The Government of the Republic of Panama has enacted Executive Decree 6 of 2025, introducing the Humanitarian Security Protection Permit, a new immigration regularization mechanism addressed to foreigners who have been in the country for at least one year, without formal documentation, and who wish to formalize their immigration status, allowing them access to rights and obligations within the Panamanian legal framework.
Decree 6 of 2025, valid for one year and renewable for the same period, is designed to provide legal stability for migrants in Panama. It allows them to stay compliant with tax obligations while gaining rights such as legal employment and the ability to apply for residency once they meet the necessary requirements.
Executive Decree No. 6, issued on March 11th, 2025, introduces changes to the conditions for certain permanent residency applications, particularly those based on employment or family ties. Applicants must now provide documents proving their immigration and work status in Panama.
Requirements and Process to Apply for the Permit
Individuals interested in applying for this permit under Decree 6 of 2025 must have a lawyer to represent them and submit the application, as well as comply with the following documentation:
- Registration in the updated Pre-Registro Único de Extranjería (RUEX) system.
- Complete copy of your passport, certified by a notary.
- Two passport size photos, with white or color background.
- Certificate of criminal record from the country of origin, with legal validity (authenticated or apostilled).
- Statement indicating the personal background, signed.
- Proof of address, such as notarized rental contract (with a copy of the landlord’s ID) and utility bill.
- Medical certificate from a health professional in Panama.
- When the applicant is a minor, a notarized power from the parents or legal guardian is required, along with a document proving the relationship or custody.
- Among other documents that apply depending on the case.
Once the required documentation has been submitted and the corresponding immigration fees have been paid, the National Immigration Service will proceed with the verification of the authenticity of the documents. If the applicant requires a work permit, his/her file will be evaluated by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development. In addition, the authorities may require an immigration interview before final approval and issuance of the permit, which will be valid for an initial period of one year.
Important note: In order to apply for this permit, no other immigration procedures must be in progress at the National Immigration Service. Additionally, this mechanism of Decree 6 of 2025 does not apply to all foreign nationals in Panama, so it is essential to review the requirements in detail.
Obligations of Expats with this Permit
The beneficiaries of Decree 6 of 2025 will be subject to the following obligations:
- Obey Panama’s migratory, labor and sanitary regulations.
- Regularize their tax status by fulfilling their payment obligations.
- Follow the social security requirements, including affiliation to the Social Security Fund (Caja de Seguro Social, CSS) if they work in the country.
Obtain the Legal Assistance You Need
Decree 6 of 2025 represents a legal alternative for certain expats to regularize their status in Panama, offering them stability and the possibility of obtaining long-term permanent residency
At Kraemer & Kraemer, we have a team of experts ready to advise companies and taxpayers on how to adapt to these regulatory changes. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
You can also download Executive Decree No. 6 of March 11, 2025:
Executive Decree No. 6 of March 11, 2025
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