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I posted this question on brotherjohnf's question forum and it was suggested that I also ask the people frequenting the forum if they have any personal experience with being an expatriot or how to go about getting a passport, citizenship, living in a foriegn country, etc., without going broke. LOL Any info you may have that may be helpful would be appreciated.

Maybe I should just pay for an online membership to a dating service and marry someone from a desireable country! If memory serves me, I believe I've heard that if I marry someone from a different country that I automatically become a citizen of that country too. Is this correct? If so, maybe this would be the cheapest and quickest way to go. On the other hand, getting married entails its own set of problems...I know....I'm divorced and don't want to go thru that again!

Here's a copy of the previous question I posted on brotherjohnf's question forum along with the answers.


Questions relating to expatriating and countries to seriously consider, etc.

Today, 09:31 PM

Post: #1

Mark777
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Posts: 46
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prova1

Questions relating to expatriating and countries to seriously consider, etc.
Every now and then on sites related to gold, silver, monetary issues information is given about expatriating to a different country other than say the US to wait out the coming mess. I've looked into different countries just a little such as Panama, Uruguay, Chile, Thailand, Singapore, etc...

I've found out that Panama is probably the cheapest place to retire and have better tasting lobster than Thailand. LOL Panama also uses the USD...don't know if that's a positive but also the language is english. Uruguay is spanish and a little more expensive. Belize speaks english and a little more expensive yet.

Have you personally done any research such as this? Can you explain what an expatriot is and the benefits and downsides of it? Any favorite countries you may consider or recommend? What about sources who may be able to help me with expatriation, passport, finding an ideal place, transporting your silver and wealth to a different country without charging an arm and a leg, any websites that have personal question and answer studies to help determine a person's ideal country/place to live, etc., that you know about or have come across?

I've never been outside the US except for brief excursions into Mexico and Canada. I'm not particullarly wealthy to visit a number of countries to find out which I like the best. My best shot I think in determining the best place for me is to do a bunch of research online. Because when the SHTF and I don't think it will be long from now it will be too late to hop on a plane or boat to escape.

I just want to know my options at this point as much as possible and have things settled in my mind when this stuff comes down. I'm not really ready to retire yet either as I'm only 52...but maybe living in a place like Panama would be a better place than the US when all this happens even if I won't have a job there......

This county's leadership currently in the White House and the congress, courts, financial institutions are killing ANY hope of recovery and only making things much worse--nobody can or wants to make the tough decisions that are sorely needed--which means we have NO leadership in this country FOR THE PEOPLE. I'm really SICK of it. My ancestors would've never come here under these conditions that's for sure.... So I'm keeping my options open....there has to be a country much better than the US at all the above points....at least I'm hoping!

Today, 10:11 PM (This post was last modified: Today 10:38 PM by agsilverbear.)

Post: #2

agsilverbear
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Posts: 176
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prova1

RE: Questions relating to expatriating and countries to seriously consider, etc.

We haven't really studied it that much since we are in no position to leave as things stand now. Jeff Berwick of Dollar Vigilante has a program to get /Residency/Citizenship/Passort from the Dominican Republic. It looks doable for people with more modest incomes (not millionaires) like us. My family could actually swing this! Here's the link to this program on his site: The Dollar Vigilante

THE PROCESS

There are 3 steps to get a DR passport... and if you don't want a passport but only want residency then you can stop at steps 1 or 2.

STEP ONE - PROVISIONAL RESIDENCY

Cost: $2,795 USD. A $150 USD discount is offered to Dollar Vigilante subscribers. Group discounts: If applying 2-4 people $100 USD discount for each additional person. (First person will pay full price). If applying 5 people or more $150 discount is applied for all persons including the first one.

