Professional Foreigner Visa in Panama

Provisional Resident Permit as a Professional Alien

This permit allows foreign professionals with university degrees to practice their profession in Panama, as long as it is not reserved exclusively for Panamanian nationals. Initially, a provisional residence is granted for two years, after which permanent residence can be applied.

As an expert law firm in immigration law, Legalia Panama offers you comprehensive advice and accompaniment in the application process to obtain this Panama residency visa.

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What is the Visa for Foreign Professionals?

The Provisional Resident Permit as a Professional Alien is designed for foreign professionals who hold university degrees, allowing them to reside and work in Panama in professions not restricted to Panamanian nationals. This permit facilitates the integration of international talent into the Panamanian labor market, contributing to the economic and social development of the country.

Investment and Other Requirements

To apply for the Permanent Residence Permit as a Macro-Company Investor, the applicant must meet the following requirements:

Monetary Requirements:

  • Certified check for B/.250.00 in favor of the National Treasury.
  • Certified check for B/.800.00 in favor of the National Migration Service.
  • Power of attorney and application signed by the applicant, duly notarized.
  • Three (3) passport-size photographs.
  • Authenticated copy of the complete passport.
  • Certificate of criminal record from the country of origin or last residence, duly apostilled or legalized.
  • Health certificate issued by a Panamanian doctor.
  • Personal Background Affidavit Form.
  • Copy of the diploma or university degree (bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate), duly apostilled or authenticated.
  • Certification of homologation or revalidation of the university degree issued by the University of Panama or the Technological University of Panama, in the case of degrees obtained abroad.
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At Legalia Panama, we are committed to providing you with personalized and professional advice to ensure a hassle-free experience in your immigration process. Contact us for more information and to discuss your specific needs.

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Application Process

The application process for the Provisional Resident Permit as a Professional Foreigner involves the preparation and submission of the required documentation to the National Migration Service of Panama.

It is essential that the applicant meets all the established requirements, including the homologation or revalidation of their university degree if it was obtained abroad. Once the application has been submitted, provisional residence will be granted for two years, at the end of which permanent residence may be applied.

A professional foreigner may apply for this permit, as long as this profession is not limited by the Constitution of the Republic of Panama or by law to Panamanian nationals by birth or naturalization.

  1. Power of Attorney (notarized) and Request. The power of attorney must contain the name and nationality of the applicant’s parents.
  2. Three (3) photographs.
  3. Duly verified copy of the passport (Notarized or Authenticated corresponding).
  4. Criminal Record Certificate.
  5. Health Certificate.
  6. Certified Check for B/.250.00 in favor of the National Treasury.
  7. Certified Check for B/.800.00 in favor of the National Immigration Service.
  8. Personal Background Affidavit Form.
  9. Copy of the diploma or university degree, bachelor’s, master’s or doctorate duly apostilled or authenticated (if the diploma is Panamanian it must have the stamp of faithful copy of its original from the university).
  10. Foreign diploma must provide certification of recognition.
  • 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.

Legal Basis

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.

Decree-Law No. 3 of 22 February 2008 regulates Panama’s migration policy, establishing rules and procedures for the entry, stay and residence of foreigners in the country.

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.

Law 38 of 2000, in force in Panama, regulates the General Administrative Procedure and establishes the basis for interaction between citizens and the public administration. In the field of migration, this law guarantees that processes related to residence, including the Provisional Resident Permit as a Professional Foreigner, are carried out under principles of transparency, legality and due process.

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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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