Work as an English or Italian teacher in Panama

Yes, it's possible Legally teach English or Italian in Panama In 2025, provided that you comply with the legal requirements established by the Panamanian State. Language teaching by foreigners is allowed, but requires an appropriate visa and a Current Work Permit. It is not enough to live in the country as a tourist or with a short-term visa.

Panama tightly regulates the employment of foreigners. This means that, even if there is a demand for language teachers, you can only work if you have formal authorization to do so. Whether in private academies, bilingual schools or private classes, it is forbidden to practice without immigration and work permits.

For teachers who want Live and Work Legally in Panama, there are two main ways:

• To have a temporary or permanent residence That Enables the Work
• Get a Work Permit as a Legally Employed Foreigner

In addition, although a specific educational degree is not required for all jobs, having related training (philology, translation, language teaching) will be valued by formal employers. In many cases, it will be necessary to demonstrate teaching experience or certificates such as TESOL Or CELTIC if you are going to teach English.

If you are an Italian citizen or come from a country with migratory convenience treaties with Panama, You can benefit from simplified routes to obtain residency or work permits. This greatly facilitates the legalization process, a point that we will address later.

In short, Yes you can legally teach languages in Panama in 2025, but only if you manage the necessary documents. Teaching without permission is risky and may result in penalties for you and the employer. Therefore, it is best to be well informed before looking for a job as a teacher in the country.

To work teaching in Panama legally, you need a Visa compatible with work residence, that is, an immigration status that allows for remunerated activities. Below, we explain the options most used by foreign teachers and how each one adapts to different personal situations.

1. Contracted Foreign Worker Visa

This is one of the most common ways to get Temporary Residence and Work Permit. You must have a letter of offer of employment from a registered school, academy or institution. Then, the employer must process your hiring with the Ministry of Labor and then apply for your visa before Migration.

This visa is focused on non-national workers who occupy positions offered by the employer in compliance with Panamanian requirements. It's ideal if you already have an employment proposal from abroad.

2. Visa for foreign professionals

If you have a recognized and approved university degree, you can apply to a Professional resident visa. Through this figure, you can establish yourself as a resident, seek employment and even work as a freelancer. This visa allows access to a Self-employment permit, useful if you teach private or online classes.

However, not all professions are allowed for foreigners under this modality, so it is essential to review the activities allowed each year.

3. Friendly Countries Visa

Available to citizens of more than 50 nations (including the US, UK, Italy and several European countries), this visa grants Temporary Residence with the Possibility of Working. You must demonstrate professional or economic links — such as a job offer, opening a company or opening a bank account — to apply.

If you're an English teacher from the United States, for example, this visa is a quick, effective and relatively easy option to obtain. In the future, it allows a change to permanent residence.

4. Visa for family reunification or marriage with a Panamanian

If you are married to a Panamanian citizen or have children together, you can apply for residency through family ties. This type of visa can also include Authorization to work legally in Panama.

5. Student or volunteer visa (not compatible)

It is important to note that these Visas do not legally qualify you to work. If you enter with a student visa or tourist passport, you will not be able to teach classes under contract or bill for services. In practice, working with these visas is equivalent to doing so without permission, which is illegal. Recently, the Panamanian Ministry of Labor created a class for work permits for student visas, but they only allow you to work in the area of study you are studying in Panama.

In all cases, the type of visa directly influences your access to a Work permit, which is requested from the Panamanian Ministry of Labor and is generally granted for the same period as your immigration status.

Before choosing a migratory route, it is highly recommended to evaluate your profile, nationality, qualifications and if you already have an agreed job or plan to search for it once installed. So you can make the best decision for Legally teach in Panama in 2025.

If you plan Teaching English or Italian in Panama as a foreigner in 2025, obtain a work permit is a key step in practicing legally. Panama has strict regulations on hiring foreigners, but it allows education professionals to work in areas where there is a demand for trained personnel.

A work permit is different from a visa: while a visa allows you to be in the country legally, a permit allows you to to carry out a paid professional activity. For language teachers, there are several options, depending on your nationality, employer and immigration status in Panama.

Basic requirements for obtaining a work permit

To request the work permit to teach in Panama, you'll usually need:

• Be legally resident in Panama with a compatible visa (such as those mentioned in previous sections).
• University degree or certification as a teacher of English or Italian (for example, TEFL, CELTA, or university training in teaching or languages).
• Employment contract with an educational institution legally registered in Panama.
• Copy of the current passport and migration card.
• Duly apostilled criminal record certificate from the country of origin.
• Registration with the Social Security Fund (CSS).

These requirements may vary slightly depending on the type of permit you apply to and if you are linked to a formal educational institution or if you work as an independent teacher in partnership with academies or language platforms.

How do you get a work permit step by step?

