Temporary Protection Permit in Panama

By means of this Decree, the temporary protection permit is created to which all foreigners can apply, regardless of nationality, who, at the entry into force of this Decree, are irregular within the national territory and have remained in the country for not less than one year, without having started an immigration process, as a temporary protection immigration status in Panama.

Requirements
Interested parties must meet the following requirements:
1. Power and request;
2. Two (2) passport-size photos;
3. Complete the Single Immigration Pre-Registration (RUEX) or update it according to each case;
4. Not having a current immigration procedure before the National Immigration Service;
5. Simple copy of the passport, which must be checked against the original at the time of presentation;
6. Proof of the applicant’s address;
7. Criminal Record Certification that, in the case of minor applicants, will be exempted from presenting this requirement. The presentation of the Criminal and Police Background Record issued by the Judicial Investigation Directorate of the National Police of Panama (DIJ) will be acceptable.
8. Sworn Notarial Declaration to prove the date of entry into the national territory, if applicable;
9. Evidence of work permit processing carried out before the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development;
10. If the foreign applicant is a minor, a power of attorney must be granted by one of her parents or her legal guardian, accompanied by the document proving the relationship.

After receiving the documents, the National Immigration Service will verify the legitimacy of each requirement, and if it finds inconsistencies, it will generate the appropriate criminal and administrative consequences for the applicant or whoever is responsible for them.

Additionally, the applicant may be subjected to an interview or evaluation by the National Immigration Service to determine whether or not the respective permit is granted.

Costs
The costs related to this procedure are the following:
1. Certified or cashier’s check from the National Bank of Panama, in favor of the National Immigration Service for US$500.00 for immigration services. For minors, US$250.00. This payment is unique and total for immigration services and other obligations that the foreign person may maintain, which applies to this temporary permit;
2. Payment for US$100.00 for a valid card to travel for the requested permit;
3. Certified or Cashier’s Check of the National Bank of Panama, in favour of the National Immigration Service, for US$200.00, non-refundable, as a contribution to the Repatriation Deposit. Foreigners under twelve years old will be exempt from this payment;
4. Certified or Cashier’s Check from the National Bank of Panama in favor of the National Treasury for US$150.00, as a contribution for tax obligations.

Validity
The Temporary Protection Permit will be granted for a single period of two years, non-extendable, individually for each applicant; therefore, it will not admit dependents, so that the benefited persons can reside in the territory of the Republic of Panama, during that period, in compliance with tax, social security, health and legal obligations in general, that their activity demands.

Before the expiration of the term of the granted permit, the beneficiaries must make a change of status to some of the immigration categories regulated under Decree Law 3 of February 22, 2008 and its regulations.

The Temporary Protection Permit may be requested from July 17, 2023 to July 19, 2024.