An appointment is made for you in Santo Domingo and our concierge will pick you up at your hotel and take you to various government offices as well as to get a medical exam (checking for illegal drug usage, AIDS and tuberculosis via urine sample, blood sample and chest x-ray) throughout the day to complete the application - total time - approx. 1 Day
Documents needed will be an original birth certificate (you will not receive this back so order a few copies as you'll need it again for permanent residency and passport), a police letter of good conduct from your current residency or place of citizenship and proof of solvency (proof you have more than RD$500,000 - $15,000 USD). Both documents needs to be translated into spanish and apostilled by the nearest Dominican Republic consulate.
If all is completed and approved then we will drop you off at your hotel
You will then need to return 60-90 days later to receive your Provisional Residency document and Cedula card (national ID card)
Provisional Residency is only good for one year. After that year if you wish to continue then you will need to return again a year later to apply for Permanent Residency (see below)

DOCUMENTS NEEDED

(a) Original birth certificate, duly Apostilled by the applicant's country of birth competent authority or authenticated at his country of birth's nearest Dominican Consulate. Also needed is a Spanish translated version apostilled by the nearest Dominican Republic consulate.

(b) Original marriage certificate, if the spouses are applying together; duly Apostilled by the applicants' country of marriage competent authority or authenticated at the country of marriage nearest Dominican Consulate. Also needed is a Spanish translated version apostilled by the nearest Dominican Republic consulate.

© Passport

(d) Pictures (2" x 2"): 4 front and 4 profile, white background required, accessories such as earrings or sunglasses not allowed).

(e) A certificate of no criminal record from the authorities in the applicant's country of origin (US citizens must apply with the FBI CLICK HERE) or, if the applicant has been residing outside his country of origin for five years or more, from the authorities in the applicant's country of residence. The certificate should be Apostilled in the country where it was issued or authenticated at the Dominican Consulate nearest to the place of issue of the document. Also needed is a Spanish translated version apostilled by the nearest Dominican Republic consulate.

A note about legalization of documents, please remember the following rules:

a) PLACE: Documents must be apostilled or legalized in the country where they were issued.

b) APOSTILLE: Documents from countries that are members to the Hague Convention - Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents- must be apostilled, except by Germany, Belgium, Austria and the Netherlands.

c) CONSULAR LEGALIZATION: Documents from countries that are not members to the Hague Convention must be legalized in the Dominican Consulate where issued. This is also the case for Germany, Belgium, Austria and the Netherlands.

d) TRANSLATIONS: Translations done abroad require their own legalization/translation.

STEP TWO - PERMANENT RESIDENCY

Cost: $2,495 USD. A $150 USD discount is offered to Dollar Vigilante subscribers. Group discounts: If applying 2-4 people $100 USD discount for each additional person. (First person will pay full price). If applying 5 people or more $150 discount is applied for all persons including the first one.

You will be sent a reminder by us a few months prior to the expiration of your Provisional Residency to see if you would like to apply for a permanent residency and we will again set-up an appointment time
The exact same process as above will again be done
You will again have to return 60-90 days later to pick up your Permanent Residency card and new Cedula
This permanent residency card is good for two years
At the end of the two years you are now eligible to apply for citizenship and a passport (see below)

STEP THREE - CITIZENSHIP/PASSPORT

Cost: $3,995 USD. A $150 USD discount is offered to Dollar Vigilante subscribers. Group discounts: If applying 2-4 people $100 USD discount for each additional person. (First person will pay full price). If applying 5 people or more $150 discount is applied for all persons including the first one.

You will be sent a reminder by us a few months prior to the end of your two year Permanent Residency to see if you would like to apply for citizenship and a passport
If so, we will then set-up an appointment time in Santo Domingo
Similar processes as you did for your provisional and permanent residency will be undertaken
This time, however, you will need to return 2-3 months later for an "interview". The interview is conducted in Spanish and asks basic historical facts about the DR such as naming the major cities and airports, when the constitution was signed. We can coach you on and give you the answers prior to the interview. You will just need to memorize some basic facts - learning rudimentary Spanish helps as well
After the interview you need to attend a once-a-month swearing in ceremony. After that ceremony you are a citizen.
You can then apply for a passport (which we will help you do). It only takes one day to get a passport.

TOTAL COST IN TIME AND MONEY FROM START TO FINISH

TIMELINE

1. Provisional Residency:

a) Process time: 6 months after we deposit your file at the Migration Department.

b) Valid for: 1 year.

c) Number of trips: 2.

