Arnoldo Samaniego, President and Executive Director of GEMSA Photo by Seeta T. Shaw Roath

The subject of real estate in Panama covers first-home and second-home purchases for retired Americans, Europeans, and Latin Americans. It also includes young people looking to invest in a home where they can have all the opportunities of a first world country, yet enjoy the benefits of a natural rainforest paradise, and pay less than 40 percent of what would otherwise be needed in property purchasing and living expenses. They may be looking for a relaxing mountain home, an affordable high-rise apartment with views of the Pacific ocean, mountain peaks or rainforests, or all of it at once.

In the purchase of first and second homes, Altos del Maria offers an ideal location. Situated 1600 feet above sea level, the area is less than 90 minutes from Panama City. It is a country-style, residential, gated community covering over 6000 acres of green mountain slopes with waterfalls, large trees, and an abundance of tropical flora. With relatively low humidity, the average daily temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, though it is much cooler at night.

This small mountain community of international citizens is gradually growing, with the potential for perhaps a tenfold size, as thousands of lots remain. Altos del Maria is Grupo Melo’s third residential gated community. Other such communities are Los Altos de Cerro Azul and Aires del Gaital.

Altos Del Maria offers mountain homes just 90 minutes away from Panama City. Photo by Seeta T. Shaw Roath

There are also opportunities for multinational corporations to invest in commercial and industrial world class business ventures as has been demonstrated by Caterpillar, Dell, Maersk, and DHL. There are numerous opportunities for such ventures in Panama.

The Panama-Pacific Special Economic Area (AEP) is using private-public partnerships to develop the former Howard U.S. Air Force Base, which has substantial real estate assets as well as modern infrastructure.

The main characteristics of the infrastructure inherited from Howard include logistics and telecommunications systems that are of international standards. An airport with a 2,591meter x 45 meter runway and passenger terminal; a fiber optic ring of telecommunications with access to the main submarine fiber optic cables; office buildings; over 700 residential units; schools; a gym; and a theater are among some of the items inherited.

Photo by Seeta T. Shaw Roath

Photo by Seeta T. Shaw Roath

Some of the best investment opportunities at AEP include the establishment of light manufacturing, such as assembly plants related to electronic business, storage, and logistics businesses dealing with trade and traffic to and from the Pacific coast; the development of companies specializing in information, communications, and technology, such as call and Internet data centers; and residential possibilities.

“Futuro Forestal offers investment opportunities in a sustainable forest management project. Investors from around the world can invest in a high yield tropical forest while fostering ecological and social development in Panama. We believe in balancing nature with business,” said Andreas Eke, the Director of Futuro Forestal.

The Reforestation Visa of Panama enables foreign investors to acquire permanent residency in Panama upon investing a minimum of $40,000 (U.S.) in reforestation. 

“Investment in Panama is benefiting from low crime rates, excellent incentives for retirees, favorable investment laws for local and international investors in all sectors, including foreign source income not being taxable, together with the natural beauty and ethnic diversity of Panama,” pointed out Arnoldo Samaniego, President and Executive Director of GEMSA, a local bank which facilitates banking services at no cost to investors.