Visas & Customs Requirements

Employment:

The documents required for a Work Permit application are the following:

1. Power of attorney for the Work Permit application.


2. Letter of responsibility issued by the employer in Panama.


3. Original and two (2) copies of full-time Employment Contract.


4. Certificate of School Records and Professional Experience, legalized either by a Panama Consul or by the Apostille.


5. Eight (8) photos, passport size.

Investor Visa (Inversionista)

Designed for those who wish to establish a business in Panama (note, though, that some retail businesses and some professions are reserved to Panamanians). There must be a minimum investment of $150,000 and minimum of three, permanent Panamanian employees hired. It is granted provisionally for one year and after renewal is granted permanently with the right to be issued a cedula. Five years after obtaining the permanent visa, holders will be eligible to apply for Panamanian nationality.

Small Business Investor Visa
(Inversionista de Pequeña Empresa)

Designed for those who wish to establish a small business in Panama (note that retail businesses and some professions are reserved to Panamanians). There must be a minimum investment of $40,000 and minimum of three permanent Panamanian employees hired. It is granted provisionally for one year, and needs to be renewed three more times before it is granted permanently with the right to a cedula. Five years after obtaining the permanent visa, holders will be eligible to obtain Panamanian nationality.