To live and work in Panama, foreign workers will need to obtain an immigrant visa and establish residency before applying for a work permit.

What are the types of employment permits?

Temporary employment permit

A temporary employment permit allows foreigners of the following categories to live and work in Panama for 3 months:

• Government employee

• Employee of semi-autonomous companies

• Small business employee who contracts with the government

• The head of the company

• Not a diplomat working for a foreign government or international agency

• Mass media correspondent.

• Power of attorney

• Employment contract

• Registration and activity of the company

• A copy of the technician's passport

• Certificate of technical examination of apostille

• Health certificate

• 2 photos

• Social insurance accounting book

• State fee paid.

Short-term employment permit

A short-term permit allows an employee to stay in Panama for up to 9 months for the purpose of:

• Creation of subsidiary companies

• Conducting research by scientists and authorized persons for embassies, governments or foreign companies

• Investing or doing business for persons coming to Panama to analyze investment opportunities.

Employment permit for domestic workers

The domestic worker employment permit allows Panamanian citizens, permanent or temporary residents to hire a foreigner to work as a domestic worker. You can apply for this Panama foreign domestic worker visa for one year (can be renewed four times). The permit includes such workers as: maids, cooks, drivers, gardeners, nannies and butlers.

Employment permit through marriage

After marrying a citizen of Panama, you can apply for an employment permit.

City of Knowledge work visa program

Foreign investors who own a company located on the territory of the former US military base Fort Clayton can have 5 special work permits for their foreign employees. This permit is granted for a period of up to 6 years for foreign businessmen, researchers, teachers, students and technical workers.

What documents must be submitted to obtain an employment permit?

To obtain a permit, applicants will need to submit the following documents:

• Application for obtaining a work permit, which must be completed by the applicant's lawyer

• Letter of responsibility from the employer

• A copy of the decision of the National Immigration Service confirming that the applicant has obtained permanent residence

• A copy of the applicant's residence permit

• Four passport photos.

Before applying for a work permit, the employer will need to demonstrate a need for a foreign worker. In addition, no more than 10% of the company's workforce can be foreigners.