Deep coverage17 verified routes across visit, study, work, investment, family and more.
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Select the passports you hold to see short-stay access and per-route eligibility for Panama.
3 routes
Visit
Short stays: tourism, transit, business trips, medical, pilgrimage.
Tourist Visa
Panama Stamped (Consular) Tourist Visa
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Nationals not on Panama's visa-waiver list apply for a stamped visa at a Panamanian consulate (about USD 50); nationals of a smaller restricted list need an 'authorized visa' pre-approved by the National Immigration Service. Stays granted are typically 30 to 90 days depending on nationality and the visa issued. Approval can take up to 30 business days and the applicant must appear in person for the passport stamp.
Government fee
$50
Service fee
$160
Processing time
30 days
Max stay
90 days
Document checklist (6)
PassportValid at least 6 months beyond the intended stay.
Visa application formCompleted and signed consular application form.
Two passport photos2x2 inch photos on white background.
Proof of economic solvencyBank statement or similar showing at least USD 500.
Onward or return ticketProof of return or onward travel.
Hotel reservation or letter of invitationOptionalEvidence of accommodation or a host in Panama.
Tourist Visa
Panama Visa-Free Tourist Entry
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Nationals of roughly 110 countries (US, Canada, UK, EU, most of Latin America, Japan, etc.) enter Panama without a visa; the standard tourist stay is 90 days, with US and Canadian citizens commonly admitted for up to 180 days. Entry requires a valid passport, proof of economic solvency (commonly USD 500) and onward/return ticket when the migratory category requires it. Tourists who entered for less than 90 days may request an extension from the National Immigration Service up to a 90-day maximum stay.
Government fee
$0
Max stay
90 days
Document checklist (5)
Valid passportPassport or travel document valid at entry (3+ months validity generally required).
Proof of economic solvencyFunds to cover expenses during the stay; USD 500 is the commonly applied benchmark.
Onward or return ticketReturn passage to country of origin or residence when the migratory category requires it.
Arrival/departure cardCompleted card provided by the transport company; biometric data taken at the checkpoint.
Visa or residence of US/UK/CA/AU/KR/JP/SG/EUOptionalOnly for nationalities that otherwise need a visa: a multiple-entry visa or residence permit valid 6+ months, used at least once, waives the Panama visa for a 30-day stay.
Business Visitor Visa
Panama Short-Stay Business Visa
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Non-resident visa for foreigners entering Panama to set up foreign subsidiaries, conduct business transactions or bid in public tenders, without entering the local labor market. It is granted for up to 9 months and is not renewable. Applications are filed with the National Immigration Service through a Panamanian attorney.
Service fee
$160
Max stay
270 days
Validity
270 days
Document checklist (8)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled via a Panamanian lawyer; must state the name and nationality of the applicant's parents.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificateFrom country of origin or residence, apostilled/legalized.
Health certificateIssued by a licensed physician.
Proof of economic solvencyApplicant's or sponsor's funds, minimum five middle figures (approx. USD 50,000).
Evidence of business purposeDocuments proving the purpose of travel and conditions of the business stay.
Confirmed onward flight reservationItinerary showing continuation of travel.
Not yet researched
Transit Visa
Medical Treatment Visa
Pilgrimage Visa
1 route
Study & Training
Universities, language courses, internships and exchanges.
Student Visa
Panama Student Temporary Residence Permit
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Temporary residence for foreigners enrolled full-time at an educational institution recognized by the Panamanian State; issued for 1 year and renewable annually up to a total of 6 years. The applicant must show admission, enrollment and the financial means (own funds, scholarship or a responsible sponsor in Panama) to cover tuition and living costs; student permit holders may not work without a separate authorization. Executive Decree No. 3 of 6 February 2026 added a direct permanent-residence pathway for foreigners who completed their education continuously in recognized Panamanian institutions.
Study: Study is the permit purpose
Government fee
$250
Service fee
$220
Validity
365 days
Document checklist (8)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled through a Panamanian lawyer.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificate and health certificateApostilled criminal record (adults); health certificate from a licensed physician.
Admission letter and enrollment proofOriginal letter from the recognized institution plus proof of tuition payment.
Institution certification of study planDetailing schedule, hours and subjects of the study program.
Proof of financial solvencyBank certification, scholarship or financing certificate in favor of the student or responsible person.
Letter of responsibilityOptionalIf a third party in Panama covers the student's expenses.
Not yet researched
Language Course Visa
Internship / Trainee Visa
Exchange Program Visa
3 routes
Work & Self-Employment
Digital nomad, freelance, skilled employment and company transfers.
