Procedure guide · Immigration and citizenship
Panama Work Permit for Foreigners
Which work permit a foreigner needs to work in Panama based on their residency, which documents MITRADEL requires, how to apply and how long the card lasts.
- Authority
- Ministry of Labor (MITRADEL)
- Process
- Through a lawyer, online
- Card
- between 3 months and 1 year, depending on the type of permit
- Updated
On this page
In short
To work as an employee in Panama, a foreigner needs, in addition to residency, a work permit from the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (MITRADEL). The type of permit depends on your immigration status, and a Panamanian lawyer files the application online. If approved, you receive a digital card that proves your right to work.
Which permit applies to me?
- Permanent residents: a work permit as a permanent resident.
- Friendly Nations nationals with residency based on an employment contract (see Friendly Nations Visa).
- Spouses of Panamanians: a specific permit based on marriage.
- Foreign staff within the proportion the law allows each company (see hiring employees in Panama).
- Foreign professionals and staff under special regimes, such as the Colón Free Zone, with their own rules.
- Indefinite permit: possible after 10 or more years of residence in Panama.
Some residency options do not allow you to work in Panama: the Pensionado Visa and the remote worker visa do not include a work permit.
Requirements
- A residency that allows you to apply for the permit, proven with a certificate of your immigration status from the National Immigration Service.
- A copy of your resident card or foreigner ID card.
- A power of attorney and application in favor of a Panamanian lawyer, who files the application.
- The documents specific to your type of permit: employment contract, marriage certificate, professional degrees or others.
- Payment of the fees and stamp duties.
Required documents
Immigration status certificate
From the National Immigration Service
Resident card or foreigner ID card
Power of attorney and application through the lawyer
- Apostille or legalisation
Documents for your type of permit
Contract, marriage certificate, degrees…
Step by step
01
Check which permit applies to you
It depends on your residency, your family situation and the company hiring you.
02
Request the certificate of your immigration status
From the National Immigration Service.
03
Your lawyer files the application
Online, through the MITRADEL procedure on Panamá Digital, with the documents and fees.
04
MITRADEL decides
If it approves the permit, it issues a ministerial resolution.
05
Receive your work permit card
It is digital and lasts between 3 months and 1 year, depending on the type of permit. Renew it before it expires.
Costs
- Fees and stamp duties
- Depending on the type of permit
- Lawyer's fees
- Depends on the case
Frequently asked questions
Can I work with the Pensionado Visa?
No: it does not include a work permit. Investing in or holding a stake in a company is possible, but working as an employee in Panama requires another route.
Do I need a permit if I work remotely for a company abroad?
No, if you hold the remote worker visa and work only for companies or clients abroad. To work for a Panamanian company you do need a permit.
Can I practice my profession in Panama?
It depends on the profession: some are reserved for Panamanians and others require a license from the board that regulates them, after having your degree recognized.
Do I pay tax on my salary in Panama?
Yes: a salary for work done in Panama is Panamanian-source income. Your employer withholds income tax and Social Security Fund contributions (see territorial taxation).