Choosing paradise: comparing residencies in Panama and New Zealand

One of my favorite things about writing for Mundo is the ability to grasp the financial and investment residency scenery at a global level. The opportunities out there are many, and getting to know each one of them is exciting, especially from a writer's perspective.

What is the best residency for the global entrepreneur? What to choose when looking for a safe haven where to develop one’s projects? Comparing residencies thus becomes a healthy practice, especially if you want to understand the pros and cons of each jurisdiction and which of their aspects will be beneficial for you. Here is Mundo’s Panama vs New Zealand comparison. 

Choosing the best place to live and do business

The first thing that we need to understand is that these are two different characteristics. The best place to live is not necessarily the one with the best advantages for your company, however, we often find these two features combined.

Beyond personal tastes, considering that each person has his/her own lifestyle preferences, business-friendly countries usually offer attractive residency environments. Business brings money, money brings opportunities, and opportunities generate activities of all kinds. Thus, there’s a healthy cycle in which the country’s economy enables the possibility of enjoying certain treats or luxuries. 

When comparing residencies, the lifestyle factor must be present, especially if we’re talking about a life-changing decision. 

Panama vs New Zealand lifestyle

Economy and stability

While both countries are very similar in this aspect, Panama has the edge. New Zealand has a strong currency which, at the time of writing, maintains a healthy 1:1,75 ratio with the US dollar. Nonetheless, Panama’s currency is pegged to the American currency which is an important factor when deciding what is the best residency. 

Location

Panama also wins this round in the Panama vs New Zealand contest. One needs to only look at a map to realize what I mean. Located at a very southern point and way deep into the east, New Zealand is not at easy reach. From there it will be easy to access China, Vanuatu, and Eastern hubs like Japan, Hong Kong, or South Korea. However, other points on the map become too isolated. Think of the US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and the Caribbean. You can travel to New Zealand from every corner of the world, but the question is how much you spend and how long it takes to get there. Panama, on the other hand, is close to Cancun, Miami, New York, Puerto Rico, and South America.

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Culture and Entertainment 

This round is a tie in the Panama vs New Zealand race. When choosing the best place to live as a global entrepreneur, we must consider the kind of lifestyle that we want. Both in New Zealand and in Panama there are amazing cultural and entertainment alternatives as well as impressive landscapes and beaches. But there’s a key difference: travel to New Zealand and you’ll enjoy many things except for the warm tropical weather and transparent waters of the Caribbean. On the other hand, New Zealand’ official language is English which gives it at least two extra points. 

Business and taxes

When comparing residencies, one cannot forget about business policies and tax regimes. In this sense, Panama’s territorial taxation is hard to beat. 

Comparing residencies: Panama vs New Zealand

Now here is the best part of our article, the one where we take a look at the residency requirements per se. Here is a simple yet clear chart comparing residencies: Panama vs New Zealand. 

New Zealand entrepreneur residency: 6 months 

Investment: 500,000 NZD (291,400 USD at the time of writing) 

Requirements: creation of at least three full-time jobs

Panama qualified investor: permanent visa 

Investment: 300,000 USD

Requirements: Real estate investment and the typical due diligence processes

New Zealand: two years

Requirements: self-employment and benefits to the country

Panama friendly nations through company formation: two years (with the possibility of getting permanent residency after this period)

Investment/expenses: 23,000USD

Requirements: self-employment and keeping all the legal aspects straight for as long as the company is registered

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Panama’s and New Zealand’s lifestyle and residency programs. Before making any important financial or life-changing decisions, please consult with a certified professional and run a thorough analysis of what is the best residency for your particular case. 

Why choose Mundo for your Panama vs New Zealand decision

At Mundo, we have reliable partners, lawyers, and agents from both jurisdictions, and we can help you find the best place to live and conduct business. Also, ask us about our real estate options in Panama so that you can own your home even before you move into Panama. 

Lastly, Panama has a wide variety of alternatives when it comes to comparing residencies. Thus, you’ll be able to choose from the pensionado visa, the friendly nations, the reforestation visa, and the qualified investor program. Do you want to know more about each of them? Ask our experts!

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