As part of Panama’s continued efforts to strengthen bilateral relations and promote international mobility, the Panamanian government established, through Executive Decree No. 181 of May 28, 2019, a special Temporary Stay Visa exclusively for citizens of the United States of America.
This visa was created for U.S. citizens who wish to remain in Panama for a defined period, without pursuing provisional or permanent residency. It is particularly useful for individuals who travel to Panama for purposes such as investment, employment, academic studies, or intra-corporate transfers.
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The Temporary Stay Visa is initially granted for one (1) year and may be renewed annually for a maximum of five (5) years. This system allows U.S. citizens to organize medium-term stays in Panama with the confidence of being in full compliance with local immigration laws.
This program is ideal for professionals who are temporarily assigned to work in Panama, entrepreneurs seeking to explore business opportunities in the region, students pursuing short- or medium-term academic programs, or individuals who simply wish to experience life in Panama without a long-term commitment. It provides a flexible, legal avenue to live and work in the country while maintaining strong ties with the United States and enjoying the rich cultural and natural diversity that Panama offers.
Dependents (spouse and children) may also be included in the Temporary Stay Visa application, if all required supporting documentation is submitted and immigration requirements are met. Each dependent must provide proof of relationship to the main applicant, such as marriage or birth certificates, and all documents must be properly legalized or apostilled.
Key Requirements
The following visa requirements must be met and submitted to the Immigration Office in order to apply:
- Temporary Stay Visa application form, completed and signed
- Three (3) recent passport-sized photographs
- Copy of a valid U.S. passport (with at least six months remaining validity)
- Proof of accommodation in Panama, such as a hotel booking confirmation or a signed lease agreement
- Supporting documentation depending on your activity in Panama:
- Students: Letter of acceptance from an accredited educational institution in Panama
- Employees: Valid employment contract or letter of employment from a Panamanian company
- Businesspersons: Proof of investment or company registration in Panama
- Proof of payment of USD $100 for immigration services
- If dependents are included in the Temporary Stay Visa application, a letter of responsibility signed by the main applicant must be submitted, along with civil status documents (marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates, etc.).
It is crucial to note that all foreign documents must be authenticated, either by apostille or consular legalization, depending on the country of origin. Additionally, any documents not in Spanish must be translated by an official public translator authorized in Panama.
Renewal Process
For visa renewals, all required documents listed above must be submitted again, except for the $100 immigration service fee, which only applies to initial applications. Renewal applicants must demonstrate continued compliance with the temporary visa conditions and provide updated documentation proving the reason for their stay.
How We Support You
As legal professionals specializing in immigration law and foreign relocation, we offer tailored step-by-step guidance throughout your application process, including support for obtaining or renewing a Temporary Stay Visa. Our services include document review, legal translations, representation before the Panamanian Immigration Office, and comprehensive case management.
Whether you’re moving to Panama for work, study, business, or lifestyle, our legal team ensures that your experience with the temporary visa application is smooth, compliant, and stress-free. We take care of the complexities so you can focus on your new chapter abroad.
If you’re a U.S. citizen considering temporary relocation to Panama, we invite you to contact our office to discuss your specific case. We will provide you with a detailed and personalized strategy that aligns with your goals and complies fully with Panamanian immigration law.
