The Panamanian government established the Panama Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers in May 2021. This visa is valid for 9 months and can be renewed for another 9 months.
The Benefits of Working as a Digital Nomad in Panama
Working as a digital nomad in Panama on this visa for remote workers provides the following advantages:
- Low-cost visa application. In comparison to other nations that provide digital nomad visas, Panama has very low fees. The Visa Card costs $50 and the National Immigration Agency charges $250.
- Prolonged stay. The Panama digital nomad visa is valid for nine months and can be extended for an additional nine months.
- Tax-free. Panama does not tax remote workers earning income from sources outside of Panama. The Panamanian tax system employs territorial taxation, which means that digital nomads are not taxed on income earned outside of Panama. You can apply for tax residence after being in Panama for more than six months. You may be able to avoid paying taxes in your own country as a result.
- Excellent internet connection. Panama has an outstanding Internet infrastructure. Several undersea fiber optic cables connect the country to the rest of the world. Panama has an average Internet speed of 20.44 Mbps for mobile Internet and 137.38 Mbps for fixed Internet.
- Delicious food. Panama’s cuisine, like its natural environment, is rich and diverse. Panama’s food represents the country’s history: indigenous blended with Spanish, impacted by the entrance of the conquistadors in 1501, and topped off with Afro-Caribbean flavors. Guacho, Carimaola, Sancocho, Ceviche, Ropa Vieja, Tamal de Olla, and many other dishes are popular.
- Low living expenses. You can live comfortably for less money in Panama. The projected monthly costs for a family of four are $2,399.70 without rent, while the estimated monthly costs for a single person are $663.89 without rent.
How Do I Obtain a Panama Digital Nomad Visa?
To apply for a Panama digital nomad visa, you must first complete the following steps:
- Schedule an appointment with the Panamanian embassy or consulate. Applicants must first schedule an appointment with the Panamanian embassy or consulate. Depending on where you live, you may need to apply at an embassy in a neighboring nation.
- Gather the necessary documentation. The section “Requirements for Panama Digital Nomad Visa” contains a list of the required documents.
- Attend the appointment. You must physically fill out the application form and deliver the appropriate documents at the appointment.
- Pay the applicable fees. The Visa Card costs $50 and the National Immigration Agency charges $250.
- Await approval. You must wait for authorization. The entire procedure takes approximately thirty days.
Aside from these processes, depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Panama.
You should contact an embassy or consulate for further information on how to apply for a Panama digital nomad visa.
Nota bene: The Panama immigration office is currently developing an online portal to process digital nomad visa applications.
Panama Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
The following documents are necessary for remote workers to apply for a Panama digital nomad visa:
Completed application form. The application form is available at the Panamian embassy or consulate closest you.
- A valid passport. Panama requires a three-month passport validity from the date of entry.
- Certified passport copies
- Three passport-sized photographs. The photographs must be 2 by 2 inches in size (51 x 51 mm). From the bottom of the chin to the top of the head, the head must measure 1-1 3/8 inches (25-35 mm).
- Proof of Funds. You must have sufficient funds to maintain yourself once your visa expires in order to return home (authenticated bank statements).
A certificate of no criminal record. You can obtain a clean criminal record through your local police station.- Proof of valid medical insurance. To travel to Panama, digital nomads and remote professionals who live overseas must have health insurance. In Panama, medical insurance must provide coverage.
- A medical certificate. A certificate of good health is obtained at your country’s nearest hospital institution.
- Affidavit of refusal to accept any jobs in Panama. At your local courtroom, you can obtain an affidavit of non-acceptance of any job in Panama territory. This affidavit indicates that your work must be related to operations of a foreign company outside of Panama.
- Prove sufficient income. The annual income must be at least $36,000. Bank certifications and bank statements are necessary to establish sufficient income. Applicants working for a foreign company must submit:
- A statement signed by the company’s legal representative explaining:
- The applicant’s job and function in the organization (valid working contract)
- The applicant’s monthly income
- Work modality (how the work is done)
- Evidence of the company’s existence outside of Panama
- A sworn declaration containing the following:
- Their business operations
- The services they provide
- The characteristics of their clients
- Previous and expected revenue
Nota bene: All documents issued abroad or outside of the United States must be notarized and apostilled.
