Residence permits for workers of Multinational Company Headquarters in Panama
Permits linked to Multinational Company Headquarters (SEM) may be assessed for foreign workers hired by companies holding a SEM license in Panama, provided that the applicable immigration, labor and documentary requirements are met.
The SEM regime may include specific immigration conditions for certain foreign workers. Its application will depend on the type of position, the requested category, the documentation submitted, the SEM company certification and the review by the competent authorities.
In general terms, there may be different immigration categories linked to workers of SEM companies:
A. SEM Permanent Personnel Visa or Permit: may be assessed for foreign workers performing administrative, executive or specialized functions within a SEM company, according to the applicable regulations.
B. SEM Temporary Personnel Visa or Permit: may be assessed for foreign workers carrying out temporary activities within the SEM company, according to the terms and requirements established by the regulations in force.
C. Visa for special events (SEM): may be assessed for workers who need to enter Panama for specific events linked to a SEM company, when applicable according to their nationality and immigration regulations.
Types of Residence Permits as a SEM Worker
SEM permanent personnel visa or permit
This type of permit may be assessed for foreign workers who perform administrative, executive or specialized positions within a SEM company. Its duration, extension and conditions will depend on the applicable regulations, documentation submitted and approval by the competent authorities.
SEM temporary personnel visa or permit
This permit may be assessed for foreign personnel who will carry out a temporary activity within a SEM company. Its duration, extension and conditions will depend on the requested category, documentation submitted and review by the competent authorities.
Visa for special events (SEM)
This type of visa may be assessed for workers entering Panama for a specific event linked to a SEM company, when required according to their nationality, purpose of travel and applicable immigration regulations.
FAQs Permanent Residence Permit
with SEM Worker
Cost of applying for a permanent resident permit as an SEM worker
The price for applying for a Permanent Resident Permit as an SEM worker consists of the following expenses: (notary, registration, stamps, transaction, transportation, certificates, proof of kinship, SNM registration, etc., including processing card, residence card, and multiple-entry visa) and legal fees.
The total cost is US$1,565.00. Below is a breakdown of the price:
Expenses: US$365.00 (three hundred and sixty-five US dollars).
Legal fees: US$1,200.00 (one thousand two hundred US dollars).
The total cost does not include the payment of:
Certified check for US$250.00 (two hundred and fifty US dollars) payable to the National Treasury.
Requirements for applying for a permanent resident permit as an SEM worker — Multinational Company Headquarters
The requirements to apply for a Permanent Resident Permit as an SEM worker are as follows:
Power of attorney and application granted by the legal representative of the Multinational Company Headquarters (SEM) and by the foreign personnel to be hired.
Three (3) passport-size photographs of the permit applicant.
Copy of the applicant's passport (certified by a Panamanian notary or responsible authority; a copy of the entire passport is required).
Certificate of Criminal Record from the applicant's country of origin. It must not be more than three (3) months old at the time the documents are submitted. If it does not exist in the applicant's country of origin, a certification from a Diplomatic or Consular Agent of their country of origin accredited in the Republic of Panama must be submitted, attesting to the non-existence of such a document. If the applicant provides a Criminal Record Certificate from their country of residence, they must attach documentary evidence proving their residence in that country. All these documents must be apostilled. If the applicant has resided in Panama for more than two years and has not left the country for more than 30 consecutive days, they may submit a Criminal Record Certificate issued by the Judicial Investigation Directorate (DIJ) of the Republic of Panama.
Certificate of good health in Panama (we can help you obtain this).
Affidavit of the applicant's personal background, which will be provided by the National Immigration Service.
Letter of employment and responsibility from the SEM company, notarized and signed by the legal representative or person authorized for that purpose. The letter must include the following information:
Name of the employee and their personal details.
Position or role they will hold in the company (in Spanish).
Duration of the contract.
Assigned duties.
Salary to be earned.
Source of their salary, whether local or foreign.
Indicate the insurance to which the staff and dependents will belong, in which the company is responsible for repatriation if necessary.
Certification of medical insurance policy, collective or individual.
Certification issued by the Technical Secretariat of the Multinational Company Headquarters Licensing Commission, certifying:
That the applicant is covered by individual or collective medical insurance.
That the company is authorized under the special regime established in Law 41 of 2007.
A fee of B/250.00 must be paid to the National Treasury for the application for an immigration category. (subject to change)
What is the SEM visa in Panama?
The SEM Visa is an immigration category linked to foreign workers hired by companies that hold a Multinational Company Headquarters license in Panama, according to the applicable special regime.
The duration, extension and conditions of the visa will depend on the category requested, the documentation submitted and the regulations in force at the time of filing the application. In addition to permanent personnel, there may be temporary modalities for foreign workers who carry out technical, training or specific functions within a SEM company, always subject to the requirements and terms established by the applicable regulations.
In certain cases, a foreign worker under a SEM category may assess the inclusion of dependents or future immigration alternatives, provided that the applicable legal, documentary and administrative requirements are met.
Any change toward permanent residence, employment continuity or tax treatment must be analyzed on a case-by-case basis according to the immigration category, the employment relationship, the tax regulations and the applicable obligations.
What is the SEM law?
The so-called SEM Law in Panama is specifically Law 41 of August 24, 2007, which creates the Special Regime for the Establishment and Operation of Multinational Company Headquarters and the Multinational Company Headquarters Licensing Commission and enacts other provisions, promulgated through Official Gazette No. 25864.
The objective of this regime is to establish a special framework for certain multinational companies to operate regional or administrative headquarters in Panama, subject to licensing, legal requirements, institutional control and compliance with the applicable regulations.
This law regulates everything related to Multinational Company Headquarters Licenses that must be requested by companies interested in establishing themselves as SEM companies and obtaining the benefits granted by the Law to those who hold such a license. The Law itself even establishes an immigration regime and other special conditions for personnel.
What is an SEM company?
A SEM company is a company that has obtained a license as a Multinational Company Headquarters in Panama. To do so, the company must comply with the parameters and requirements established by the competent authority, which may include information on assets, operations, headquarters, commercial activity, corporate structure and other elements required by the corresponding Commission.
The body responsible for establishing the necessary requirements is the Multinational Company Headquarters Licensing Commission, which is attached to the Panamanian Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
How much does an SEM visa cost in Panama?
The cost of a SEM visa is divided into out-of-pocket expenses and the fees of the lawyers working on the case. The total cost varies depending on the situation of the applicant.