Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers

Panama's Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Visa de Corta Estancia como Trabajador Remoto) allows foreign nationals employed by foreign companies or working as self-employed remote professionals to reside legally in Panama while performing work that produces effects outside the country. Established by Executive Decree No. 198 of May 7, 2021, the visa is administered by the Servicio Nacional de Migración (National Immigration Service). Panama's territorial tax system means foreign-sourced income earned by remote workers is not subject to Panamanian income tax.

The visa is open to foreign nationals of any nationality who meet one of two profiles:

• Employees of a foreign transnational company with an active remote work contract
• Self-employed teleworkers providing services to clients located outside Panama

Applicants must perform work that produces effects abroad and receive income from foreign sources. Nationals of countries requiring an authorised visa to enter Panama must obtain entry authorisation before applying.

• Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining validity
• Minimum annual income of USD 36,000 from foreign sources
• Criminal background certificate from country of origin or most recent country of residence, apostilled or authenticated by a Panamanian consulate
• Medical health certificate from a physician licensed in Panama
• Valid medical insurance policy with coverage in Panama for the entire duration of stay
• Employer letter on company letterhead confirming income, remote work modality, and commitment to cover repatriation costs (for employees)
• Notarised declaration describing services, clients, fund sources, and proof of company registration abroad (for self-employed applicants)
• Bank certification letter or last 2 months of foreign bank statements, apostilled or authenticated
• Sworn declaration rejecting any employment or service provision within Panama
• Three recent passport-sized photographs

Applications must be submitted in person at the Special Services Window (Ventanilla de Trámites Especiales) of the Servicio Nacional de Migración in Panama City. All applications must be filed through a licensed Panamanian attorney acting as legal representative. The applicant must be physically present in Panama at the time of filing.

All foreign documents must be apostilled or authenticated by a Panamanian consulate in the issuing country and have a validity of 6 months from the date of issuance.

• Processing time: Approximately 30 to 40 business days from submission of a complete application
• Government fee: USD 250 + USD 50 for the SNM identification card
• Renewal: Renewable once for an additional 9-month period with the same documentation and fees

• Holders may only work remotely for entities or clients located outside Panama
• Conducting any business activities with effect within Panamanian territory results in immediate visa cancellation
• The visa does not provide a pathway to permanent residency or citizenship
• Time spent under this visa does not count towards residency requirements
• No dependants can be included; family members must apply separately through other visa categories