2. Permanent Residency:

a) Process time: 6 months after we deposit your file at the Migration Department.

b) Valid for: 2 year.

c) Number of trips: 2.

3. Citizenship:

a) Process time: 8 to 10 months after we deposit your file at the Ministry of Interior.

b) Valid for: Lifetime (but must renew personal documents when required, approximately every 4 years; the renewal process is simpler and can be done in 1 day).

c) Number of trips: 3.


It will take a total of about three and a half years from start to finish to get a passport. From beginning to end you will need to visit the DR a total of 6 times (once to apply for each document and once to pick up each document). Each time you will stay 1 or 2 nights in Santo Domingo in a hotel of your choice.

An average return flight from NYC to Santo Domingo is $400. An average good quality hotel in Santo Domingo is about $120/night. Therefore your total costs over three and a half years to get a DR passport will be:

- Provisional Residency, $2,795

- Permanent Residency, $2,495

- Passport, $3,995

- Six return flights from NYC, $2,400

- Six nights in hotel, $720

Total: $12,405

And, if you are a Dollar Vigilante subscriber you will save a total of $450, making the total only $11,955 - just make sure to let us know you are a subscriber at the time of your application.

For this price you can potentially structure your life to pay $0 in taxes and have a second citizenship and passport with little or no fuss. You do nothing but just show up and our concierge takes you to each government department necessary. No confusion. No mix-ups. Peace of mind.

Today, 10:35 PM

Post: #3

agsilverbear
Girl Friday

Posts: 176
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prova1

RE: Questions relating to expatriating and countries to seriously consider, etc.
There are some other organizations you can check out, Mark. John's forum regularly covers articles written by Jeff Berwick (The Dollar Vigilante) and Doug Casey's and Simon Black's organizations. They can also provide information on how to transfer investments abroad. (Links below). Hopefully, there is someone on the forum who is an expat and can speak from experience. Or has studied the topic in depth.

International Man (Doug Casey's organization)

Sovereign Man (Simon Black)

I usually go through "view new posts" so I have to pay more attention to what sub-forum it's in. LOL. Sorry didn't mean to reply on Questions for Brother John..

(03-17-2012 12:33 AM)agsilverbear Wrote: [ -> ]I usually go through "view new posts" so I have to pay more attention to what sub-forum it's in. LOL. Sorry didn't mean to reply on Questions for Brother John..

That is quite alright! You had great info and were very helpful.

Personal question here....are you brotherjohnf's wife? LOL That's what I was thinking for some reason even prior to this latest question on expatriating.

(03-17-2012 12:40 AM)Mark777 Wrote: [ -> ]

(03-17-2012 12:33 AM)agsilverbear Wrote: [ -> ]I usually go through "view new posts" so I have to pay more attention to what sub-forum it's in. LOL. Sorry didn't mean to reply on Questions for Brother John..

That is quite alright! You had great info and were very helpful.

Personal question here....are you brotherjohnf's wife? LOL That's what I was thinking for some reason even prior to this latest question on expatriating.

Now what could possibly give you that idea?

Well, I have not read anywhere that you are his wife. Last nite I came across a post of yours mentioning you and John or something similar. So I am going to assume that you're his wife!

Good morning, Mark. Here's an article about expatriation you might like:

http://sovereign-investor.com/2012/03/16...u-s-taxes/

Good afternoon and thanks for the link.

I must feel like my ancestors when they were deciding whether or not to come the the US. It's gut wrenching, but I hate the thought of being a debt slave or anyone's slave--except for JC of course.

It wouldn't be so BAD if I knew it was just an unfortunate circumstance that the US is over it's head in debt. However, the US just keeps spending like an extremely drunken sailor on steroids.

The inept leaders of the US don't give a damn about the people or the generations to come. They keep stealing our already earned income by stealthy printing money thereby making our money worth less so they can pay for all their insane programs....

