Visa for Digital Nomads in Panama

Unlocking Panama’s potential for remote workers, with a Visa for Digital Nomads in the Republic of Panama

In the age of digital transformation, where work is increasingly not bound to a physical location, Panama is offering a Visa for Digital Nomads. This country has emerged as a beckoning siren for remote workers and digital nomads across the world. With the introduction of the Visa for Digital Nomads, this Central American gem is ready to welcome those seeking the perfect blend of work and leisure in a tropical setting.

Recognizing the evolving global work dynamics, Panama has proactively established a visa that accommodates the needs of today’s workforce. It is not just about the sun, sea, and sand; it’s about providing a supportive environment for remote professionals.

The Visa for Digital Nomads is crafted within the non-resident category, targeting those who fit specific criteria. Eligibility for this visa hinges on a few key conditions:

You should be under contract as an operative of a transnational company or work as a self-employed individual in a remote capacity.

Your professional activities should predominantly impact foreign countries, emphasizing the truly ‘remote’ nature of your job.

Your annual income, sourced from foreign endeavors, should not be less than thirty-six thousand American dollars (USD 36,000.00) or its foreign currency equivalent.

On securing this visa, holders gain the right to operate remotely within Panama. There’s no additional bureaucracy or permissions required from other state entities, whether it’s for work or residence. It’s as straightforward as it sounds!

The visa comes with a tenure of nine months but can be extended once for the same duration. A modest fee of fifty American dollars (USD 50.00) is charged for the associated card.

Documents for the Visa for Digital Nomads

Documentation is pivotal. Among the various documents required are notarized power of attorney, health certificates, criminal background checks, and certified passport copies. Proof of employment, company details, and financial statements are also vital. For those self-employed, certifications of their registered foreign company, and sworn statements describing their commercial relationship with clients are necessary.

Notably, the visa application stresses financial stability. As a prospective holder, you must validate that your earnings are foreign-sourced. This can be done by presenting bank certifications or statements, confirming the foreign origin of the funds related to your declared work condition.

What happens if you wish to extend your stay? The visa renewal process mirrors the original application requirements, ensuring continuity in your Panamanian adventure.

Additionally, there are provisions for those engaged in non-profit social services and student exchanges, aligned with recognized NGOs or government conventions. Such applicants may receive a visa extension for an equivalent term and may also benefit from fee waivers for migration services.

In conclusion, Panama’s Visa for Digital Nomads is a testament to the country’s vision and adaptability. It offers a golden opportunity for remote workers to experience the country’s rich cultural tapestry, stunning landscapes, and bustling urban life, all while enjoying the comforts of their remote work.

So, if you’ve been envisioning a workspace with a view of the Pacific Ocean, the bustling streets of Panama City, or the serene landscapes of Boquete, now might be the perfect time to make that dream a reality. The Visa for Digital Nomads is your ticket to a balanced work-life experience in Panama.

Requirements to apply for a short stay visa as a remote worker

A Short Stay Visa as a Remote Worker is established within the non-resident immigration category.

Foreigners eligible for this visa must meet the following conditions:

1. Hold a contract as an operative of a foreign, transnational company or be a self-employed worker in remote work.
2. Perform functions that have effects abroad.
3. Receive income from a foreign source, with an annual amount not less than thirty-six thousand American dollars (USD 36,000.00) or its equivalent in foreign currency.
4. Once the visa is granted, it will allow working remotely within the Republic of Panama. The visa holder won’t need additional procedures or permissions from any other state entity, whether to work or reside in the country. This visa lasts for nine (9) months and can be extended once for the same period. The cost for the corresponding ID card is fifty American dollars (USD 50.00).

Requirements

1. Notarized Power of Attorney and Application, including the applicant’s parents’ names and nationalities.
2. Three (3) photos.
3. Properly verified copy of the passport (Notarized or Authenticated).
4. Criminal Record Certificate.
5. Health Certificate.
6. Sworn Declaration of Personal Background Form.
7. Complete the corresponding application form, which will include the applicant’s commitment to bear return or repatriation costs, if necessary.
8. Copy of the applicant’s medical insurance policy, which must cover within the national territory and be valid for the applicant’s stay duration.
9. Certification or proof of the foreign company’s existence in its registered location.
10. A letter from the company on letterhead, signed by the legal representative, indicating

• a) The applicant’s general data
• b)The position and functions they perform.
• c) The applicant’s monthly income, which must not be less than three thousand American dollars (USD 3,000.00) or its equivalent in foreign currency; payment frequency, and that it comes from a foreign source.
• d)The work modality (remote work).
•  e)The commitment to bear the return or repatriation costs, if necessary.

11. Sworn declaration that the applicant will not accept job offers or services in the national territory with nationals, residents, tourists, or companies to conduct business in the Republic of Panama.

12.Payment of two hundred and fifty American dollars (USD 250.00) to the National Migration Service.

Article 3: In the case of an independent remote worker, they must meet the requirements stated in the previous article, except for items 10 and 11.

Instead, they must provide:

1. Certification or proof of their own company, duly registered abroad, through which they will conduct their business.
2. Notarized sworn declaration describing the business relationship with the clients they serve. This should include the full name, general details of the applicant and clients, services provided to the client, how much they earn for those services, the origin of the funds, and payment frequency.

Article 4: Foreigners applying for the Short Stay Visa as a Remote Worker must prove their income comes from abroad by providing:

1. Bank certification accrediting that the received incomes come from abroad and are linked to the declared work condition.
2. Statement from a foreign bank, or a local bank with authentication stamps from the issuing bank, showing the transaction of the funds and certifying its link to the declared work condition.

Requirements to apply for an extension of the short stay visa as a remote worker

Article 5: To request an extension of the Short Stay Visa as a Remote Worker, the applicant must comply with the same requirements presented during the initial application, including the documents referred to in items 1 and 2 of Article 4, as applicable.

For foreigners aiming to provide non-profit social services, protected by agreements with the government, patronage, or NGOs recognized by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, those involved in student exchanges, and those providing these services as remote workers, this visa can be extended only once for the same term, and they will be exempted from paying fees for migration services.

All documents issued abroad must comply with the requirements stated in Executive Decree Article 247.

LEGAL BASIS: Decree Law 3 of 2008, Executive Decree No. 320 of August 8, 2008, Executive Decree No. 198 of May 7, 2021.