Work Permit in Panama for Foreign Experts

The work residence permit for foreign experts and technicians in Panama is a legal way that allows non-Panamanian professionals to live and work formally in the country when they are hired by previously established companies. This type of permit is part of the migratory options contemplated by the Panamanian government to attract qualified talent in sectors where specialized technical experience is required.

The legal basis for this permit is found in Executive Decree No. 526 of 2017 and other complementary immigration regulations. Under this modality, the Panamanian employer is authorized to hire foreign personnel who have specific technical knowledge or experience that is not easily found in the local labor market.

This work permit in Panama is subject to a limit: the foreigner hired must be within 15% of the total number of ordinary workers in a Panamanian company, according to current labor legislation. This measure seeks to balance the protection of local employment with openness to necessary talent in certain sectors.

Key features of the permit:

• Intended for foreign specialists, technicians or experts with proven experience.
• Grants temporary residence for one year, renewable annually.
• It allows you to perform functions in the company that hires you, according to the approved employment contract.
• It may include the residency application for Dependent family members.

In practical terms, this permit simplifies the process so that Panamanian companies can attract strategic international knowledge without violating migration regulations, while providing foreigners with a clear path to legalization of labor with the possibility of establishing themselves in the country in the long term.

From high-tech industries to energy sectors, this type of visa has facilitated the mobility of qualified professionals who promote innovation and productivity in Panama.

To be able to request and obtain the immigration permit for foreign technical personnel in Panama, a number of requirements established by the National Migration Service and the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development must be met. These requirements are designed to ensure that the hiring is carried out in accordance with the law and that the foreign national has the necessary skills for the position described.

Among the main migratory requirements are:

• Valid employment contract: It must be signed between the foreign worker and a company legally incorporated in Panama. This contract must also be approved by the Ministry of Labor (MITRADEL).
• Letter of request from the employer: The company must issue a formal letter addressed to the National Migration Service explaining the reasons why hiring a foreigner is required and detailing its functions.
• Suitability or proven experience: The technical or expert worker must have academic training or work experience related to the position. In some cases, apostilled documentation may be requested.
• Certification that the foreigner will be part of the 15%: According to the Labor Code, only a certain percentage of the company's ordinary staff can be foreigners. A calculation and document must be submitted to justify that this proportion is met.
• Company Registration: Public Registry Certificate and other documents that prove that the company complies with current tax and legal obligations in Panama.

In addition to these elements, the applicant must not have a criminal record or be subject to migratory proceedings against them in other countries, which is confirmed by:

Criminal record certificate from the country of origin (with official Spanish translation, if applicable, and duly apostilled or authenticated as appropriate).

Who can apply?

This type of Panamanian work visa is aimed at foreign experts hired in the country, such as engineers, telecommunications technicians, construction project supervisors, and other specialized professionals. These are not general jobs, but rather those that require specific skills that are not easily found in the local labor market.

Compliance with these requirements for foreign experts in Panamanian companies it is essential not only to obtain the permit but also to ensure compliance with current immigration and labor laws. By doing so properly, refusals and delays in the work residency process are avoided.

In the next section, we will detail the exact documents that must be submitted to Panamanian migration to formalize this request in an efficient and valid manner for the year 2025.

One of the most important steps in obtaining a work permit in Panama like foreign technician or expert is to correctly gather the documentation required by the National Migration Service. Having everything in order from the start can avoid delays and facilitate the process of legalization of labor.

Starting in 2025, the required documents may vary depending on the industry, but in general, common criteria apply for those who want a work residence in Panama based on a technical or specialized contract.

Basic documentation required by Migration Panama

To process a work visa within the category of qualified foreign personnel —which covers international experts, technical and professional advisors in high demand— you'll need to submit the following documents:

• Current passport (valid for at least 6 months at the time of submitting the application).
• Work letter signed by the Panamanian company that hires you, specifying the position, salary and duration of the contract.
• Employment contract duly registered with the Ministry of Labor (MITRADEL).
• Bank certification or affidavit of economic solvency of the contracting company.
• Criminal record certificate duly apostilled or legalized from your country of origin.
• University degree, technical certificate or proof of relevant work experience, if applying within a category of technical workers.
• Passport-size photographs (white background, recent).
• Duly completed immigration application form.
• Proof of payment of immigration fees and corresponding tax stamps.

In addition, it is advisable to have expert legal advice to ensure that the documents meet all the formal and substantive requirements required by Panamanian immigration legislation.

What to consider when submitting documents?