I did read that article from Dollar Vigilante about a month or two ago and it sort of took all the wind out of my sails. What about Argentina? There are a lot of expats moving there, but what if you just want to buy a house there, or an apartment, or something and then you can just fly there if things get out of control here? How long are you allowed to stay in the country? Sorry if these are stupid quesions, but I really was curious. Would my husband, child and I all have to go through the daunting process of getting a citzenship there? Is it the same process as the Dominican Republic?

(03-18-2012 03:09 PM)Honey Wrote: [ -> ]I did read that article from Dollar Vigilante about a month or two ago and it sort of took all the wind out of my sails. What about Argentina? There are a lot of expats moving there, but what if you just want to buy a house there, or an apartment, or something and then you can just fly there if things get out of control here? How long are you allowed to stay in the country? Sorry if these are stupid quesions, but I really was curious. Would my husband, child and I all have to go through the daunting process of getting a citzenship there? Is it the same process as the Dominican Republic?

I don't know. I'm just learning about this myself. The Dominican Republic things sounds like a lot of flying back and forth. I think I would maybe prefer getting on a plane once and landing once and staying until I can get citizenship in that country. I think Urugauy is like this but not sure. The thing about Uruguay though is it's way far away from the US....I was thinking it was at the top of South America--it's not--it's below Brazil and right next to Argentina.

Also, I don't know if you can just stay in the Dominican Republic or not all the while...you have to do something with the authorities before a year is up....

I also am thinking about Panama, Chile, and Belize. I was thinking I would like Thailand because I think I really like the people...but their lobster isn't the greatest...LOL...and they eat a lot of rough fish....I don't like rough fish!

I know, it's so easy to say, "That's it, I'm leaving the country". Yet, when I consider the time, money, and bureaucracies you have to deal with it deflates my hopes a lot. I mean, WWIII could come and go, or a totalitarian dictatorship could come and go before you can fill out all the paperwork required. I heard on a video interview with Jeff Berwick that he has started a new program with a European country where an American can get citizenship within one year. I'd bet it's not cheap. I'll see if I can find the video.

(03-18-2012 03:22 PM)agsilverbear Wrote: [ -> ]I know, it's so easy to say, "That's it, I'm leaving the country". Yet, when I consider the time, money, and bureaucracies you have to deal with it deflates my hopes a lot. I mean, WWIII could come and go, or a totalitarian dictatorship could come and go before you can fill out all the paperwork required. I heard on a video interview with Jeff Berwick that he has started a new program with a European country where an American can get citizenship within one year. I'd bet it's not cheap. I'll see if I can find the video.

Thanks. I have started a list and I guess the first thing would be to get a passport. I had one but it has expired. I would recommend everyone update their passports so at least you can get out of the US to somewhere else and then worry about where to go next. Here is the ultimate question. If it gets bad enough here.. it will get bad almost everywhere. At least here, I know the territory, customs, language and environment. I would be a little freaked to be in a foreign country and also considered a "foreigner" in that country. Would that put a target on my back there? So many things to think about. This is why I keep going back to the private island thing... Wow... I wish I could win the lottery! Obviously Mark should put "lobster traps" on his list..

LOL As far as lobster traps....I've thought what am I going to do for work because I'm not ready to retire yet...one thought that came to me is becoming a lobster guy...getting a boat and traps, etc... I might be able to get a truck driving job because that is what I do now. I won't have to drive too far in the Dominican Republic. LOL But I read that they are doing quite a bit of gold mining on that island so there has to be some trucking.

I think I've read that Belgium or Norway have good programs for expats. I know Norway is in good shape financially....oddly, that's where one line of my ancestors "escaped" from to come to the US.
However, Europe is really not one of the areas I think I would want to move to. I think if there's a NUKE war--Europe will get hit for sure.

Honey, I don't know anything about passports either. Do they cost a lot? Can you use them to go anywhere? What's the process to getting one?

(03-18-2012 07:03 PM)Mark777 Wrote: [ -> ]Honey, I don't know anything about passports either. Do they cost a lot? Can you use them to go anywhere? What's the process to getting one?