Digital Nomad Visa
Panama Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa
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Created by Executive Decree 198 of 7 May 2021 for employees of foreign transnational companies or self-employed teleworkers whose work takes effect abroad, with foreign-source income of at least USD 36,000/year (USD 3,000/month). The visa is valid 9 months and extendable once for another 9 months (18 months total); it confers the right to work remotely from Panama without any further work permit, and foreign-source income is not taxed locally. Fees: USD 250 to the National Immigration Service plus USD 50 for the carné.
Government fee
$250
Service fee
$220
Processing time
60 days
Max stay
270 days
Validity
270 days
Min. income / month
$3,000
Document checklist (10)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled through a Panamanian lawyer; must state the name and nationality of the applicant's parents.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificateFrom country of origin or residence, apostilled/legalized.
Health certificateIssued by a licensed physician.
Sworn declaration of personal backgroundStandard SNM affidavit form, including commitment to cover repatriation costs.
Health insurance policyCoverage in Panamanian territory for the entire period of stay.
Proof of existence of the foreign companyCertificate of registration where the employer (or applicant's own company, if self-employed) is registered.
Employer letter (or notarized affidavit if self-employed)On letterhead: position, functions, remote modality, monthly income of at least USD 3,000 from foreign source, payment frequency; self-employed instead describe their client relationships under oath.
Proof of foreign-source incomeBank certification or authenticated foreign/local bank statements linking the income to the declared remote work.
Skilled Work Visa
Panama Work Residence Permit (10% Ordinary Personnel)
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Residence permit for foreigners hired by a Panamanian company within the legal quota of 10% of ordinary staff (15% for specialists/technicians and trusted employees), paired with a MITRADEL work permit under Executive Decree 4 of 2023. A 2-year provisional residence is granted, renewable/convertible to permanent residence under labor reasons while the employment continues; the worker must earn at least minimum wage and be registered with social security. Fees follow the standard scheme: USD 250 to the National Treasury plus USD 800 repatriation deposit.
Work: Work permit via MITRADEL included
Study: May study as legal resident
Residency after 2 years
Family: Dependents included
Government fee
$250
Service fee
$220
Processing time
120 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (9)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled through a Panamanian lawyer.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificate and health certificateApostilled criminal record; health certificate from a licensed physician.
Certified cheques B/.250 (Tesoro Nacional) and B/.800 (SNM)Application fee and repatriation deposit.
Notarized employment letterOn company letterhead, signed by the legal representative, stating position, salary and repatriation commitment.
Employer corporate documentsPublic Registry certificate and Aviso de Operación of the employing company.
CSS payroll evidenceCompany payroll showing the foreigner fits within the 10% ordinary-personnel quota.
MITRADEL work permit applicationCopy of the work-permit request filed with the Ministry of Labor.
Skilled Work Visa
Panama Professional Foreigner Residence Permit
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Residence route for foreigners of any nationality holding a university degree (bachelor's or higher, apostilled and recognized), provided their profession is not one reserved by law for Panamanian nationals. A 2-year provisional permit is granted, after which permanent residence can be requested; a separate MITRADEL work permit allows employment. Fees: USD 250 to the National Treasury plus USD 800 repatriation deposit.
Work: Work permit via MITRADEL included
Study: May study as legal resident
Residency after 2 years
Family: Dependents included
Government fee
$250
Service fee
$220
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (8)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled through a Panamanian lawyer.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificate and health certificateApostilled criminal record; health certificate from a licensed physician.
Certified cheques B/.250 (Tesoro Nacional) and B/.800 (SNM)Application fee and repatriation deposit.
University diplomaBachelor's degree or higher, apostilled/legalized; technical degrees in areas of national interest may qualify.
Credential evaluationRecognition/validation of the foreign degree (e.g. via Universidad de Panamá or Technological University) where required.
Proof the profession is not reservedThe declared profession must not be restricted to Panamanian nationals by the Constitution or law.
Not yet researched
Freelancer Visa
Self-Employment Visa
Startup / Entrepreneur Visa
Seasonal Work Visa
Intra-Company Transfer Visa
5 routes
Invest & Capital
Golden visas, real estate, citizenship by investment, passive income.
Golden Visa (Residence by Investment)
Panama Qualified Investor Permanent Residence
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Panama's golden-visa-style program (Executive Decree 722 of 2020) grants immediate permanent residence, processed on an expedited ~30-business-day track, for foreign-sourced investment of: USD 300,000 in lien-free real estate (threshold rises permanently to USD 500,000 on 15 October 2026 after the Decree 193/2024 extension), USD 500,000 in securities on the Panama stock exchange via a licensed broker, or a USD 750,000 fixed-term bank deposit. The investment must be held for 5 years or residence is cancelled; remote filing through a lawyer is allowed without first traveling to Panama. Fees: USD 5,000 to the National Treasury plus USD 5,000 repatriation deposit to the SNM, plus USD 2,000 investment increase per dependent.
