2 Retire In Panama? NEWSLETTER 
May 24, 2021 Volume 35
On Wednesday...
...Jen and I will be heading to the United States. When we settled in Panama we figured that we would be making a couple of trips per year to the states, but COVID has had an unbelievable effect on all of our travel. This trip is part business and part pleasure. It has been quite some time since we have had the opportunity to see our kids and grandkids in person. We hope to see all of them and my parents, as well as at least one of Jen's brothers and my sister. Jen has a business meeting in Michigan, and we are making a real estate purchase in Florida.
The decision to purchase a condo in Florida is 100% investment motivated. The current economic atmosphere had us feeling like we needed to take a little money out of the market and buy a hard asset. The opportunity presented itself and we went for it. Our new condo is near my dad and will help us to have a permanent address from which to vote as well as provide rental income. It will also be a possible place to stay when visiting in the states. At the end of the day it provides an escape plan should we have to move back. Currently moving back is not an option. We both agree that we have the best possible life, for us, in Panama.
While we are in the states we plan to get our COVID shots, therefore the next few newsletters will be from on the road. Our trip has been rapidly put together, and looks to be very busy. I hope to share some of our travel escapades. They should prove to be entertaining.
Jen and I...
...are preparing for our travel by going to the San Fernando clinic to get our COVID test today. The test is now required to travel into the United States. We are hopeful that by getting the vaccinations we will avoid having to take future tests. I am sure, though, that we will still be required to have a negative test to return to Panama despite the quickly declining incident rates being reported in the local news. We will also get haircuts and Jen is getting a manicure and pedicure today. The cost of these services is much lower here than in the states.
Last Monday...
...PanaTimes reported that Panama recorded its second consecutive day without deaths from COVID-19. MINSA also reported only 268 new cases nationwide. Read the entire story here.
A decree last Thursday...
...announced upcoming changes to the Friendly Nations Visa program. The biggest of the changes is that applicants will no longer get immediate permanent residency. Applicants will be given temporary residency for 2 years before they may apply for permanent residency. It also appears that to qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa applicants must make a $200,000 investment in Panama. This is huge for anyone who is planning to rent for a year prior to purchasing a home. As I understand it, applicants may also be eligible if they accept employment from or establish a Panamanian corporation. Establishing a Panamanian corporation will require a minimum investment of $150,000. I encourage anyone who is contemplating this visa, or have one in the process, to contact their immigration attorney immediatly to learn how they may be affected.
Coronado Bible Church...
...will continue to have in person Sunday services at 8:30am and 10:30am as we move forward in the new normal. The health protocols will be in place at the church, and everyone is asked to register in advance for the worship services. The registration link will give times and describe the health protocols and what must be done by attendees who intend to be with us in person. Join us in person, by YouTube, or on Facebook.
On June 1st the church has another picnic planned at Word of Life Camp. The last one was well attended and enjoyed by the entire community of faith, as well as several invited guests. Jen and I will not be able to attend, but for anyone in Coronado it is a great time for Sunday afternoon and evening. A camp fire is planned and the food will be awesome. Let Sue or Jon know before Wednesday, if you plan to be there so the food can be planned. The camp serves the meal and a $4.00 donation per person covers the cost of food. It is always nice put in a little extra to benefit the camp.
On Saturday night...
...we gathered to celebrate Mitzi's birthday at Las Bovedas. The celebration was a surprise and Matt, her husband, pulled it off in grand style. Mitzi deserved nothing less. She is always there for anyone who needs a translator, help with a rental or other real estate need. She has been a life-saver for us on more than one occassion. Matt managed to get 10 friends, Mitzi's sister, and her niece there without Mitzi expecting a thing. We had a great time singing karaoke and enjoying some great Asian Fusion food.
This week's fan photos...
...are my fabulous wife Jen and my dad's fabulous wife Renee. They are both celebrating birthday's later this week. Birthday celebrations are planned for the weekend and I will share pictures next week. Our travel plans make it possible for an in person celebration. There are still a few copies of my book left that I had shipped to Panama. Including the shipping, these paperback books will cost $12. I would be happy to get a copy to you once we return.
I love getting original fan photos, so if you are willing, and can share a fan photo with me it would be greatly appreciated. It will appear in an upcoming newsletter.
It would also mean a lot to me if those of you who haven't, would go to Amazon or Goodreads and leave a review. This makes my book easier for people to find.
You can get a copy of my book by clicking the link here, or the link on the blog. It is exclusively available on Amazon or Kindle. Kindle Unlimited subscribers read it free.
Blessings from paradise,
Greg
