Panama Digital Nomad Visa
Panama's fastest and most accessible visa. Designed specifically for remote workers employed by companies outside Panama. It doesn't grant permanent residency, but it's ideal as a first step to get to know the country before committing to a long-term visa.
Key requirement
Remote income of $36,000/year from foreign companies
Min. income
$3,000 USD / month (provable)
Processing time
1 to 2 months
Renewal
Up to 9 months — renewable (not permanent residency)
Main requirements
- •Employment contract or employer letter confirming remote work for a foreign company
- •Or client letters if freelancing — with evidence of regular income
- •Proof of minimum income of $3,000 USD/month (bank statements, transfer records)
- •Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
- •Apostilled criminal background check from country of origin
- •Health insurance with coverage in Panama during stay
- •Passport photos and payment of government fees
What it includes
- ✓Faster process than any other category — 1 to 2 months
- ✓Lowest total cost (fees and professional fees)
- ✓Allows living legally in Panama for up to 9 months
- ✓Panama doesn't tax income earned outside the country
- ✓Great for testing the country before applying for permanent residency
- ✓Spouse and children can be included as dependents
- ✓Compatible with Friendly Nations afterward — doesn't burn that option
How to apply — step by step
- 1
Confirm you meet the requirements
Review the requirements above against your current documents. If you are unsure about your eligibility, consult a licensed immigration attorney before proceeding.
- 2
Gather your documents
You will need: valid passport with apostilled copies, apostilled criminal background check, apostilled birth certificate, proof of income or investment depending on the visa, and passport photos. Apostilles issued outside Panama must be authenticated.
- 3
Engage a licensed immigration attorney
Panama law requires the formal petition to be filed by a licensed attorney. Your attorney prepares the file, verifies it is complete, and submits the petition to the Servicio Nacional de Migración.
- 4
File with Immigration (Migración)
Your attorney submits the file. Depending on the visa, you may need to appear in person to sign declarations. Immigration issues a receipt of filing.
- 5
Receive your provisional ID (carnet)
While your file is reviewed — typically 3 to 9 months — you receive a provisional ID card that confirms your immigration status and allows you to live in and travel through Panama normally.
- 6
Receive your permanent resident card
Once approved, you receive your permanent resident ID. Depending on the visa type, you may also be eligible to apply for a Panama resident identity card (cédula de identidad).
This visa is probably not for you if…
- ✗You want permanent residency right away — this is temporary, not permanent
- ✗Your income comes from Panamanian clients — this visa requires income from abroad
- ✗You can't demonstrate $3,000/month in a regular, documented way
- ✗You want to stay more than 9 months without renewing — must leave or apply for another category
This information is for guidance only and is updated periodically. Legal requirements may change. Beyond Panama Relocation does not provide legal services — for your specific process, we connect you with qualified professionals.