Study: May study as legal resident
Residency: Permanent residence from grant
Family: Dependents included with fees
Government fee
$5,000
Processing time
45 days
Min. investment
$300,000
Document checklist (9)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationMay be executed remotely before a Panamanian consul or apostilled.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificateFrom country of origin or residence, apostilled/legalized.
Health certificateIssued by a licensed physician.
Proof of the qualifying investmentPublic Registry title (real estate), broker/custody certification (securities) or bank certification (USD 750,000 deposit), all lien-free.
Proof of foreign origin of fundsBank documentation showing the funds were transferred from abroad by the applicant or their wholly-owned entity.
Cheque for B/.5,000 to the National TreasuryApplication fee for the main applicant.
Cheque for B/.5,000 to the SNMRepatriation deposit.
Dependent documentsOptionalKinship certificates plus USD 2,000 additional investment per dependent.
Residence by Real Estate
Panama Self Economic Solvency Residence
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Residence for foreigners who invest at least USD 300,000 of foreign-sourced funds in Panama via lien-free titled real estate, a 3-year fixed-term bank deposit, or a combination of both reaching USD 300,000; USD 2,000 must be added per dependent. A 2-year provisional permit is issued first, after which the holder may opt for permanent residence. If only USD 300,000 of a more expensive property is paid in cash, the remainder may be financed with a local mortgage. Fees: USD 250 to the National Treasury plus USD 800 repatriation deposit.
Study: May study as legal resident
Residency after 2 years
Family: Dependents included
Government fee
$250
Validity
730 days
Min. investment
$300,000
Document checklist (10)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled through a Panamanian lawyer; must state the name and nationality of the applicant's parents.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificateFrom country of origin or residence, apostilled/legalized.
Health certificateIssued by a licensed physician.
Certified cheque B/.250 to Tesoro NacionalGovernment application fee.
Certified cheque B/.800 to Servicio Nacional de MigraciónRepatriation deposit.
Public Registry certificate of the propertyTitle in the applicant's personal name (or private-interest foundation/corporation with nominative shares) worth at least USD 300,000 and lien-free; or bank certification of the qualifying fixed deposit.
Proof of foreign origin of fundsEvidence the invested funds came from abroad.
Dependent documentsOptionalResponsibility letter, kinship proof, proof of domicile; over-18s add certificates of single status and full-time studies.
Non-Lucrative / Passive Income Visa
Panama Rentista Retirado (Private Income Retiree) Visa
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Temporary residence for foreigners living off passive income of at least USD 850/month generated exclusively by interest on a fixed-term deposit at Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros, unencumbered for at least 5 years (in practice a deposit of roughly USD 200,000-350,000 depending on rates). The permit is granted for 5 years and renewable for equal periods while the deposit is maintained, and holders may apply for a special Panamanian travel passport (which does not confer citizenship). Early withdrawal of the deposit before 5 years forfeits the Law 9/1987 incentives.
Study: May study as legal resident
Residency after 2 years
Family: Dependents included
Validity
1,825 days
Min. income / month
$850
Document checklist (9)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled through a Panamanian lawyer; must state the name and nationality of the applicant's parents.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificateFrom country of origin or residence, apostilled/legalized.
Health certificateIssued by a licensed physician.
Sworn declaration of personal backgroundStandard SNM affidavit form.
Bank certificationFrom Banco Nacional de Panamá or Caja de Ahorros stating deposit amount, interest generated (min. USD 850/month), term and that it is lien-free.
Authenticated copy of the fixed-term deposit certificateCertified by the issuing bank.
Dependent documentsOptionalFor dependents 18-25: responsibility/repatriation letter, kinship proof, proof of domicile, certificate of single status and full-time studies.
Business Investor Visa
Panama Reforestation Investor Visa
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Residence through investment in government-certified reforestation (typically teak) projects approved by the Ministry of Environment. Since the 2021 reform there are tiers: about USD 80,000 in a forestry project for temporary residence, USD 100,000 for a 2-year provisional permit convertible to permanent residence, and USD 350,000 for direct permanent residence. The investment must be maintained for at least 5 years, USD 2,000 is added per dependent, and citizenship can be sought after 5 years of permanent residence.
