If you are a freelancer, independent consultant, or digital entrepreneur looking for a destination that combines quality of life, stability, and tax advantages, Panama has a visa designed just for you. The Panama Digital Nomad Visa , officially known as the Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers, is one of the most attractive immigration options in Latin America for self-employed workers with foreign income.
In this guide, we explain who can apply, what documents you need, how much it costs, and how the process works step by step..
⚠️ Important note: This visa applies to two categories: employees working for foreign companies and self-employed or independent workers. |
1. What is the Digital Nomad Visa of Panama?
The Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers was created by Executive Decree No. 198 on May 7, 2021, issued by the Ministry of Public Security under the authority of the National Migration Service (SNM). It is part of the non-resident immigration category..
This immigration category was created in response to the rise of global remote work, recognizing that professionals from around the world can operate their businesses from anywhere with an internet connection. Once the visa is granted, its holder has the right to reside and work in modalidad remote within Panama without the need to process any additional permits before the MITRADEL or another state entity.
This visa is valid for 9 months, extendable only once for the same period..
Key fact: Panama applies a territorial taxation system. This means that income coming from abroad is not subject to Panamanian income tax, in both modalities..
2. Who can obtain the Digital Nomad Visa in Panama?
The Decree No. 198 includes two profiles of applicants:
2.1Employee of a foreign transnational company
Applies if you have an employment contract with a foreign transnational company, work in a telecommuting mode, and your functions take effect exclusively abroad.
The company must prove its existence and issue an official letter on letterhead signed by its legal representative, stating: position, duties, minimum monthly salary of B/.3,000 from a foreign source, and confirmation of the remote modality.
2.2 Independent contractor or freelancer
Applies if you provide services independently to clients abroad. You must have your own company registered overseas and document your business relationships through a sworn statement before a notary, including details of each client, services rendered, amounts, and payment frequency..
2.3Common conditions for both modalities
- Work in a telecommuting mode with effects exclusively abroad.
- Minimum annual income of B/.36,000 (equivalent to B/.3,000/month) from foreign sources.
- Having legally entered Panama before starting the process.
- To have a health insurance policy with coverage in Panama valid for the entire stay.
- Sign a sworn declaration of not accepting job or service offers in Panamanian territory.
- Restricted nationalities: obtain prior authorized visa before applying. En Legalys te asesoramos GRATIS
⚠️ Important: The visa does not include dependents (spouse or children). Each family member must manage their own immigration status. Contact Legalys to assess the options for your family group.
3. Required Documents for the Panama Digital Nomad Visa
A flawless document preparation is the difference between a resolution in 20 days and a delay of months. Below is the complete list according to Executive Decree No. 198.
Common documents (both modalities)
- Notarized power of attorney and application (the power of attorney must include the names and nationalities of the applicant's parents).
- Three (3) passport-sized photographs in formal attire.
- Copy of the passport duly certified (notarized or authenticated).
- Criminal Record Certificate.
- Health Certificate.
- Affidavit of Personal Background Form.
- Official application form with commitment to assume return expenses.
- Health insurance policy with coverage in Panama valid during the stay.
- Affidavit of Non-Acceptance of Job Offer in Panama.
- Payment of B/.250.00 in favor of the National Migration Service.
Specific documents — Mode A: Employee of a foreign company
- Certification or proof of the existence of the foreign company in its country of registration.
- Company letter on letterhead, signed by a legal representative, indicating: applicant's information, position and duties, minimum monthly salary of B/.3,000 from a foreign source, payment frequency, remote modality, and commitment to cover repatriation expenses.
- Proof of income: bank certification that verifies the funds come from abroad and are linked to the employment relationship, or bank statement with authentication stamps.
Specific documents — Mode B: Self-employed worker or freelancer
- Certification or proof of the own company registered abroad.
- Notarized affidavit that includes: full name of the applicant and each client, services rendered, amount earned for each service, source of funds, and frequency of payments.
- Proof of income: bank certification or account statement with authentication stamps that demonstrate the transfer of funds linked to the declared employment activity.
💡 Practical advice: All documents issued abroad must comply with Article 247 of the Executive Decree: apostille (if the country is a party to the Hague Convention) or authentication by the Panamanian consulate. Documents in a foreign language require an official translation into Spanish by a Certified Public Translator in Panama. Allow several weeks to manage these documents from abroad before your arrival..
4. The step-by-step process
Step 1 — Initial validation: Legalys reviews your profile (income, work modality, nationality) to confirm that you meet the requirements before starting any process. This consultation is free of charge..
Step 2 — Opening a file in ORBIS: Once your eligibility is confirmed, we create your file in our digital platform ORBIS. From here, you will be able to track each stage in real time..
Step 3 — Document Preparation: Our legal team prepares the notarized power of attorney, the official forms, and the personalized documentation checklist according to your specific situation.
Step 4 — Authentication and verification: We coordinate the authentication of all documents issued abroad in accordance with Panamanian immigration regulations (Art. 247).
Step 5 — Submission to the SNM: As your legal representative, we submit the complete file at the Special Procedures Window of the SNM. You do not have to attend any office..
Step 6 — Follow-up and resolution: We actively monitor the file and notify you of any additional requirements. The estimated resolution time is 20 to 30 business days..
Step 7 — Issuance of card: You receive your digital nomad card valid for 9 months, which can be extended once for the same period.
5. Benefits of the Digital Nomad Visa in Panama
- No double taxation: Panama's territorial tax system exempts local taxes on income generated outside the country.
- No additional work permit required: the visa already includes authorization to work remotely.
- Quality of life: access to modern infrastructure, tropical climate, connectivity, and a growing community of digital nomads.
- Renewable: you can extend the visa once for an additional 9 months by meeting the same requirements.
- Gateway: many nomads use this period to assess whether Panama is the place where they want to reside long-term.
6. How much does the Digital Nomad Visa cost in Panama?
At Legalys, there are no surprises: the price includes absolutely everything you need to obtain your visa.
Type of applicant | Main applicant |
Application fee | $1,450 |
Administrative expenses | $550 |
Summary of administrative expenses | All expenses are included in this fee: Notary fees for documents, processing fees and residency card before Migration, and $250 in checks to the National Migration Service. |
Total Cost: $2,000
They include full legal representation by a qualified Panamanian lawyer, preparation and review of the file, presentation before the SNM, and active case monitoring through our digital platform..
All rates include ITBMS.
💡 Note: Government expenses are subject to regulatory changes from the SNM. Professional fees are fixed and do not vary during the process. To obtain a detailed and personalized quote based on your profile, contact us and we will provide free advice..
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At Legalys, we have over 20 years of experience and a success rate of 99.9% in this type of process. Schedule a free consultation and start your journey towards permanent residency in Panama today..
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Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute direct legal advice. Panamanian immigration laws and regulations may change. Please consult your specific case with an attorney specialized in Panamanian immigration law..
Author: Legalys Editorial Team — A firm specialized in Immigration Law in Panama with over 10 years of experience and fully digitized processes for the best customer experience.
