Temporary Educational Permit
in Panama
The Temporary Educational Permit in Panama may be assessed for foreign students admitted to public or private educational institutions recognized by the competent authorities, provided that the applicable academic, immigration and documentary requirements are met.
The application will be subject to academic documentation, enrollment, financial solvency, administrative review and approval by the National Immigration Service. The duration and renewal of the permit will depend on the applicable regulations and compliance with the required conditions.
In certain cases, this permit may be processed without mandatory legal representation, although it is always advisable to review the requirements, required documentation and the applicant’s specific situation in advance.
FAQs Temporary Educational
Residence Permit
Cost of applying for a student visa
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.
Requirements for applying for a student visa
The requirements to apply for a Student Visa are as follows:
Power of Attorney and Application (notarized). A legal representative is not required.
Three (3) passport-size photographs.
A certified copy of your passport (notarized or authorized).
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.
Health certificate.
Certified check for two hundred and fifty balboas (B/250.00) payable to the National Treasury.
Affidavit of Personal Background form.
Letter of Admission from the Educational Center (preferably recently issued).
Receipt of tuition payment (original and copy) at the Study Center.
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.
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.
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.
How much does a student visa cost in Panama?
The cost of a Student Visa in Panama may vary depending on administrative expenses, required documentation, applicable procedures and, where applicable, professional fees. In certain cases, this permit may not require mandatory legal representation.
How can a foreigner study in Panama?
A foreign national may study in Panama if they meet the applicable immigration and academic requirements and submit the documentation required for the corresponding permit.
In general terms, it will be necessary to prove admission and enrollment in a recognized educational institution, provide the corresponding academic documentation and demonstrate financial solvency through documents accepted by the competent authority.
How long does it take to get a student visa?
The processing timeline for a Student Visa may vary depending on the documentation submitted, the administrative review, any additional information requests and the internal processing times of the National Immigration Service.