Study: May study as legal resident
Residency after 2 years
Family: Spouse and dependents included
Validity
730 days
Min. investment
$100,000
Document checklist (8)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled through a Panamanian lawyer.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificateFrom country of origin or residence, apostilled/legalized.
Health certificateIssued by a licensed physician.
Proof of forestry investmentTitle or contract evidencing the qualifying investment in a Ministry of Environment-certified reforestation project.
Certification of the forestry projectEvidence the project is registered/approved by the Ministry of Environment.
Proof of foreign origin of fundsBank evidence that investment funds came from abroad.
Business Investor Visa
Panama Macro-Enterprise Business Investor Permit
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For foreigners who invest at least USD 160,000 (per applicant) in the paid-in nominative share capital of a Panamanian company in which they are shareholder and officer, with the company employing at least 5 Panamanians at minimum wage registered with social security. A 2-year provisional permit (PPT-IME) is granted, after which the investor may opt for permanent residence; USD 2,000 is added per dependent. Fees: USD 250 to the National Treasury plus USD 800 repatriation deposit; funds must be transferred from abroad.
Work: May manage own invested company
Study: May study as legal resident
Residency after 2 years
Family: Dependents included
Government fee
$250
Validity
730 days
Min. investment
$160,000
Document checklist (10)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled through a Panamanian lawyer; must state the name and nationality of the applicant's parents.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificate and health certificateApostilled criminal record; health certificate from a licensed physician.
Certified cheques B/.250 (Tesoro Nacional) and B/.800 (SNM)Application fee and repatriation deposit.
Public Registry certificate of the companyShowing company name, the applicant as director/officer, minimum B/.160,000 capital and nominative shares.
Corporate secretary/treasurer certificationNotarized certification that shares of at least B/.160,000 are issued to the applicant, fully paid and released (not signed by the applicant).
CPA certification and notarized investor declarationCPA attests share ownership, payment and company activities; applicant declares invested amount, shares held and business activity before a notary.
Company tax return and CSS payrollIncome tax declaration with paz y salvo, plus CSS-authenticated payroll showing at least 5 Panamanian employees at legal minimum wage within the last 3 months, and current CSS paz y salvo.
Proof of investment (3 documents)Including mandatory bank certification of the foreign-origin transfer of the applicant's funds.
Not yet researched
Citizenship by Investment
1 route
Retire & Lifestyle
Retirement visas and working holiday schemes.
Retirement Visa
Panama Pensionado (Retiree) Permanent Residence
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Permanent residence for foreigners receiving a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000/month from a foreign government, international organization or private company; the threshold drops to USD 750/month if the applicant owns Panamanian property worth over USD 100,000, and spouses may combine pensions to reach USD 1,000. An extra USD 250/month is required per dependent. Residence is granted indefinitely in one step (no renewal needed), the permit is exempt from the usual SNM fees, and Law 6/1987 grants extensive discounts (medicines, restaurants, utilities, airfare); pensionados generally cannot later naturalize via this category alone but keep residence by visiting Panama every 2 years.
Study: May study as legal resident
Residency: Permanent residence from grant
Family: Spouse and dependents included
Government fee
$0
Processing time
135 days
Min. income / month
$1,000
Document checklist (10)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled through a Panamanian lawyer; must state the name and nationality of the applicant's parents.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificateFrom country of origin or residence, apostilled/legalized.
Health certificateIssued by a Panamanian doctor within 3 months of filing.
Sworn declaration of personal backgroundStandard SNM affidavit form.
Pension certificationProof of a lifetime pension of at least USD 1,000/month (or USD 750 with USD 100,000+ Panama property), duly apostilled.
Proof of additional solvency per dependentOptionalUSD 250/month per dependent, via additional pension or local bank reference.
Public Registry certificate of propertyOptionalOnly if using the reduced USD 750 pension option with USD 100,000+ real estate.
Private pension fund documentationOptionalIf pension is from a private company: letter from the administering pension/trust/insurance/bank entity, proof of the company's existence, and payment evidence or bank statement.
Not yet researched
Working Holiday Visa
2 routes
Family & Origin
Reunification, spouse routes and ancestry-based repatriation.
Family Reunification Visa
Panama Dependent of Permanent Resident Permit
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Family-reunification permit for spouses, children under 18 (or 18-25 if studying full-time and economically dependent), disabled relatives and dependent parents of a Panamanian national, permanent resident or 2-year provisional resident. The sponsor must prove solvency of at least USD 1,000/month plus USD 100 per dependent (tax return, work letter with social security record, or a bank reference of at least four medium figures). Granted as a provisional permit (PPT-7) leading to permanent residence; fees are USD 250 to the National Treasury plus an USD 800 repatriation deposit.
