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New Immigration Changes

  • Residence permit as a foreigner from specific countries that maintain friendly, professional, economic and investment relations with the Republic of Panama.

That through Executive Decree number 197 of May 7, 2021, the Ministry of Security, in charge of the National Immigration Service, modified the residence permit for foreigners from specific countries that maintain friendly, professional, economic and investment relations with the Republic of Panama.

Effective August 7, 2021, foreigners under the nationality of certain countries may apply for this permit as long as they work in Panama or express their willingness to invest at least the sum of US$200,000.00 in a real estate property in Panama, which may be financed.

The migratory permit will be granted for two (2) years and thereafter the applicant may apply for permanent residence.

For your reference, below is the list of countries that can apply for this immigration permit, namely:

United Kingdom of Great Britain; Northern Ireland; Federal Rep. of Germany; Rep. of Argentina; Confederation of Australia; South Korea; Rep. of Austria; Federative Rep. of Brazil; Kingdom of Belgium; Canada; Kingdom of Spain; United States of America; Slovak Rep.; French Rep.; Rep. of Finland; Kingdom of the Netherlands; Rep. of Ireland; State of Japan; Kingdom of Norway; Czech Rep.; Swiss Confederation; Rep. of Singapore; Rep. of Uruguay; Rep. of Chile; Kingdom of Sweden; Rep. of Poland; Hungary; Hellenic Rep (Greece); Hungary; Portuguese Rep.; Rep. of Croatia; Rep. of Estonia; Rep. of Lithuania; Latvia; Rep. of Cyprus; Rep. of Malta; Rep. of Serbia; Rep. of Montenegro; State of Israel; Kingdom of Denmark; Republic of South Africa; New Zealand; Hong Kong Special Administrative Region; Grand Duchy of Luxembourg; Principality of Liechtenstein; Principality of Monaco; Principality of Andorra; Serenissima Rep. of Marino; Rep. of Costa Rica, Mexico and Paraguay.

  • Short Stay Visa as a Remote Worker

That by means of Executive Decree number 198 of May 7, 2021, the Ministry of Security, in charge of the National Immigration Service, created the new migratory subcategory, within the category of Non-Residents, the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers.

All foreigners who meet the following requirements are eligible for this category:

  1. To have a contract as an operative of a foreign company of a transnational character or to be a self-employed worker, in the telework modality;
  2. Perform duties that take effect abroad;
  3. Receive income from foreign sources with an annual amount in excess of US$36,000.00 or its equivalent in the foreign currency.

The visa will have a duration of nine (9) months, which may be extended for the same period.

Author(s)

Carlos Molino

Partner

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