All foreign documents must be legalized (either through an apostille or by the Panamanian consulate in the issuing country). In addition, if they are not originally in Spanish, they must be translated by an authorized public translator in Panama.

The validity of certain documents, such as a criminal record certificate, must not exceed six months from their issuance. Failure to comply in this regard may delay or cancel the request.

If the requesting company hires multiple foreign experts, it is important not to exceed the hiring limits established by law (such as 15% of foreign personnel for some categories), with exceptions justified by the technical nature of the requested work.

Once the documentation has been validated, you can proceed to formally submit the application to Migration Panama and obtain a favorable resolution to start legal work activities in the country.

El immigration permit for foreign technical personnel in Panama not only does it allow you to work legally, but it also establishes a specific time frame that must be clearly known. Understand How long does a Panamanian work permit last and how to renew it is essential for both the contractor and the worker.

Initial validity of the work residence permit

Usually, the work permit for specialized workers in Panama within this category it is initially granted for a term of one (1) year. During this time, the foreigner has the right to work exclusively in the sponsoring company listed in the immigration application.

This permit is renewable, and its continuity is subject to the maintenance of the initial conditions of the contract, the economic activity of the company, and compliance with current labor and immigration laws.

Process for renewing the permit annually

La work permit renewal It must be started at least 30 days before expiration of the previous permit. The company or the applicant must submit new documentation to Migration Panama to support the continuity of the employment relationship.

Generally, the following must be submitted again:

• Updated letter from the company confirming the need to keep the technical worker.
• Current employment contract or contract update, as needed.
• Payment of fees and tax stamps corresponding to the new application.
• Proof of payroll or proof of the worker's contribution to Panamanian social security (CSS).

It should be noted that in many cases the renewal can be carried out in turn during up to five (5) years, at which point the foreigner could choose a permanent residence if it meets the established requirements.

Tips for keeping your immigration status up to date

To avoid complications in the permit renewal or interruption process, consider the following:

1. Keep your employment relationship active: Any change of employer must be notified and managed by the authorities. You can't change companies without updating your permission.

2. Comply with your tax and employment obligations: Make sure you're up to date with the CSS and any other required legal contributions.

3. Keep copies of all your documentation: While some documents don't need to be reapostilled for renewal, it's best to keep everything backed up.

In addition, if you have plans to include your family in the work residence, it is advisable to do so at the time of the initial permit or during one of the renewals, to unify migratory processes under the same family resolution.

One of the most significant advantages of residence permit for technical workers in Panama is the possibility of including your immediate family members. This allows them to live with you legally in the country and, in some cases, to access their own immigration benefits or temporary residence permits.

This type of support is regulated by the Migration Decree Law, which allows holders of work permits, especially to foreign experts hired by Panamanian companies, extend their request to their immediate family unit. This includes spouses and dependent children.

Who can I include in my application?

As the owner of a work residence permit, you can request the inclusion of:

• Your legally married spouse.
• Children under 18 years of age.
• Adult children (up to 25 years old), as long as they are studying full time and are financially dependent on you.
• Children with permanent disabilities, with no age limit.

It's important to make sure you submit supporting documentation for each applicant, which we detail below.

What type of permission does the family receive?

Family members receive a residence permit as dependents of the holder of the work permit. This means that your legal stay in Panama is linked to the validity of immigration permission of the foreign expert. Dependents do not automatically have the right to work, unless they manage an individual work permit.

Although it is not a Panama visa automatic, this dependent process is much more streamlined when it is processed as part of the comprehensive request of the hired technical worker.

Documents required to include dependents

The necessary documents may vary depending on the family profile, but generally the following are required:

• Apostilled or legalized marriage certificate (for spouses).
• Apostilled or legalized birth certificates (for children).
• Full-time study test (for children over 18)
• Medical record in the case of children with disabilities.
• Special power of attorney granted to the processing attorney.
• Copy of the relative's passport, valid for at least six months.

All foreign documents must come properly apostilled or authenticated according to international regulations and the Panamanian immigration legislation. In addition, in some cases, affidavits of economic dependence will be requested.

Is the process parallel to or after the work permit?

Both options are possible. The application for residence for dependents can be submitted at the same time that the work permit as a foreign technician, or once the owner's permission has been approved. However, doing the procedure simultaneously can save time and avoid duplication of documentation.

It must be remembered that the legal stay of dependents is conditioned on the validity and compliance of the main permit. If this is canceled or not renewed, family members' permissions will also be void.

Have the support of an expert in legal processes for bringing in foreign personnel and their families can greatly facilitate migration logistics and reduce the risks of errors in the process.