Government fee
$250
Service fee
$270
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (10)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled through a Panamanian lawyer; must state the name and nationality of the applicant's parents.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificate and health certificateApostilled criminal record; health certificate from a licensed physician.
Certified cheques B/.250 (Tesoro Nacional) and B/.800 (SNM)Application fee and repatriation deposit.
Notarized responsibility and repatriation letterSigned by the sponsoring resident or national.
Proof of kinshipMarriage certificate, birth certificate or judicial guardianship ruling as applicable.
Sponsor's residence documentNotarized copy of the provisional-resident carné, or cédula/permanent-resident card authenticated by the Civil Registry.
Proof of sponsor's economic solvencyTax return showing at least B/.1,000/month plus B/.100 per dependent, work letter with CSS record and work permit, or 4-medium-figure bank reference.
Student documents for dependents 18-25OptionalCertification of full-time regular studies and sworn declaration of single status.
Spouse / Partner Visa
Panama Married to a Panamanian Residence Permit
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For foreigners married to a Panamanian citizen who live together in a singular, stable and continuous union; the marriage must be registered in Panama's Civil Registry and couples undergo a marital interview (waivable if they have two Panamanian children in common). A 2-year provisional permit is granted first, after which permanent residence can be requested with a reduced file; spouses of Panamanians can also pursue naturalization on a shortened 3-year track. Government fee is USD 250 to the National Treasury (no USD 800 repatriation deposit for this category).
Government fee
$250
Service fee
$270
Processing time
135 days
Validity
730 days
Document checklist (10)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled through a Panamanian lawyer; must state the name and nationality of the applicant's parents.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificateFrom country of origin or residence, apostilled/legalized.
Health certificateIssued by a licensed physician within 3 months.
Certified cheque B/.250 to Tesoro NacionalGovernment application fee.
Marriage certificate from the Civil RegistryIssued within the last 6 months; foreign marriages must first be registered in Panama.
Spouse's birth certificate and cédulaBirth certificate from the Civil Registry and identity card copy authenticated by the Electoral Tribunal.
Notarized responsibility and repatriation letterSigned by the Panamanian spouse.
Proof of conjugal domicileLease contract, property title or utility bill evidencing the shared home.
Not yet researched
Dependent Relative Visa
Ancestry / Repatriation
2 routes
Special Categories
Talent, religious, humanitarian, media, official and permanent residence.
Long-Term Residence Permit
Panama Friendly Nations Visa
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Residence for nationals of ~50 'friendly' countries (US, Canada, UK, EU states, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, etc.) who establish economic or professional ties via one of three routes: a local employment contract with a MITRADEL work permit, titled real estate worth at least USD 200,000 (local bank financing allowed), or a lien-free 3-year fixed deposit of USD 200,000 in a Panamanian bank. Since Executive Decrees 197 and 226 of 2021 it is two-stage: a 2-year provisional residence (PPT-PE), then permanent residence on showing continued compliance; citizenship is possible after 5 years of residence. Fees: USD 250 to the National Treasury plus USD 800 repatriation deposit to the SNM; Italian citizens use the separate Panama-Italy treaty route instead.
Government fee
$250
Processing time
150 days
Validity
730 days
Min. investment
$200,000
Document checklist (10)
Notarized power of attorney and applicationFiled through a Panamanian lawyer; must state the name and nationality of the applicant's parents.
Three photographsRecent passport-size photos.
Certified passport copyNotarized or authenticated full copy of the passport.
Criminal record certificateFrom country of origin or residence, apostilled/legalized.
Health certificateIssued by a licensed physician.
Certified cheque B/.250 to Tesoro NacionalGovernment application fee.
Certified cheque B/.800 to Servicio Nacional de MigraciónRepatriation deposit.
Employment route: work letter and MITRADEL filingOptionalNotarized employer letter with position and salary, Public Registry certificate of the employer, Aviso de Operación, and copy of the work-permit application filed with MITRADEL.
Real estate route: Public Registry certificateOptionalTitle in the applicant's name (or own foundation/corporation) worth at least USD 200,000; bank financing permitted.
Deposit route: bank certificateOptionalGeneral-license Panamanian bank certifying a lien-free USD 200,000 fixed deposit with 3-year term.
Permanent Residence
Crisol de Razas (extraordinary migration regularization)
Not available
Periodic regularization fairs for irregular migrants (2010-2017) are no longer running as an open program; only legacy cases are processed.
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