Are you a foreign professional with a university degree? Discover how to obtain residency in Panama and practice your profession legally. Requirements, benefits, and detailed steps.
What is the visa for foreign professionals in Panama?
- It is an immigration permit designed to allow foreigners with university, master’s, or doctoral degrees to reside and practice their profession in Panama.
- The profession must be legally permitted for foreigners and not be one of those reserved exclusively for Panamanians.
Program Objective
The Foreign Professional permit is designed to allow foreigners with a university degree, master’s degree, or doctorate to legally establish themselves in Panama and practice their profession, provided that it is not constitutionally or legally restricted to Panamanians.
This permit facilitates the incorporation of qualified foreign talent into the Panamanian labor market and represents a viable option for those seeking professional integration in the country.
Who can apply?
This permit is intended for foreigners with university or higher education who are interested in working in Panama in professions not reserved by law for Panamanian nationals.
Important: Some professions in Panama are limited exclusively to citizens by birth or naturalization (such as law, medicine, dentistry, architecture, among others). Applicants must verify that their profession is legally open to foreigners.
General Requirements
The applicant must submit the following documents to the National Immigration Service:
- Notarized power of attorney and application, indicating the name and nationality of the parents.
- Three (3) passport-sized photographs.
- Complete passport, authenticated or notarized.
- Current criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence.
- Health certificate issued in Panama.
- Certified check for B/.250.00 in the name of the National Treasury.
- Certified check for B/.800.00 in favor of the National Immigration Service.
- Personal Background Affidavit Form.
- University degree, master’s degree or doctorate, duly apostilled or authenticated:
- If the degree was issued in Panama, it must bear a seal that is a true copy of the original issued by the university.
- If the degree was obtained abroad, the corresponding homologation certificate must be provided.
Permanent Residence
Once the provisional permit is approved, the applicant may apply for permanent residence by submitting the required documents again, with the exception of the criminal record certificate and checks.
Advantages of this Permit
- Facilitates professional integration into the Panamanian market.
- Accepts foreign academic degrees with proper legalization.
- It can lead to permanent residence.
- Clear and straightforward legal process for professionals with academic support.
Are you a professional with a global vision? Panama awaits you. Begin your residency process and pursue your career in a legal and stable environment. Contact us for advice every step of the way.