Panama now offers a visa for young foreigners who want to experience the country and work temporarily during their stay. It was created by Executive Decree No. 21 of October 13, 2026, published in the Official Gazette on October 14, the date it took effect.
Its official name is the Short Stay Visa as a Tourist Participating in the Vacation and Work Program, known as the Working Holiday visa. It falls under the non-resident immigration category.
Who can apply?
- Applicants aged 18 to 30 at the time of filing.
- Nationals of countries with a bilateral agreement in force with Panama for this program.
The decree does not list participating countries. That depends on the agreements signed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so the first step is confirming whether your country has one in place.
What does it allow?
- Staying in Panama for up to 12 months.
- Working temporary jobs, once you obtain the corresponding permit from the Ministry of Labor (Mitradel).
Requirements
The application is filed in person at the Special Projects Office of Panama’s National Immigration Service, with:
- Passport copy certified by a Panamanian notary.
- Three passport-size photos.
- Apostilled birth certificate.
- Apostilled criminal background check from your home country.
- Certification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirming your participation in the program.
- Health insurance covering your entire stay.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself. The decree does not set a minimum amount.
What it does not allow
- No extensions beyond 12 months.
- No change of immigration status from this visa.
- No path to permanent residency or permanent employment.
- You must leave the country when the program ends.
Not the same as the Remote Worker Visa
The Remote Worker Visa (Executive Decree No. 198 of 2021) is for people working remotely for foreign companies with foreign-source income. The Working Holiday visa allows temporary work for employers in Panama, with a Mitradel permit.
How Gálvez Law & Financial Studio supports you
This visa involves several steps that need to line up: apostilles in your home country, the Foreign Affairs certification, the filing with Immigration and then the work permit with Mitradel. One document apostilled incorrectly or insurance that falls short of the full period can delay the whole process.
At Gálvez Law we confirm whether your country qualifies, prepare your complete file, handle the notarized copies and guide you through every stage until your work permit is issued. We also handle apostille services so your documents arrive ready.
Contact us to review your case.
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