Panama residency and work permit guidance

We guide you through your residency and work permit in Panama. We gather the documents with you, and an allied law firm files the application with Migración and MITRADEL.

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Authority: National Immigration Service (Migración) and MITRADEL
How it is filed: In person, through a lawyer; you sign the power of attorney wherever you are
Typical timeframe: Varies: each agency sets its own review times

Who it is for

Nationals of specific countriesWho want to live in Panama through employment, a real estate investment or a fixed-term deposit.
Foreign professionalsWho will work in Panama and need a MITRADEL work permit.
Companies in PanamaThat hire foreign staff and need their permits in order.

Problems we solve

You do not know which immigration permit fits your nationality and situation.
You have a job offer, but you do not know which documents Migración requires.
Your foreign documents are not apostilled or not in Spanish.
You want to include your spouse or children as dependents.
You live outside Panama and need to prepare the process before you travel.

Residency for nationals of specific countries (formerly "Friendly Nations")

Panama's National Immigration Service grants a provisional residence permit to nationals of specific countries. You can later apply for permanent residence.

The legal basis is Executive Decree 226 of 2021, together with Decree Law 3 of 2008. Before starting, we confirm that your country is on the current list.

Through a job offer. With a notarized employment letter, the employer's Public Registry details and its business notice (aviso de operación).
Through a real estate investment. With property worth at least B/.200,000.00, in your name or held by a company or foundation where you are the beneficial owner. Bank financing is allowed.
Through a fixed-term deposit. With at least B/.200,000.00 in a licensed bank, free of liens, for three years.

MITRADEL work permit

To work in Panama, a foreigner also needs a work permit from the Ministry of Labor (MITRADEL). There are several categories, depending on immigration status and profession.

For example, the work permit for foreign professionals is filed through a lawyer. According to MITRADEL, it is granted for two years and renewed for three.

How we work with our allied law firm

Tramita Todo is not a law firm. The application with Migración and MITRADEL is filed by an allied law firm acting as your attorney in fact.

We guide you, review and organize your documents, coordinate with the firm and report every step. You have a single point of contact.

Requirements

Notarized power of attorney and application, including your parents' names and nationality. Official source
Authenticated copy of your passport and three photos. Official source
Criminal record certificate and health certificate. Official source
Sworn statement of personal background. Official source
Documents for your chosen route: employment letter, property title or fixed-term deposit certificate. Official source
For dependents: letter of responsibility, proof of relationship and of income. Ages 18 to under 25 also need proof of full-time studies and a sworn statement of being single. Official source

Steps and timeframes

We review your case
We handle it

We confirm which permit fits your nationality, activity and family. We send you the document list.

1 to 2 business days
You gather the documents
You handle it

We tell you which ones must be apostilled or translated in your country.
We review and build the file
We handle it

We check each document before handing it to the allied law firm.
The allied firm files the application
We handle it

You sign the power of attorney and the law firm files with Migración or MITRADEL.
The agency decides
The authority handles it

We follow up and let you know when there is an answer or a request.

Varies by agency

Costs

Item	Amount
Certified check to the National Treasury (provisional permit, specific countries) Official source	B/.250.00
Certified check to the National Immigration Service (provisional permit, specific countries) Official source	B/.800.00
Allied law firm fees	Depends on the case
Apostilles and translations of foreign documents	Depends on the case
Tramita Todo fee	We will quote you

Official fees may change. We confirm current amounts and give you a full quote before starting.

What our service includes

Review of your case and of the permit that fits you.
Document list based on your nationality and route.
Review of the file before filing.
Coordination with the allied law firm.
Follow-up with the agency and updates at every step.

What it does not include

Official Migración and MITRADEL fees.
Allied law firm fees, quoted separately.
Apostilles and translations, quoted separately.
The agency's decision, which does not depend on us.

Who handles your case

Handling procedures before Panamanian authorities since 2008.
Certified public accountants on our team.
Our own office in Obarrio, Panama City.
We also serve clients who live outside Panama.

About us →

Frequently asked questions

What is the Friendly Nations program?

Migración now calls it the permit for nationals of specific countries. It is governed by Executive Decree 226 of 2021. It lets you live in Panama through employment, a real estate investment or a fixed-term deposit.

How much do I need to invest for specific countries residency?

According to Migración, at least B/.200,000.00 in real estate or in a three-year fixed-term deposit. The other route is a job offer in Panama.

Can I include my family?

Yes, as dependents. Migración asks for a letter of responsibility, proof of relationship and of income. Children aged 18 to under 25 must be full-time students and single.

Does residency allow me to work?

To work you also need a MITRADEL work permit. The category depends on your immigration status and profession. We tell you which one applies.

Does Tramita Todo file the application?

An allied law firm files it as your attorney in fact. We guide you, build the file and follow up until there is an answer.

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