You can go to the post office and apply for one. I believe you fill out the form with all your personal information, show them your ID. They take picture and then send it in and a week or two later you get it. I would guess between $30 to $60. A very simple process. But to have one ready in case you need to leave would be a good idea.

You cannot enter most (all?) countries without it. It used to be that if you went to Canada or Mexico and had a US drivers license, you could go.. and come back into the US without much problem. I haven't left the country in years..and I don't think it is that simple anymore. At least with a passport, you can enter a country and get back in the US. You can't without one.

I've recently read a story of people getting into Canada without a passport but couldn't get back in the US without one. LOL

One of my aunts was born up in Canada a long time ago....she had a hard time getting past the border. Seems like they'll let ya in real easy but getting out is completely different.

I'm going to take your advice and check into getting a passport! Thanks.

(03-18-2012 05:03 PM)Honey Wrote: [ -> ]

(03-18-2012 03:22 PM)agsilverbear Wrote: [ -> ]I know, it's so easy to say, "That's it, I'm leaving the country". Yet, when I consider the time, money, and bureaucracies you have to deal with it deflates my hopes a lot. I mean, WWIII could come and go, or a totalitarian dictatorship could come and go before you can fill out all the paperwork required. I heard on a video interview with Jeff Berwick that he has started a new program with a European country where an American can get citizenship within one year. I'd bet it's not cheap. I'll see if I can find the video.

Thanks. I have started a list and I guess the first thing would be to get a passport. I had one but it has expired. I would recommend everyone update their passports so at least you can get out of the US to somewhere else and then worry about where to go next. Here is the ultimate question. If it gets bad enough here.. it will get bad almost everywhere. At least here, I know the territory, customs, language and environment. I would be a little freaked to be in a foreign country and also considered a "foreigner" in that country. Would that put a target on my back there? So many things to think about. This is why I keep going back to the private island thing... Wow... I wish I could win the lottery! Obviously Mark should put "lobster traps" on his list..

Ours are expired, too. So we need to take care of that and get multiple copies of our Birth Certificates, and get Rosetta Stone Spanish? I think I'm too old and tired to learn Mandarin, or any Asian language so Asia may be out of the question. Plus, I don't like Asian architecture. I think I'd rather live in the Caribbean or south America. Australia or NZ would be nice.

My thoughts are that less developed countries won't be as Big Brother hi-tech surveillance like the US or Europe. Although I read India is beginning a program to get retinal scans from all of it's citizens. The South Pole, anyone?

anywhere in south america is my plan..

Looks a lot easier in Argentina!

Link: http://www.argentinaresidency.com/servic...sports.htm

(03-19-2012 07:32 AM)Honey Wrote: [ -> ]Looks a lot easier in Argentina!

Link: http://www.argentinaresidency.com/servic...sports.htm

The hardest part for me would be speaking spanish fluently. Oh boy. Other than that I think the Argentinian process is very similar to Urugauy's process....maybe you don't have to speak spanish "fluently" but be able to get by. Not sure though. I like the not having to fly back and forth multiple times though!

Regarding the South Pole as a possibility...has anyone ever heard of the hollow earth theory and Admiral Byrd's voyage? Here is a link to read his log book...need to scroll down a bit to get to it. According to his log book entries....the South Pole is inhabited....and has beautiful women!

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread169564/pg1

I've read similar stories about the North Pole also.

I considered this for a long time personally. We chose Alaska. I know it isn't "out of country", but it kind of is. The one thing I like about AK, is no Local/State income Tax, no sales tax in certain areas, and also no property tax in certain areas. Once you become an Alaska Resident, you get some really cool perks, PFD (Permanent Fund Dividend), The ability to do homesteading/staking, The ability to buy remote land, for <1,000/acre, etc.....

This a long with the whole 1 person/sq mile was the reason that we found Alaska to be the place for us. That being said, if you don't like the cold, it isn't for you. If you aren't a person who can survive without the modern ammenities, it isn't for you. I would compare it to living in the most rural parts of the midwest, and even then they may have more modern ammenities than we do. There is a fairly healthy population in Alaska, that lives off the grid, and has no problem doing it. Many of them live in RV's/Campers, and drive from park to park. A guy I work with, is doing that now. Has a great job, makes great money, but doesn't want to live on the grid. He has an RV/Camper and a Motorcycle. In the summer he parks his RV and rides his motorcycle. In the winter he drives his RV Everywhere.

