BorderProofBorderProof
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur MissionFind A Visa Sign In
ExploreCompareCountriesJobsUS onlyInsightsOur Mission
Sign InFind A Visa
BorderProof

Discover the world's visas in one place.

Platform

  • Browse Visas
  • Match Finder
  • Compare Options
  • Global Insights
  • Our Mission
  • Contact Us

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Not Legal Advice
© 2026 BorderProof™. All rights reserved. Images by Unsplash/Picsum.
Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital)
VisasPanamaDigital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital)
PanamaPanama•North America
Open

Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital)

Digital Nomad Dependents Allowed Remote Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

1 month

Estimated Cost

$300 USD

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

9 to 18 months

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote work OK

Official Information

Overview

Short-stay non-resident visa for foreign remote workers earning USD 36,000+ from abroad; valid 9 months, extendable once to 18 months total.

Panama's Visa de Corta Estancia como Trabajador Remoto, created by Executive Decree 198 of May 7, 2021, is a non-resident short-stay visa for foreigners working remotely for non-Panamanian employers or as self-employed serving foreign clients. It does not lead to permanent residency.

Applicants must show foreign-source income of USD 36,000+/year (USD 3,000/month), Panama-valid health insurance, a clean criminal record, and either an employer letter or proof of a foreign-registered own business. Filed via a Panamanian attorney with notarized Power of Attorney; USD 250 government fee plus USD 50 carne. Valid 9 months, extendable once to 18 months max.

This visa is ideal for established remote employees and freelancers with stable foreign income who want to live in Panama medium-term without competing in the local job market, but not for those seeking permanent residency.

Cost Breakdown

Application fee$250 USD
Residence card issuance$50 USD
Total$300 USD

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant9 months
Extendable up to1.5 years

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Employed as operative of a foreign transnational company under teleworking modality, OR self-employed (trabajador autonomo)

Work must produce effects exclusively abroad (no effect on Panamanian labour market)

Minimum foreign-source annual income of USD 36,000 (or USD 3,000/month equivalent)

Sworn declaration of non-acceptance of work or services with Panamanian nationals, residents, tourists or companies

Valid health insurance covering Panamanian territory for the full stay

Clean criminal record (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

36,000 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Notarized power of attorney and application form (including parents' names and nationality)

Three (3) photographs

Notarized/authenticated copy of passport

Criminal background certificate (Certificado de Antecedentes Penales)

Health certificate (Certificado de Salud)

Sworn declaration of personal background form

Health insurance policy valid in Panama for the full stay

Certification of existence of the foreign employer (or own foreign-registered company for self-employed)

Employer letter on letterhead signed by legal representative stating role, monthly income (>= USD 3,000), payment frequency, foreign source of funds, and repatriation commitment

Sworn declaration of non-acceptance of work in Panama

Bank certification or foreign/local bank statement proving foreign-source income

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Legal authorisation to work remotely in Panama without an additional permit
  • Foreign-source income earned during the stay is not taxed in Panama
  • Accepts both foreign-employed and self-employed (autonomo) applicants
  • Renewable once for a total stay of up to 18 months
  • Government fees are low (USD 250 application + USD 50 carne)

Worth Knowing

  • Non-Resident category — does not lead to permanent residency or citizenship
  • Capped at 18 months total; cannot be extended a second time
  • Requires a Panamanian attorney via notarized Power of Attorney to file
  • Strict ban on accepting any work or services from Panamanian persons or companies
  • Foreign documents must be apostilled/legalised per Article 247 of the Decreto Ejecutivo
  • Annual foreign-source income below USD 36,000 (or USD 3,000/month)
  • Income sourced from Panamanian persons or companies
  • No valid health insurance covering Panama for the full stay

Application Process

1

Engage a Panamanian attorney (notarized Power of Attorney is mandatory)

2

Gather and notarize/authenticate required documents (passport copy, criminal record, health certificate, employer/business proof)

3

Have foreign-issued documents apostilled/legalised per Article 247 of the Decreto Ejecutivo

4

File application via attorney at Servicio Nacional de Migracion (SNM)

5

Pay USD 250 application fee to SNM and USD 50 for residence card upon approval

6

Apply for one-time 9-month extension before the initial 9-month period expires (if needed)

Verified Claims (6)

Last verified Jun 18, 2026
Application Steps
Engage a Panamanian attorney (notarized Power of Attorney is mandatory); Gather and notarize/authent…
migracion.gob.pa
Legal Reference
Decreto Ejecutivo No. 198 de 07 de mayo de 2021 (en el marco del Decreto Ley 3 de 2008 y Decreto Eje…
migracion.gob.pa
Official Info
https://www.migracion.gob.pa/wp-content/uploads/18.REQUISITOS-PARA-SOLICITAR-VISA-DE-CORTA-ESTANCIA-…
migracion.gob.pa
Max Total Years
2
migracion.gob.pa
Required Docs
Notarized power of attorney and application form (including parents' names and nationality); Three (…
migracion.gob.pa
Requirements
Employed as operative of a foreign transnational company under teleworking modality, OR self-employe…
migracion.gob.pa
Official Information

Ready to see if the Digital Nomad Visa (Visa de Nómada Digital) is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free trial.

Start Visa Discovery