If I want to live in Mexico, what’s the difference between citizenship and residency?
Juan Eufracio Marquez Flores - LM&A Immigration and Legal Services
The difference between Mexican citizenship and permanent residency is that with citizenship the person has the right to vote, and has the right to have a passport. With only a residency, the person cannot vote, and cannot have a passport.
Other than that it’s basically the same. They don’t have to deal with immigration. The permanent residency foreigners who have that status don’t have to worry about renewing every year. They...
The difference between Mexican citizenship and permanent residency is that with citizenship the person has the right to vote, and has the right to have a passport. With only a residency, the person cannot vote, and cannot have a passport.
Other than that it’s basically the same. They don’t have to deal with immigration. The permanent residency foreigners who have that status don’t have to worry about renewing every year. They can even work.
In terms of work, they only have to notify immigration. “Notify” does not mean getting an approval. Only submit a letter “I’m doing that.” When they’re finished, okay, “I am doing this activity now.” Do this no longer than 30 days from the new activity, and basically that’s it. They don’t have to pay. When they submit a notification, it’s free.
(Art Camp recognition awards given to Mexican students by the Lake Chapala Society, Ajijic, Mexico, pictured.)
Does Portugal have any special retirement program or retirement benefits?
Duncan MacGregor - Duncan MacGregor Accounting
The Portuguese government introduced the Non-Habitual Resident Scheme in 2009, which has only really taken off since 2011. It is designed to attract retirees from other countries to come and retire in Portugal. Under this scheme, for 10 years retirees from other countries will not have to pay any Portuguese income tax on their pension. If one’s pension is tax-free in the country from where it is sourced if the retiree lives abroad, then a retiree can move to Portugal and...
The Portuguese government introduced the Non-Habitual Resident Scheme in 2009, which has only really taken off since 2011. It is designed to attract retirees from other countries to come and retire in Portugal. Under this scheme, for 10 years retirees from other countries will not have to pay any Portuguese income tax on their pension. If one’s pension is tax-free in the country from where it is sourced if the retiree lives abroad, then a retiree can move to Portugal and pay no tax on his pension, either here in Portugal or in their home country, for a period of 10 years.
That is the only retirement program here in Portugal. If you live here in Portugal, you work here, and then you retire, you get no pension relief at all. Pensions are taxed just like salaries here in Portugal. If you are not qualified under the Non-Habitual Resident Scheme then you don’t get any tax benefit at all.
To qualify for the Non-Habitual Resident Scheme, one has to move here to Portugal and be a tax resident by renting or buying a property. Then he can apply to benefit from this program. For example, you are from the UK and you move to Portugal, you qualify as a tax resident of Portugal for the Non-Habitual Resident Scheme. The UK will no longer tax your pension because you are already living in Portugal and under the Non-Habitual Resident Scheme, Portugal will not tax your pension either for a period of 10 years. However, this rule doesn’t apply if you are on a civil servant pension because that continues to be taxable in the UK. The Non-Habitual Resident Scheme applies to private pensions.
(In the town of São João Arga de, Portugal, pictured.)
What do I need to know about international pet shipping, international pet travel, and international pet transport?
Holly CarterHolly
I moved to Panama from California with my two cats. We opted to have them travel in cargo because we knew that they were going to be very unhappy no matter where they were and didn't want to cause all the passengers on the plane to have a miserable flight.
There were a lot of hoops to jump through before our move. The airlines has a detailed list of their requirements as does the country you are moving to. I found that most of the requirements came...
I moved to Panama from California with my two cats. We opted to have them travel in cargo because we knew that they were going to be very unhappy no matter where they were and didn't want to cause all the passengers on the plane to have a miserable flight.
There were a lot of hoops to jump through before our move. The airlines has a detailed list of their requirements as does the country you are moving to. I found that most of the requirements came from the airlines. They really want to make sure they are transporting healthy animals and that you don't end up with a deceased pet at the other end of your journey. To be honest, I was more traumatized to leave them at the cargo gate then they were.
In Panama City we found a man who runs a business called Golden Frog Pet Relocation. He was right there when we arrived and took care of everything very smoothly. Our cats, though very unhappy during the journey, have adjusted and are back to their normal selves. I was very worried about them because they are older cats, 13, but they don't seem to have suffered any permanent damage. I suspect the only complaint you may hear them utter now that we are settled here in Bouquete, is that they'd love to get outside to hunt some of those delicious looking birds they can only stock through the window.
