Residence Permit for Foreign Staff at Headquarters of a Multinational Companies (Sem)

Find out how to apply as a foreign employee or technician for multinational companies. The SEM regime allows you to obtain permanent residency in Panama.

What is the SEM Visa in Panama?

• The SEM Visa (Multinational Enterprise Headquarters) is a residence permit for foreign professionals hired by multinational companies authorized under Law 41 of 2007.
• It allows legal residency in Panama for key personnel, technicians, and their families, providing legal security and immigration stability to global companies.

Objective of the SEM Regime

The Permanent Personnel Visa for Multinational Enterprise Headquarters (SEM) is designed to facilitate the legal residency of foreign professionals hired by multinational enterprises established in Panama under the special regime of Law 41 of 2007. This permit allows key personnel and their dependents to legally reside in Panama while providing services to said enterprises.

Who can apply?

This permit is intended for foreigners hired by SEM-licensed companies that provide regional or international services from Panama. Companies must be previously authorized by the SEM Licensing Commission, and applicants must hold permanent or technical positions. There are three main categories under the SEM regime:

1. SEM Permanent Personnel Visa

For employees with a stable contract at SEM.

General Requirements – SEM Permanent Staff Visa

1. Power of attorney signed by the legal representative of the SEM and the applicant.
2. Copy of passport certified by a notary or certified by the competent authority.
3. Criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence.
4. Health certificate issued by a qualified professional in Panama.
5. Affidavit of personal background.
6. Certification from the SEM Technical Secretariat that accredits:
   • Company license in force under Law 41.
   • Applicant’s medical insurance (individual or group).
7. Company letter of responsibility indicating position, duties, salary, and source of income.

Note: All foreign documentation must be duly apostilled or legalized.

2. Permanent Personnel Dependent Visa (SEM)

For spouses, children, parents and other dependents of the primary policyholder.

Applies to:

• Spouse or stable partner (minimum 5 years of cohabitation).
• Children up to 25 years old if they study regularly.
• Children with proven disabilities.
• Economically dependent parents.

Required documents:

1. Power of attorney signed by the legal representative of the SEM and the applicant.
2. Valid passport, duly authenticated.
3. Criminal record certificate.
4. Health certificate.
5. Affidavit of personal background.
6. Letter of financial solvency of the main owner (position, salary, source of income).
7. Proof of relationship: marriage certificate, birth certificate, or court order.
8. Letter of responsibility from the main owner.
9. For children of legal age:
   • Certification of studies.
   • Certification or sworn declaration of single status.
10. For stable couples:
    • Letter from the company certifying a minimum 5-year union.
    • Joint affidavit.
11. Temporary Staff Visa SEM

Aimed at technicians or trainers hired by SEM companies for periods of up to 3 months, which may be extended for another 3 months once.

Required documents:

1. Power of attorney signed by the legal representative and the foreigner.
2. Authenticated passport.
3. Valid SEM license of the company.
4. Company letter detailing:
   • Service contract.
   • Duration and type of technical work.
   • Fees and source of income.
5. Criminal record certificate.

Validity and Renewals

• The SEM visa can be renewed without limit, with a maximum validity of five (5) years per period.
• The extension request must be submitted 60 days before the expiration date.
• Penalties of up to B/.5,000.00 apply if the beneficiary remains in the country without working for the SEM. In this case, their visa will be canceled and their repatriation will be ordered.

Advantages of the SEM regime

• It allows international mobility of talent without immigration obstacles.
• It offers stability for workers and their families.
• Agile, recognized and legally supported regime.
• It encourages foreign investment and regional expansion from Panama.

Is your company ready to expand its talent? Apply for the SEM Visa with our legal and professional support.

Contact us and ensure a seamless onboarding for your global team.