Work Permits

Who it’s for

For the foreigner with residency in Panama who wants to carry out a work activity legally. For the Panamanian company that wants to hire foreign talent without exposing itself to MITRADEL fines. For the investor who wants to work in their own company in Panama. For the independent professional who wants to invoice their services legally.

Types of permit

• Temporary permits — temporary technicians, athletes, artists and nightlife entertainment workers. For specific roles for a set period.
• Permits assimilated to locals — for foreigners married to Panamanians, with 10+ years of residency, dependents of Panamanian citizens, or under the Treaty with Italy.
• Special-law permits — executives of the Colón Free Zone, EMMA multinational personnel, commercial aviation pilots, Panamá Pacífico, and dependents of migrant workers.
• Under state protection — for refugees, stateless persons, political asylees, trafficking victims and people with humanitarian grounds recognized by the Panamanian State.
• By investment or solvency — for qualified investors and foreigners who demonstrate economic solvency through investments or other recognized means.

General requirements

Valid passport. Valid migratory card according to residency category. Employment contract or documentation of self-employed activity. Employer payroll certification if applicable. Specific documentation according to the requested category. For professionals: degree recognized before the University of Panama.

Key fact

Panamanian law establishes that a maximum of 10% of a company’s payroll may be ordinary foreign personnel. For technical or specialized positions that cap rises to 15%. Companies with more than 20 workers must submit payroll certification notarized and signed by an authorized public accountant.

The process

1. Evaluation of the migratory and labor profile to determine the correct category.
2. Preparation of the complete file before MITRADEL.
3. Filing and follow-up until approval.
4. Post-approval guidance on the obligations of both worker and employer.

Your work permit in the right hands. We know the process, the requirements and the timelines.