Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa
Moving to Panama as a skilled professional comes with exciting opportunities, and obtaining the Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa is the first step toward working and living in the country legally.
This professional visa is designed for individuals with a university degree who want to establish themselves in Panama while pursuing career growth. With the right legal guidance from Kraemer & Kraemer immigration lawyers, along with proper documentation and an understanding of the application process, eligible professionals can secure a Panama work permit and eventually explore residency options.
Overview
The Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa allows university-educated foreign nationals to work and live in Panama without employer sponsorship. This visa grants a work permit that enables professionals to apply for jobs in approved fields without needing a pre-existing employment contract.
Unlike other Panama work visa options, this immigration program does not require a job offer before applying, and it covers both temporary residency and work authorization.
However, certain professions in Panama are reserved for citizens, so eligibility depends on the applicant’s field of work. Before starting the process, it is important to confirm whether the profession qualifies under Panamanian regulations.
Application Process for the Professional Foreign Work Visa
The application process for the Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa involves submitting the required documents and meeting the eligibility criteria established by Panamanian immigration laws. Applicants must guarantee that all paperwork is properly authenticated to avoid delays. Below are the key visa requirements and considerations for those applying for this program.
Eligibility Requirements & Documents Needed
To qualify for the Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa, applicants must meet with the specific visa requirements and submit the necessary documentation.
- Valid passport with copies of all stamped pages.
- Four passport-size photos (recent, with white background).
- The applicant’s profession must be on the list of permitted fields for foreign professionals.
- Authenticated and validated copy of your university diploma, along with academic transcripts and the study plan or curriculum. Additionally, provide proof of payment for the degree validation fee to the University of Panama.
- Proof of professional experience, if applicable.
- Background check certificate, issued within the last six months.
- Proof of financial solvency, such as a bank reference letter.
- Health certificate from a licensed doctor in Panama.
- Completed visa application form with official government stamps.
Each document must be properly apostilled or authenticated before submission. Missing or incomplete paperwork may result in processing delays.
Other Important Considerations Before Applying
Before applying for the Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa, applicants must verify whether their profession qualifies and be aware of the expected processing time.
Qualifying Professions
Panama has specific regulations on professions open to foreign nationals. Certain careers are reserved for Panamanian citizens by law, while others allow foreign professionals to submit a work permit application through the Panamanian immigration system.
Click the tab below to view professions that are not available to foreign applicants:
| Occupation | Regulation |
|---|---|
| Accounting | Law 57 of 1978 |
| Agricultural Botany | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Agricultural Chemistry | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Agricultural Economics/Agro-economics | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Agricultural Engineer | Executive Decree 257 of 1965 |
| Agricultural Sciences | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Agricultural Zoology | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Agronomy | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Agrostology | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Architectural Engineer | Executive Decree 257 of 1965 |
| Architecture | Law 15 of 1959 |
| Barbering and Cosmetology | Law 4 of 1956 |
| Chemical Engineer | Executive Decree 257 of 1965 |
| Chemistry | Law 45 of 2001 |
| Civil Engineer | Executive Decree 257 of 1965 |
| Construction Foreman | Law 53 of 1963 |
| Dendrology | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Dental Assistant | Law 21 of 1994 |
| Economics | Law 2 of 1981 |
| Electrical Engineer | Executive Decree 257 of 1965 |
| Geological Engineer | Executive Decree 257 of 1965 |
| Horticulture/Gardening | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Industrial Engineer | Executive Decree 257 of 1965 |
| Laboratory Technician | Law 74 of 1978 |
| Laboratory Technician | Decree 8 of 1967 |
| Law | Law 9 of 1984 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Executive Decree 257 of 1965 |
| Medical Assistant | Decree 32 of 1975 |
| Medical Radiology | Law 42 of 1980 |
| Medical Visitor | Law 24 of 1963 |
| Medicine | Executive Decree 196 of 1970 |
| Mining Engineer | Executive Decree 257 of 1965 |
| Nursing | Law 1 of 1954 |
| Nutrition | Decree 362 of 1962 |
| Odontology/Dentistry | Law 22 of 1956 |
| Pharmacy | Law 24 of 1963 |
| Physiotherapy | Law 47 of 1984 |
| Phytogenetics | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Phytopathology | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Psychology | Law 56 of 1975 |
| Security Agent | Law 56 of 2011 |
| Social Work | Law 17 of 1981 |
| Sociology | Law 1 of 1996 |
| Soil Science/Edaphology | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Speech Therapy and Similar | Law 34 of 1980 |
| Surveyor | Law 53 of 1963 |
| Veterinary Medicine | Law 3 of 1983 |
| Vocational Agricultural Education | Law 22 of 1961 |
| Zootechnics | Law 22 of 1961 |
If a profession does not appear in the reserved occupations list, it may qualify for the Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa, but verification through official Panamanian immigration sources or legal advisors specializing in work permit applications is recommended.
Processing Time
Approval times depend on government processing speeds, document authentication, and workload at the immigration office. Most visa applications take three to six months from submission to approval.
The degree validation process (equivalencia and homologación) may extend the timeline since the University of Panama must verify academic credentials. This step can take three to nine months, depending on how the university evaluates the applicant’s documents.
Submitting correctly certified paperwork helps avoid delays, and applicants should factor in processing times when planning their move. Once granted a Panama work permit, individuals must also consider how they will maintain their legal status in the country, whether by renewing their professional visa or applying for permanent residency if desired.
Can This Visa Lead to Permanent Residency?
Since this Panama visa grants both work and residency authorization, professionals may apply for permanent residency after holding it for two years, provided they meet the additional requirements.
To transition from a temporary resident to a permanent resident, applicants must:
- Maintain legal employment in Panama.
- Submit updated documentation, including proof of financial stability.
- Provide a clean criminal record certificate from Panama and their country of origin.
Once permanent residency is granted, individuals may remain in Panama indefinitely without renewing a work permit. However, certain residency statuses require applicants to demonstrate continued ties to the country, such as regular tax filings or physical presence.
For foreign nationals interested in obtaining Panamanian citizenship, the required period of permanent residency varies depending on the applicant’s profile. In most cases, individuals must have lived in the country for a specified period before applying for naturalization. Additionally, the process involves demonstrating integration into Panamanian society and meeting additional legal requirements.
Professionals considering long-term relocation should review immigration process regulations carefully to confirm compliance with visa requirements, residency renewal, and eligibility criteria.
Start Your Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa Application Today
Applying for the Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa includes submitting a work permit application along with properly verified documents. Missing paperwork or errors can lead to delays. Kraemer & Kraemer assists professionals throughout the process, guarateeing the visa application meets all legal requirements. Contact us today for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, employer sponsorship is not required for this visa. Professionals can apply independently if they meet the degree validation and professional eligibility requirements.
The initial work permit under the Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa is valid for two years. After this period, applicants can apply for permanent residency, which removes the need for future work permit renewals.
Yes, since the Panama Professional Foreign Work Visa is not tied to a specific employer, professionals may change jobs as long as they continue working in an approved field.
If the University of Panama does not recognize an applicant’s degree, they may need to submit additional documentation, undergo coursework, or obtain further certification to meet validation requirements.
Yes, dependents such as a spouse and children can be included, but additional documents are required, including a marriage certificate, birth certificates, and a bank reference letter showing financial solvency. Additionally, a separate fee applies for each dependent’s visa.