Student Permit

The price for applying for a Student Visa consists of the following expenses: (notary fees, registration fees, stamps, transaction fees, 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$1,001.00. Below is a breakdown of the price:

Expenses:

The total cost of the applicant's expenses is US$301.00. Breakdown below:

• National Migration Service expenses: US$241.00 (two hundred and forty-one US dollars).

• Transaction fees: US$60.00 (sixty US dollars).

Legal fees:

The total cost of the applicant's legal fees is US$700.00 (seven 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. 

The requirements to apply for a Student Visa are as follows:

1. Power of Attorney and Application (notarized). A legal representative is not required.

2. Three (3) passport-size photographs.

3. A certified copy of your passport (notarized or authorized).

4. Criminal record certificate (if of legal age). In cases where this type of document does not exist in the applicant's country of origin, the applicant must provide a certificate from a diplomatic or consular agent from their country of origin accredited in the Republic of Panama, confirming the non-existence of such a certificate in the applicant's country of origin.

5. Health certificate.

6. Certified check for two hundred and fifty balboas (B/250.00) payable to the National Treasury.

7. Affidavit of Personal Background form.

8. Letter of Admission from the Educational Center (preferably recently issued).

9. Receipt of tuition payment (original and copy) at the Study Center.

10. Certificate from the educational institution containing the following information:

• Applicant's general information.

• Duration of the course to be attended by the applicant.

• Shift attended and subjects or courses enrolled in according to the applicant's study plan.

NOTE: In the case of a university degree program that is taught exclusively in the evening, certification from the educational institution must be provided, attesting that the program is only offered in the evening.

11. Proof of financial solvency of the applicant or the person responsible for their financial support. Financial solvency will be verified by means of one of the following documents:

• Document proving that the student is the recipient of a scholarship.

• Proof of financing.

• Bank letter in favor of the applicant or the person responsible, indicating financial solvency consistent with the expenses that must be covered to cover the costs of studies and living expenses.

12. Letter of Responsibility (in the case of a third party responsible).

NOTE: If the applicant is a minor, the application must be submitted by the parents or the person who has custody and care of the minor, for which purpose, in addition to the requirements set forth in this article, the following other requirements must be met:

• Birth certificate of the minor.

• Copy of the valid identity card or migration card of the responsible person in Panama.

In the case of an extension of this permit, the above requirements must be submitted, with the exception of the criminal record certificate and the check. Additionally, the following must be provided:

• Official credits from the previous year (approved). This can only be requested if the course has been approved.

NOTE: This permit must be renewed annually and the holder may renew it up to 6 times.

The cost of a Student Visa will depend on the expenses required as part of the requirements that the applicant must submit. Added to this are the fees of the lawyers handling the case. However, it is important to mention that this permit does not require representation by a lawyer. 

A foreigner can study in Panama as long as they apply for a Student Permit. To do so, they must meet the requirements established by law. It is important to note that in order to apply for this visa, they must already be admitted and enrolled (i.e., proof of payment of tuition) at an educational institution in Panama, as well as provide a certificate from the educational institution containing the applicant's general information, as well as details of their degree program, schedule, and courses enrolled in according to the curriculum. 

An important aspect that will be requested is proof of financial solvency, which can be verified by presenting certain documents.

The processing time for a Student Visa depends on the government's response, which can take between three and twelve (3-12) months depending on the internal circumstances of the institution.