I live alone in Nicaragua and practice obvious safety practices as any single woman would living anywhere in the world. I have never felt threatened or unsafe in my 3 years of living here. The people in the area that I live in (north of Managua) are very helpful and caring. I understand that certain areas of Managua are dangerous, however, that can be said for most cities in the world and common sense is key.
I live alone in Nicaragua and practice obvious safety practices as any single woman would living anywhere in the world. I have never felt threatened or unsafe in my 3 years of living here. The people in the area that I live in (north of Managua) are very helpful and caring. I understand that certain areas of Managua are dangerous, however, that can be said for most cities in the world and common sense is key.
What's the best way to get around in El Valle de Anton, Panama?
Adam Brunner - abc realty panama
The most popular mode of transportation in El Valle is bicycle; the most comfortable is car. The valley is 5km x 6km, so walking is also a viable option. There is also a bus service within the valley.
The most popular mode of transportation in El Valle is bicycle; the most comfortable is car. The valley is 5km x 6km, so walking is also a viable option. There is also a bus service within the valley.
Where's the best sightseeing in and around Ambergris Caye?
Kristin Lamoureux - Blue Tang Inn
The best sightseeing on Ambergris Caye is from a sailboat. There is nothing more fun than the warm ocean breezes blowing through your hair while taking in the aqua blue sea and blue sky.
Top it off with an underwater snorkel adventure to take in the sights of the reef and wildlife such as nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, blue tangs, eels, starfish and lobster.
Sip on a delicious rum punch and...
The best sightseeing on Ambergris Caye is from a sailboat. There is nothing more fun than the warm ocean breezes blowing through your hair while taking in the aqua blue sea and blue sky.
Top it off with an underwater snorkel adventure to take in the sights of the reef and wildlife such as nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, blue tangs, eels, starfish and lobster.
Sip on a delicious rum punch and fresh watermelon after you board the boat and set sail along the Ambergris Caye coast back to your hotel. Sunsets on Ambergris are spectacular and the best way to view is from the bow of the sailboat or on the rooftop deck back at your hotel.
This has been our second Christmas living in Panama… and whilst I cannot deny that spending Christmas day on the beach and by a gorgeous pool in glorious sunshine is a huge plus point, for us and many people we know there is that severe lack of ‘chrismassy feeling’
That is not because Christmas is not celebrated here… Christmas decorations have been up everywhere, stores have dedicated floors of Christmas paraphernalia and the shops are crammed...
Ex-patriots are one of the worst things about Panama. Why? Many people do nothing more than look at glossy magazines full of hype, vacation pamphlets filled with exciting activities and resort lifestyles. (Nothing wrong with those, by the way). However one should also do some research about the pros and cons of moving to Panama. Sites like this one have stories and questions answered by real people who have experienced expat live here. There are videos on YouTube that put you...
This is a picture of our dear calico cat named Purr-Cie. Believe it or not Purr-Cie adopted us more than 21 years ago... that's no typo - yes more than 21 years ago when my wife & I lived in Illinois. Purr-Cie has traveled with us from Illinois to Florida & then to Costa Rica & since February 2007 Purr-Cie has been with us here in Panama. Lately Purr-Cie has been to say the least a bit under the weather... so we took her to an English speaking...
The difference between Mexican citizenship and permanent residency is that with citizenship the person has the right to vote, and has the right to have a passport. With only a residency, the person cannot vote, and cannot have a passport. 
The Portuguese government introduced the Non-Habitual Resident Scheme in 2009, which has only really taken off since 2011. It is designed to attract retirees from other countries to come and retire in Portugal. Under this scheme, for 10 years retirees from other countries will not have to pay any Portuguese income tax on their pension. If one’s pension is tax-free in the country from where it is sourced if the retiree lives abroad, then a retiree can move to Portugal and...
Top it off with an underwater snorkel adventure to take in the sights of the reef and wildlife such as nurse sharks, stingrays, sea turtles, blue tangs, eels, starfish and lobster. 
This has been our second Christmas living in Panama… and whilst I cannot deny that spending Christmas day on the beach and by a gorgeous pool in glorious sunshine is a huge plus point, for us and many people we know there is that severe lack of ‘chrismassy feeling’ 
named Purr-Cie. Believe it or not Purr-Cie adopted us more than 21 years ago... that's no typo - yes more than 21 years ago when my wife & I lived in Illinois. Purr-Cie has traveled with us from Illinois to Florida & then to Costa Rica & since February 2007 Purr-Cie has been with us here in Panama. Lately Purr-Cie has been to say the least a bit under the weather... so we took her to an English speaking...
