Please select your home edition
Edition
Allen Dynamic 40 Leaderboard

Panama attracts long-term cruising sailors with permanent residency

by Sail-World Cruising round-up on 21 Aug 2012
Yachts anchored in the San Blas off the coast of Panama in the Caribbean Jeremy Wyatt
If you would love to spend the rest of your life sailing in idyllic waters and are a citizen of Australia, the US, UK or Canada and a limited list of other countries, Panama could be your destination. Many cruising sailors have reached the San Blas, decided they are already in heaven, and stayed as long as they could. Now that decision has just become easier by a recent act of the Panamanian government.

Panama has always welcomed foreigners from all points and now they’re making it even easier with its new 'Immediate Permanent Resident' visa. The visa has just recently passed into law and applies to residents of 22 countries that Panama deems to have maintained friendly diplomatic and economic ties with the country.

The new 'Immediate Permanent Resident' Visa aims to do exactly what it says, giving you immediate, permanent residency in Panama…and at a lower cost than you may have thought possible.

The National Immigration Service (SNM) reported, through a press release, that foreigners who apply within the immigration status of retirees (pensionados) will be eligible for the permanent resident card (cedula).


This measure will apply to those who are covered by the Law # 9 of 1987, which grants exemptions for retirees and pensioners who are retired from active life and to retired annuitants.

This measure will be applied to those who comply with Executive Order #320 of 8 August 2008, which states that those who receive a retirement or pension from any foreign government, shall maintain a monthly income or pension that shall not be less a thousand dollars (per month) and must be granted for life.

The decree is still very new, and immigration experts are still not sure how certain parts of it will be implemented.

This new visa program might only add to Panama’s attractions for long-term cruising sailors who have given up life on land, many of whom are already to be found in Panamanian waters.

Cyclops Marine 2023 November - FOOTERAllen Dynamic 40 FooterJeanneau Sun Odyssey 350

Related Articles

SP80 kiteboat reaches a top speed of over 58 knots
100 km/h barrier is smashed in Leucate The SP80 kiteboat has reached a top speed of over 58 knots, or 108 km/h. This new personal best makes SP80 the second fastest sailboat ever recorded, behind Vestas Sailrocket II and its 68.01-knot top speed.
Posted today at 10:04 am
Italian SailGP Team acquired by investors
The consortium includes Hollywood royalty, Anne Hathaway SailGP has today announced that the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, has officially been acquired by a consortium of accomplished investors and sports industry leaders, including Hollywood royalty, Anne Hathaway.
Posted today at 8:53 am
Armstrong Foils: On tour - Home of Armstrong II
Join America's Cup champion, Blair Tuke and Armstrong team riders on the tour of NZ's Far North Join three times America's Cup champion, Blair Tuke and Armstrong team riders Olivia Jenkins, Naumi Eychenne, Bowien van der Linden, Cash Berzolla, and Reo Stevens, on the Home of Armstrong Tour II, as they explore NZ's Far North.
Posted today at 4:46 am
America's Cup entries open on Sunday
A Cup in turmoil - has Grant Dalton dodged a bullet with the new Cup organisation? America's Cup gets underway in Rome with Round 2 of the official welcoming ceremonies on Wednesday in Naples. Emirates Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton apprears to have dodged a bullet with the formation of of new AC organising body.
Posted on 26 May
Italian PM welcomes America's Cup in Rome
Prime Minister Meloni set out a bold vision for the regeneration planned around AC38 The magnificent setting of the Casino del Bel Respiro, commissioned by Pope Innocent X in 1644, in the grounds of Villa Pamphilj, was the outstanding and historic setting for the formal presentation of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup.
Posted on 26 May
Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta preview
Sørvind to debut at this edition, in Sardinia The Mediterranean superyacht racing season will kick off on 27th May with the Giorgio Armani Superyacht Regatta, organised annually by the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda since 2008 and supported by title sponsor Giorgio Armani since 2022.
Posted on 26 May
Winning Sails for Every Sailor & Every Program
Beer cans or the big leagues, North Sails perform From one design sails to custom inventories, trust the experts at North Sails to elevate your performance.
Posted on 25 May
72nd Melbourne to Apollo Bay Race overall
MRV stifles Ambition to take line honours and overall win Margaret Rintoul V (MRV), skippered by Damien King from the Sandringham Yacht Club (SYC), has sailed a fast and furious race to win the 72nd Melbourne to Apollo Bay Race (M2AB).
Posted on 25 May
The link between two great Australian sports
A unique connection between brute strength and beauty James Joseph Giltinan was one of Australia's great entrepreneurs of the early 1900s, and the man most responsible for creating a unique link between one of the most confrontational football codes in the world and the beauty of sailing.
Posted on 25 May
Records smashed at SCIBS 2025
Officially the Largest Ever Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show Massive crowds enjoyed a spectacular 36th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show with a record number of boats delivering an unsurpassed display of marine innovation, luxury and lifestyle.
Posted on 25 May