On February 18, 2025, the National Immigration Service of Panama issued Resolution 4887, which introduces a new regulatory regime for the temporary stay permit in the country for expats with Permanent Staff Visa of Headquarters of Multinational Companies (SEM) and their dependents, whose employment contract has ended.
This regulation responds to the need to establish clear and specific procedures for the permanence of these workers in Panama, guaranteeing that the SEM companies and their collaborators have precise guidelines on their migratory situation once their labor relationship has finished.
Therefore, the new Resolution 4887 establishes that expats who have obtained a SEM Visa and their dependents may request a stay permit for up to six (6) months after termination.
To access this permit, the company must request it in the same letter of cancellation or withdrawal of the SEM visa, using the INFOSEM V.2 platform, within five (5) working days from the termination of the employment contract.
Requirements to Apply for the Stay Permit
To obtain this permit, granted by Resolution 4887, the company must submit the following documents to the National Immigration Service:
- Power of attorney of the legal representative and formal request addressed to the National Immigration Service.
- Copy of the applicant’s valid SEM Visa card.
- Letter from the SEM company, signed by the legal representative, including:
- General data of the applicant and his/her dependents, if applicable.
- Date of termination of the labor relationship.
- Request for cancellation or withdrawal of the visa.
- Period of stay requested (up to a maximum of six months).
- Certification of the request issued by the General Directorate of Multinational Companies Headquarters
The permit will have a cost of B/.100.00 for each card and will only be provided if the applicant’s SEM card has a minimum validity of six (6) months. If the card has a shorter validity, the stay will be granted until its expiration date.
Obligations of the Expats with Stay Permit
Under Resolution 4887, foreign workers with this permit must follow certain obligations at the end of the authorized period of stay:
- Leave the country within five (5) calendar days after the expiration of the permit.
- Or regularize their immigration status within the same period of five (5) calendar days if they wish to remain in Panama under a new immigration category.
If the foreign national decides to terminate the permit before the authorized period ends, they must return the valid ID card to the National Immigration Service and either leave the country or regularize their immigration status by formally initiating a new visa application within the established timeframe to avoid sanctions. Failure to comply with these provisions established in Resolution 4887 could result in fines or future immigration restrictions.
Subrogation of Resolution No. 21,479 of 2011
Resolution 4887 of 2025 repeals and replaces Resolution 21,479 of 2011, updating the administrative and migratory processes related to the temporary stay of expat workers with SEM Visa. With the new regulations, it also intends to reduce possible irregularities in the permanence of foreigners once the authorized period has ended, thus contributing to the strengthening of immigration control in the country.
Special Conditions of the Stay Permit
The stay permit issued under this Resolution 4887 is temporary and non-renewable, which means that it may not be extended beyond the maximum period of six months granted. If the foreign worker wishes to remain in Panama beyond this period, he/she must apply for a new migratory category before the expiration of his/her permit.
Do you Need Immigration Legal Assistance?
If you would like more information about the subrogation of Resolution 4887, please contact us. At Kraemer & Kraemer we have extensive experience in immigration law and a team of experts that will provide you with the best assistance you need.
You can also download Resolution 887 of 2025:
Resolution 4887 dated February 18, 2025
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