Panama
February 2012
This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in Panama. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.
Overview
BUSINESS VISITOR
Permitted Activities - Business visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:
- Attending business meetings or discussions;
- Making sales calls to potential clients provided that the visitor represents a commercial entity outside of Panama;
- Attending seminars or "fact-finding" meetings.
Type of Business Visas - Certain nationals may enter Panama without need of a business visa (visa-exempt nationals). All other nationals will require a visitorvisa for commercial or professional visits.
Basic Requirements -
- Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment;
- Valid passport;
- Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to Panama;
- No intention to permanently reside in Panama;
- A ticket for onward travel from Panama;
- Proof of funds.
Estimated Processing Times - This varies by diplomatic post and country.
Maximum Time On Visa - This visa allows business people to make a short business visit to Panama for up to three months. Visas can be extended in country.
Typical Documents Required -
All travelers need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:
- a valid passport or other acceptable travel document and in some cases;
- a valid visa or authority to enter Panama.
EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION
Basic Requirements - There are multiple corporateimmigration categories in Panama, depending on the location of company, type of company, type of work and so on. One of the most common categories for temporary employment in Panama is the temporary visit visa for foreign executives. This is a category for employers to sponsor qualified skilled workers to work as intra-company transferees in Panama on a temporary basis. This visa is applicable for employees in a management position, who are paid at least USD$1000/month by the sending entity.
Process Overview - The process for obtaining a temporary visitor visaforforeign executivesinvolves a four-step process summarized below and is usually completed in-country:
- Registration (arrival as a business visitor, medical report and registration within 180 days of arrival);
- Temporary Visit Visa application - the visit visa takes four to six months to process, so in the interim, a 12 month temporary ID will be issued as evidence of legal status;
- Multiple Entry/Exit Visa (MEV) - Required if the employee needs to travel outside of Panama before the temporary visit visa has been issued;
- Carnet (residence permit card) application.
Estimated Processing Time - Four to six months before work can be commenced.
Validity periods - Temporary visitor visas are generally valid for up to 12 months and can be renewed for up to five times.
Family Members - Secondary/ family dependents can not work without separate work authorization.
