Panama creates Short Stay Visa for Remote Work

By Executive Decree No. 198 of May 7, 2021, Panama creates the Short-Stay Visa as a Remote Worker

With the intention of becoming a popular destination among digital nomads and professionals working remotely, Panama has launched its Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers.

This new visa allows foreigners employed by companies operating out of Panama or who are self-employed, to live and work remotely from Panama, for nine months with a one-time extension of an additional nine months.

To be eligible for this visa, applicants must have a minimum annual income of US$36,000 and must prove that their income comes from a foreign source through a bank certification or a bank statement.

Requirements to apply for a visa include:

1. Corresponding application form, which includes the applicant’s commitment to assume the costs of returning to his/her country of origin or destination,
2. Three passport-sized photographs,
3. Certified copies of passport,
4. Criminal Record,
5. Certificate of good health,
6. Medical insurance policy that must include coverage for the period of stay in Panama,
7. Affidavit of personal background,
8. Affidavit of Non-Acceptance of Job or Service Offer in Panama,
9. Certification of registration of the foreign company where the applicant works, and
10. Letter from the company, on letterhead, signed by the legal representative, indicating the position and duties performed, monthly income, work modality and commitment to assume the costs of returning to the country of origin.

Self-employed applicants must provide a certification or proof of their own company, duly registered abroad, through which they will conduct their business and a sworn statement describing the company’s commercial activity, the services provided, the clients to whom they provide their services and their income.

All documents issued abroad must be apostilled or legalized.

The costs associated with the issuance of this visa are:

1. US$ 250.00 – National Immigration Service
2. US$ 50.00 – Visa Card

If you are currently working remotely, are eligible under the requirements, and are looking for a new destination, take advantage of Panama’s excellent climate, fantastic beaches, mountains, culture, and most importantly, its world-class telecommunications infrastructure. The Panama Remote Worker Short-Stay Visa could be exactly what you need.

For more information about this or any other Visa category, please contact us at consultas@stagingcd.com , or directly contact our attorneys:

Ana Graciela Medina

anagm@stagingcd.com 

Ayleen Quintero

ayleenq@stagingcd.com