The process for applying for a work permit in Panama usually includes the following steps:

1. Legal entry into the country with a visa compatible with work activities.
2. Sign a contract with an employer. This will be the base document for your request.
3. Gather the documents required (apostille of titles, certificates, copy of contract, passport-size photo, etc.).
4. Submit the request before the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development (MITRADEL), directly or through the employer's lawyer.
5. Wait for resolution. The process can take between 1 and 3 months depending on the type of permit and the documentation submitted.

In many cases, the work permit is initially valid for one to two years, with the possibility of renewal if you continue to work legally. It is important to remember that the hiring of foreign workers must respect certain work quotas, so some employers prefer teachers with permanent residence or with special permits such as those of foreign professionals or citizens of friendly countries.

If you are Italian or come from a country with bilateral agreements with Panama, you could have access to a simplified process (we'll see more about that later). In any case, it is crucial to start your immigration and employment process with adequate advice to avoid complications and be able to work in Panama safely and legally.

One of the most frequently asked questions is: How much do you earn teaching English or Italian in Panama? Although the salary may vary depending on the type of institution, the teacher's experience and whether they are private or group classes, it is possible to establish a general estimate of income.

Average salary in academies, colleges and universities

In 2025, the Average salary of an English teacher in Panama working in a private academy can range from USD $700 and $1,200 per month part-time, or until $1,500 to $2,000 if they work full time in recognized institutions. In the case of bilingual or international schools, salaries tend to be higher and even include additional benefits.

For Italian teachers, the demand is a little more specific and limited, but well paid in cultural institutions, universities or through alliances with educational centers that offer European language programs. In these cases, an Italian teacher can win between $15 and $30 per hour, depending on the specialization and type of students.

Teaching modalities and their income

In addition to traditional options, many teachers supplement their income or even base their entire activity on private classes or online classes. These modalities offer greater flexibility, although they also require effort in promoting and attracting students.

Typical income by type of education:

• In-person private classes: between $15 and $25 per hour.
• Online classes for companies or adults: between $12 and $30 per hour, depending on the agreement.
• Teaching at universities: with temporary contracts, you can earn $1,500 to $2,500 per month if you have experience and advanced studies.

It is important to note that the cost of living in Panama is reasonable compared to other countries in the region, especially outside of Panama City. This means that, even if the average salary is moderate, you can live comfortably if you manage your expenses well.

Is it profitable to teach languages in Panama?

In many cases, teaching languages becomes a viable job opportunity for foreigners who want to settle down legally and generate a stable income. In addition, Teaching English or Italian in Panama can be an entry point for other professional or entrepreneurial opportunities, such as opening your own academy or independent educational activity.

Teachers who are fluent in both languages — for example, English and Italian — become even more valuable in the market, especially in sectors such as higher education, tourism and business training.

In short, although we are not talking about high salaries like in the US or Europe, work as a foreign teacher in Panama It can offer economic stability, international professional experience and an excellent quality of life, especially if you take advantage of the legal immigration advantages to your advantage.

However, if you are Italian or a European citizen, you could access special benefits by living and working in the country. Here's how to take advantage of these migratory benefits...

For Italian citizens who want to teach languages in Panama, there are key migratory advantages which give them a privileged position compared to other foreigners. Thanks to existing international treaties between Panama and Italy, Italians have special facilities to obtain residence permits and, where appropriate, to process visas compatible with working as a teacher.

Panama-Italy Treaty: A Simpler Gateway to Entry

Since 1966, Panama and Italy have maintained a Friendship, Commerce and Navigation Agreement that allows Italian citizens to access certain migratory benefits. This treaty makes it easier for Italians to apply for a permanent residence visa without being required to demonstrate significant economic investment or a previous job offer.

Specifically, this migratory tool is known as the Permanent Resident Visa under the Panama-Italy Treaty. Once obtained, it allows Italian citizens to live, study and work legally in Panama, even as English or Italian teachers, without the need to change your immigration status later on.

Specific advantages of this residence for Italian teachers

Some of the most relevant advantages for Italians who want Teaching in Panama They are:

• No previous job offer is required: you can settle in Panama and then seek employment as a teacher.
• Automatic or easily manageable work permit: with permanent residence you can apply without obstacles for a work permit for foreigners.
• Family reunification: You can include your partner and children in the residency application.
• Minimum investment: It is only required to open a local bank account with a relatively low amount.

This makes live and teach in Panama as an Italian citizen is one of the simplest and most sustainable ways to legally establish yourself in the country.

Where to apply and how long does the process take?

The visa application process under the treaty is processed before the Panamanian National Migration Service. Usually, if the documents are complete and in order, the process takes between 3 and 6 months. While your residency is being resolved, you can legally remain in Panama with a provisional permit.

Remember that it is necessary to submit certified documentation such as:

• Current Italian passport
• Apostilled criminal record
• Evidence of economic link with Panama (for example, an active bank account)
• Application form, card-like photos and tax stamps

In short, being an Italian citizen offers you a specific migratory window to teach languages in Panama in 2025 without facing the same level of requirements as other foreigners. Taking advantage of this treaty can provide you with long-term stability in your teaching career in the country.