Residence permit for Experts or Technicians within the 15% category
in Panama
The Residence Permit as an Expert or Technician within the 15% category may be assessed for foreign nationals hired by a company in Panama within the permitted percentage for specialized personnel, provided that the applicable labor, immigration, salary and documentary requirements are met.
Eligibility will depend on the hiring company, the availability of the corresponding percentage, the position offered, the employment contract, the documentation submitted, compliance with salary requirements and approval by the competent authorities.
Any subsequent possibility of permanent residence must be reviewed according to the immigration category, the period of residence, the employment situation and the regulations in force at the time of filing the application.
FAQs Residence Permit for
Technicians within the 15%
Cost of applying for a residence permit as an expert or technician under the 15% category
The price for applying for a Residence Permit under the Expert or Technician category under 15% consists of the following expenses: (including notary fees, certifications, processing and residence card, multiple-entry visa, transportation and transaction expenses, health certificate, diploma certification) and legal fees.
The total cost of the application is US$2,234.00. Below is a breakdown of the price:
Expenses:
The total cost of the applicant's expenses is US$534.00. Breakdown below:
National Immigration Service expenses: US$329.00 (three hundred and twenty-nine US dollars).
Transaction fees: $60.00 (sixty US dollars).
Mitradel fees: $145.00 (one hundred forty-five US dollars).
Legal fees:
The total cost of legal fees for an applicant without dependents is US$ 1,700.00. Breakdown below:
Residence permit: US$ 1,300.00 (one thousand three hundred US dollars) for applicants without dependents.
Work permit: US$ 400.00 (four hundred US dollars) for applicants without dependents.
The total cost does not include the following payments:
Check payable to the National Treasury directly per applicant and dependent: US$ 250.00 (two hundred and fifty US dollars).
Check payable to the National Immigration Service per applicant and dependent: US$ 800.00 (eight hundred US dollars).
Requirements for applying for a residence permit under the expert or technician category under the 15% category
The requirements to apply for a visa under the Expert or Technician category under the 15% are as follows:
Power of attorney and application through a lawyer (notary public). This power of attorney and application must be requested in Panama and must be granted by the legal representative of the contracting company.
Three (3) passport-size photographs with the face uncovered of the professional or technician for whom the permit is being requested.
Complete copy of the passport certified by a Panamanian notary public. A copy accompanied by certification from the diplomatic representation accredited in the country or from the corresponding authority in the place of issue will also be valid.
Certificate of criminal record from the country of origin or residence. There are cases in which this type of document does not exist in the applicant's country of origin. In this case, the interested party must provide a certification from a diplomatic agent or consular agent from their country of origin accredited in the Republic of Panama. This certification must confirm the non-existence of such a certificate in the applicant's country of origin.
Health certificate issued by a qualified professional within three months prior to the submission of the application (we can help you with this).
Certified check for a total of B/250.00 payable to the National Treasury for the fees for the application for this immigration category.
Certified check for a total of B/800.00 payable to the Panamanian National Immigration Service as a repatriation deposit.
Affidavit form for personal background information.
Employment contract endorsed by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development in favor of the applicant.
Letter of employment on company letterhead or corporate paper, signed by the legal representative of the company. This document must contain:
Position to be held by the applicant.
Salary to be earned by the applicant.
Copy of the Notice of Operation of the company for which the applicant will work.
Simple copy of the certificate of validity of the company where the applicant will work, issued by the Public Registry.
Work permit.
Proof of affiliation with the Social Security Fund, with a copy of the card (for the first application).
National tax clearance certificate from the company that will employ the applicant.
Pay a total of B/.50.00 for the Migration Card.
In the case of dependents:
Letter of responsibility.
Proof of kinship.
Proof of address.
Those over 18 years of age must present a certificate of single status and certified studies.
What is required for a work permit?
To apply for a Work Permit in Panama, it is normally necessary to have an applicable immigration category, a valid residence permit or proof of an ongoing process before the National Immigration Service. Requirements may vary depending on the type of residence, labor category, employer, position and regulations in force.
Each case should be reviewed in advance to confirm immigration and labor viability, the necessary documentation and the requirements established by the competent authorities.
The basic or general requirements that apply in most cases are:
Power of attorney and application through a lawyer.
Certified copy of the resolution issued by the National Immigration Service (SNM) of Panama, granting the foreigner their Residence Permit in Panama (if they have one).
Certification issued by the SNM of Panama, stating the applicant's immigration status.
Notarized copy of the card issued by the SNM, stating the Permanent Residence Permit in favor of the applicant.
Four (4) passport-size photos with the applicant's name written on the back.
What is a work permit in Panama?
The Work Permit is an authorization issued by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development that allows a foreign national to work legally in Panama, provided that the applicable labor, immigration and documentary requirements are met.
How long does it take to obtain a work permit in Panama?
The processing timeline for a Work Permit in Panama may vary depending on the category requested, the documentation submitted, the administrative review, any additional information requests and the internal processing times of the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development.