as:
- 25% off all air, land, and sea travel
- Discounts at restaurants, movie theaters, and car rentals
- Reduced rates on electric bills and many other services
Each visa category has specific requirements and offers unique benefits.
We can connect you with trusted local contacts to help you explore and acclimate to Panama. We believe it is essential to experience different areas and gain a deeper understanding of this wonderful country before making a permanent move.
We also have reliable legal contacts to ensure a smooth transition for those looking to relocate to Panama or invest in property. Having navigated this process ourselves, we are well-equipped to guide you through each step with proven partners.
Real Estate Development Opportunities in Panama
The Panamanian real estate market is dynamic and offers diverse investment opportunities, including residential and commercial properties, land, and development projects. Compared to other countries in the region—and particularly Canada and the USA—property prices in Panama remain relatively affordable, attracting investors of all budgets.
Panama is consistently ranked as a top retirement destination, with a robust economy, a strategic position as a hub for over 75 global banks, and a thriving business environment.
Preferred Development Partners
We have direct experience investing personally and assisting clients with a few major developers. Examples include:
- Developer 1: This innovative company has a proven track record with over 5.5 million square meters developed or under development in Panama and beyond. They specialize in ambitious urban and oceanside projects, are well-capitalized, and maintain a strong commitment to quality and reputation.
- Developer 2: Specializing in historic remodeling and new builds around Panama City’s UNESCO district of Casco Viejo, this developer has completed numerous award-winning projects. Opportunities include luxury residential buildings, prestigious hotels, and new projects offering condo-hotel ownership and private condominiums at exceptional pre-construction pricing.
Government Incentives
The Panamanian government offers incentives for investments in low-cost residential housing in Panama City and David, Panama. These programs are needed to address the shortage of affordable housing and yield above average returns over a short two-year holding period.
Prime Investment Opportunities
These developers offer a range of opportunities, including:
- Panama City and Costa Del Este: Urban and suburban development projects.
- Casco Viejo: Historic district investments.
- Coastal Areas: Branded projects like Margaritaville Resorts, condo-hotels, standalone villas, and condominiums in prime beach locations.
International Real Estate Opportunities
Outside Panama, we also partner with a longstanding company that develops exceptional residential and resort communities throughout Latin and Central America. These investments offer a premier lifestyle with options ranging from prime homesites and private condominiums to eco-friendly living solutions.
For nearly 30 years, this company has catered to a diverse range of investors, including retirees, remote workers, digital nomads, and those seeking a second vacation home or new residency. Affordable luxury, stunning natural beauty, and strong investment potential combine to make these opportunities highly attractive.
We also have connections with established partners in Spain, Portugal, Mexico, Uruguay, and other markets, offering exceptional investment and retirement property opportunities.
Property Management and Expat Services in Panama
Panama has a number of companies that offer property management services, including rental management, property maintenance, and representing property owners with tenants and authorities. These services are essential for investors who wish to earn rental income from their properties in Panama.
For more information:
Panama offers a variety of professional property management companies that provide services such as rental management, property maintenance, and representation for property owners with tenants and local authorities. These services are invaluable for investors looking to generate rental income from their properties in Panama.
We partner with a reputable company offering experienced, bilingual property management services. In addition to property management, they provide a range of essential expat services, including:
- Assisting with opening a bank account
- Helping obtain a driver’s license
- Supporting car purchases
- Securing everyday essentials, such as a highway toll PanaPass
These seemingly small tasks can often become significant hurdles for new expats. Having a trusted “concierge” service to navigate these processes can save time, reduce stress, and ensure a smooth transition to life in Panama.
We are here to connect you with reliable professionals and provide support every step of the way.
Financing Plans
There are different financing options available to investors in Panama, including bank loans, developer financing, and private equity financing. The terms and conditions of the financing plans vary depending on the type of investment and the profile of the investor.
For more information:
Departing Your Home Country
Non-Residency qualification will focus here on Canadians. There are well-established rules to qualify as a non-resident of Canada for tax purposes. The first step is to focus on where you are going and apply for residency in your new country. After departure, there are primary and secondary criteria to meet:
There are additional CRA forms to declare your intended departure and non-residency status. These forms are not mandatory, and professionals often advise declaring your non-residency status on your final tax return after departure instead.
We have experience in this area to assist should you need help. We have proven partners in legal, accounting and immigration in Canada, USA and Latin American and Europe should you need a referral.
Primary Criteria:
- You do not have a spouse remaining in Canada.
- You do not have dependent children remaining in Canada.
- You do not own a home in Canada that you could return to.
- You are not employed by a Canadian employer.
Secondary Criteria:
- Cancel all memberships to gyms and social clubs.
- Close non-registered brokerage accounts (RRSP and TFSA accounts can remain in Canada and are not taxed at departure).
- Sell your car and cancel your insurance.
- Allow your driver’s license to lapse.
- Notify your province that you no longer qualify for health care.
We advise Canadian Expats who are or wish to reside in Panama with complete financial planning, wealth management and estate planning.