I have lived abroad beofre, albeit in the millitary, but I can tell you it isn't what it is cracked up to be. The biggest issue being TAXES. Most foreign countries tax VERY high. I can tell you Chile is 40% income tax, and 19% VAT....That is 59% of all money you earn/spend going to taxes.

If you want to move abroad, pick some countries you think are the place for you, and do your homework. Also assuming that you are taking 0 personal belongings except clothes, and things you can get into Checked Baggage at the airlines? It cost my wife and I $13,000 to ship our household good from Ohio to Alaska. $4,000 per car. Then we also have pets, 3 dogs, Each dog is between 400-1200 dollars depending on who you use to ship the dog. Some countries/states (Hawaii) will make you kennel your dog for 30 days, before they will allow it to live with you, that is your expense. Kenneling a dog is ~50 bucks a day for math sake, which is an extra $1500 you need to shell out.

BTW, Argentina is a 35% tax rate and 21% VAT Rate (27% for Electricity, Gas, Telecommunications, etc... 10% for Food Items). Argentina also has a Personal Wealth Tax, FWIW. If you don't work in Argentina, you would still have to pay their income tax, since it is taxed on all monies gained in or out of the country.

35% tax in Argentina is taxed on 120,001 ARS, which is $27,5k dollars today. Hope your 401k/retirment isn't paying you 27k per year

You would be taxed very heavily in ANY South American country though.

Wow. Somehow I just overlooked checking into taxes. Thanks for bringing it up though. I've thought about Alaska before and was told living up there is much more expensive than living in say Wisconsin....and it gets COLDER up there than in Wisconsin. I love nature, clean rivers, salmon, etc....but the COLD and expensive kills it for me.

I just did a quick look into taxes in Panama, Uruguay, and Belize. Panama seems to be by FAR the best and has NO VAT! I'm not sure how HOT it gets in Panama...LOL...I'm from Wisconsin so I don't know if I could handle the heat....I do like it cooler like in the low to mid 70's..... oh, well.

http://internationalliving.com/countries/panama/taxes/

http://www.panamalaw.org/panama_taxes.html

Uruguay--I believe I've read that their year round weather is moderate....it does get a little cold there in winter but NOT as cold as Wisconsin.

http://www.escapeartist.com/Special_Repo...Tax-Rules/

Belize--they speak english, but it's not as cheap there as Panama and Panama also speaks english...

http://www.lowtax.net/lowtax/html/jbzpetx.html

Panama has a 5% VAT:

Quote:Many consumer services and goods are subject to a 5% value added tax. Alcoholic beverages have a 10% tax rate and cigarettes have a 15% tax rate. The following items are exempt from VAT: Food (except restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages which are taxed), medicine and medical services, and house rentals with contract period of more than six months. House rentals with contract periods less than six months are subject to VAT.

VAT Registration – Registration for VAT is compulsory for businesses with monthly turnover exceeding USD 3,000 or annual turnover of USD 36,000.

Filing and VAT payment – VAT returns must be filed monthly.

Alaska being expensive.....I guess so. I got used to it pretty quickly, it isn't as large as you would think. Gasoline is $4.10 as of this morning. Local food, is what a lot of stores sell, so it offsets the cost of shipping a lot of items. We have all the box stores, Walmart, Kroger (Fred Meyer), Safeway (Carrs), Costco, and Sams Club. That tends to keep prices in pretty good check.

Nat. Gas is pretty cheap up here, and we are building a new Nat. Gas Pipline coming up here soon, that will carry liquified Natural Gas from the North Slope or Fairbanks to Valdez. Also, almost every home has a wood burning stove. I have a Blaze King, and my furnace went barely used this winter. So my gas bill was only for my heated garage and hot water heater (tankless).

