Domestic Workers Visa

Panama Domestic Worker Visa

The Domestic Workers Visa is a work visa option in the Republic of Panama, designed for nationals or temporary or permanent residents who hire foreigners to work as domestic service workers. This visa has an initial duration of one year, extendable up to four times, as long as it is maintained with the same employer and the foreigner meets the requirements demanded by the National Migration Service.

As an expert immigration law firm, Legalia Panama makes available to you all the available options and the application process to obtain a permanent residence visa in Panama.

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What is the Domestic Workers Visa?

The Domestic Workers Visa allows nationals or residents of Panama to hire foreigners to work in domestic services. This leave has an initial duration of one year and can be extended up to four times, as long as the same employer is maintained and the necessary requirements are met.

Who can apply for this Visa?

Nationals or temporary or permanent residents of Panama who hire a foreigner to work in domestic services may apply for the domestic worker visa, based on Article 15 of the Decree Law. This visa is valid for one year, extendable up to four times, as long as the same employer is maintained and the worker meets the requirements of the National Migration Service.

Legal Basis

The main decrees and laws that regulate this process are detailed below:

The Political Constitution of the Republic of Panama is the supreme document that establishes the fundamental principles and norms of the State, guaranteeing rights and freedoms, and organizing the functioning of the government and its institutions.

Executive Decree No. 320 of August 8, 2008 establishes specific procedures and requirements for obtaining different categories of visas and residence permits in Panama, facilitating migration regulation.

Executive Decree No. 26 of March 2, 2009 introduces several significant modifications to Executive Decree No. 320 of August 8, 2008, which regulates migration rules and procedures in Panama. These modifications focus on updating and specifying the requirements for obtaining different categories of visas and residence permits, making the process clearer and more efficient. Among the most relevant changes are adjustments in documentary requirements, new categories of temporary and permanent visas, and the introduction of measures to ensure greater transparency and efficiency in the administration of immigration procedures.

Domestic Visa Application Process

The time it takes to obtain the Retiree or Pensioner Visa in Panama can vary depending on the complexity of the case and how quickly the required documents are submitted. In general, the estimated time to complete the procedure from the submission of the application to obtaining the indefinite residence card is approximately six months. This period includes the issuance of a provisional processing card for six months while all the necessary documentation is reviewed and processed.

Some important points to keep in mind during the application are:

  1. IMPORTANT: In accordance with the provisions of Executive Decree No. 320 of August 8, 2008, the period of stay in the national territory of a foreigner as a tourist is a maximum of 30 days, which may be extended, depending on the nationality of the foreigner.
  1. All foreigners must be previously registered in the Immigration Registration Section of the National Migration Service of the Republic of Panama, for which they must present the following requirements:
    • Two (2) passport-size photos
    • Copy of the passport’s general data page and the one containing the last entry stamp
    • Registration fee
    • Answer the registration questionnaire
  1. When the Immigrant Visa is approved, the foreign applicant receives a provisional residence card valid for one (1) year.
  1. All documents that are issued abroad must be duly apostilled or authenticated by the Embassy or Consulate of Panama in the country that issued them.
  1. All documents issued abroad in a language other than Spanish must be translated by an Official Sworn Translator, recognized by the Ministry of Government in Panama.
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Application Process

The National Migration Service shall issue tourist visas valid for a period not exceeding ninety (90) days, if the foreigners comply with the requirements of these regulations and without prejudice to the provisions of the international agreements ratified by the Republic of Panama and the principles of reciprocity.

  1. Power of attorney granted to the Attorney (Notariado) and Visa application.
  2. Three (3) updated 2×2 photographs (passport size) (front and without hats or veils).
  3. Copy of the Employee’s country of origin identity document or residence permit.
  4. Certified or Cashier’s Check issued by a local bank, on behalf of the employer, for the sum of five hundred dollars (US$500.00) per foreigner, in favor of the National Immigration Service, as a Guarantee Deposit.
  5. Certified or Cashier’s Check issued by a local bank, for the sum of one hundred dollars (US$100.00) in favor of the National Migration Service, for immigration service.
  6. Authenticated copy of the utility bill, stating the location of the address where the domestic service will be provided.
  7. Registration of Domestic Employers in the Social Security Fund
    • Original and one (1) copy of the Domestic Employer’s registration application
    • 3 copies of the employer’s ID card (if foreign, a valid passport)
    • 2 copies of the employee’s ID or passport.
    • One (1) SIPE contract, filled out and signed with the required and verifiable data of the employer
    In the event that the Domestic Employer is unable to attend or present the registration, make an authorization to the person who must present it to the Agency and the same must authorize the collection of the confidential SIPE envelope.
    The Domestic Registration and Employer Registration forms must be filled out in the WEB format of the CSS website and printed as it facilitates writing in the PDF. All Signature in BLUE ink.
  8. Proof of affiliation with the Social Security Fund of the foreigner
    • Duly signed application
    • Original and copy of the Passport
    In case the owner of the letter cannot come to pick it up, he must send a notarized letter authorizing the person who is going to make the withdrawal of it.
  9. Copy of the Social Security Fund card
  10. Letter of responsibility from the employer in which it is responsible for the foreigner it hires as a domestic worker and assumes the obligation to provide food, housing, health, education (if applicable) and other expenses in general, including the commitment to assume its repatriation if necessary. This letter must state the telephone numbers and address of the domicile where the person responsible can be reached.
  11. Employment Contract, Four (4) originals duly signed
  12. Copy of the ID card (authenticated by the Civil Registry) or residence card of the responsible party (notarized).
  13. Economic solvency of the person responsible (Choose one of the three (3):
    • Letter of employment with your file or proof of payment.
    • Income tax return with their respective Paz y Salvo.
    • Letter from a local bank.
  14. Health certificate.
  15. Police record (DULY APSTILLED).
  16. Copy of the complete passport (NOTARIZED).
  17. Domestic worker form.
  18. Affidavit on criminal record.

NOTE: ALL DOCUMENTS MUST BE NOTARIZED, CHECKS FOR ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS B/.100.00 MUST BE MADE PAYABLE TO THE NATIONAL TREASURY, AND THOSE FOR FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS B/.500.00 MADE PAYABLE TO THE NATIONAL MIGRATION SERVICE.

THE CARD HAS A COST OF FIFTY DOLLARS B/50.00 ONCE THE VISA IS APPROVED.

  • Gather Documentation: Complete all forms and gather the necessary documents.
  • Apply: The application must be submitted by a lawyer at the National Directorate of Migration.
  • Review and Approval: The Migration Directorate will review the application and issue an approval if all requirements are met.
  • Obtaining the Permit: Once approved, the permanent residence permit and identity card are issued.

Benefits of working with Legalia Panama

We specialize in immigration processes and offer personalized and professional advice to ensure a hassle-free experience.

We have a team of lawyers with extensive experience in immigration law and a thorough knowledge of Panamanian regulations.

Our commitment is to provide an efficient service tailored to the individual needs of each client, ensuring your peace of mind and success in the process of obtaining permanent residency in Panama.

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