It does get colder than Wisconsin, but not by much, although it depends on where you live. If you live in the interior, then in the winter you will see -50 or colder temps. If you live in South Central AK (Anchorage, Mat-Su, Seward, Kenai) there are spells where it gets to -20 or -30 at night. Then again, when it is that cold, you just don't go out much, or you plan your trips. If you live in Southeast (Juneau, Ketchikan, etc...) they spend most of their winter around teens to 30's.

It all balances out in the end. You are going to have to pay at some point, regardless. We love it up here, never going back to the Lower 48, if we don't have to.

Belize Taxes = Flat Rate 25% for everyone. VAT is 10%, except on a few things.

Uraguay Taxes = Progressive to 25%. VAT is 22%, except on essential medicines and goods, which are 10%.

Those are cheaper than some other places you have listed, but still put you into the 30% or higher combined taxes. Some of these places also have inheritance taxes, etc...

http://www.taxrates.cc/ has a good comprehensive list of all the CURRENT tax codes for each country.

"Panama has a 5% VAT:


Quote:Many consumer services and goods are subject to a 5% value added tax. Alcoholic beverages have a 10% tax rate and cigarettes have a 15% tax rate. The following items are exempt from VAT: Food (except restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages which are taxed), medicine and medical services, and house rentals with contract period of more than six months. House rentals with contract periods less than six months are subject to VAT.

VAT Registration – Registration for VAT is compulsory for businesses with monthly turnover exceeding USD 3,000 or annual turnover of USD 36,000.

Filing and VAT payment – VAT returns must be filed monthly."

I don't know what source the above info came from...perhaps you could list the link?




http://www.panamalaw.org/panama_taxes.html
Panama Sales Tax – Panama sales tax is 5%. Panama does not have a VAT tax. Panama does not have these excessive import duties like one encounters in the Caribbean so called tax havens where there is no income tax at all on any income onshore or offshore. These import duties can drive the price of an appliance like a television into the over $1000 range for a simple 25 inch non-plasma TV.

Panama Taxes Summary – In general you will be tax free in Panama unless you operate a business inside of Panama with Panamanian customers or have a regular job in Panama. Panama is a true tax haven.

I think the other link I gave for Panama corroborates the above link on taxes in general and maybe the VAT too. I don't know if the information is up to date though.

(03-19-2012 02:08 PM)Mark777 Wrote: [ -> ]"Panama has a 5% VAT:


Quote:Many consumer services and goods are subject to a 5% value added tax. Alcoholic beverages have a 10% tax rate and cigarettes have a 15% tax rate. The following items are exempt from VAT: Food (except restaurants that serve alcoholic beverages which are taxed), medicine and medical services, and house rentals with contract period of more than six months. House rentals with contract periods less than six months are subject to VAT.

VAT Registration – Registration for VAT is compulsory for businesses with monthly turnover exceeding USD 3,000 or annual turnover of USD 36,000.

Filing and VAT payment – VAT returns must be filed monthly."

I don't know what source the above info came from...perhaps you could list the link?




http://www.panamalaw.org/panama_taxes.html
Panama Sales Tax – Panama sales tax is 5%. Panama does not have a VAT tax. Panama does not have these excessive import duties like one encounters in the Caribbean so called tax havens where there is no income tax at all on any income onshore or offshore. These import duties can drive the price of an appliance like a television into the over $1000 range for a simple 25 inch non-plasma TV.

Panama Taxes Summary – In general you will be tax free in Panama unless you operate a business inside of Panama with Panamanian customers or have a regular job in Panama. Panama is a true tax haven.

I think the other link I gave for Panama corroborates the above link on taxes in general and maybe the VAT too. I don't know if the information is up to date though.

I gave you the link http://www.taxrates.cc they compile tax laws from all countries, that are up to date as of 2012.

I guess honestly it depends on what is important to a person when you relocate. If warm weather is important to you, then obviously places in the US don't make very much sense to you, since all of the "escapes" are generally in cold climates.

Should also tell you something though, people in cold climates are generally more prepared for disasters, and better planners.