Latin America
Panama immigration and visa guide
Panama offers the Friendly Nations Visa (Visa de Países Amigos), Short Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Digital Nomad), Qualified Investor Visa, and territorial tax system (0% foreign tax).
Servicio Nacional de Migración Panamá (SNM)
- Processing time
- 3 – 8 weeks
- Passport validity
- 6+ months
- Points-based system
- No
- Digital nomad friendly
- Yes
Visa options in Panama
Key requirements
- For Digital Nomad Visa: annual foreign income of at least $36,000 USD (~$3,000 USD/month) and remote contract with company abroad
- For Friendly Nations Visa: citizen of one of 50 designated friendly nations + labor contract with Panamanian company or real estate purchase ($200,000 USD)
- Apostilled police clearance certificate and local Panamanian lawyer representation
How to apply for a Panama visa: step by step
- 1
Preparation & Panamanian Legal Power of Attorney
Grant power of attorney to a licensed Panamanian immigration attorney and apostille documents.
1 - 2 weeks
- 2
SNM Lodgement & Provisional Carnet
Submit file at the National Migration Service in Panama City to receive provisional 6-month card.
1 - 2 weeks
- 3
Permanent Resident Resolution & E-Cedula
Receive formal resolution and collect permanent resident carnet (and Tribunal Electoral Cédula E).
2 - 4 months
Official government links
Frequently asked questions
How does Panama’s territorial taxation work?
Panama operates on a strict territorial tax system. Only income generated from commercial or professional activity physically conducted inside the borders of Panama is subject to Panamanian income tax; all foreign-earned income is 100% tax-free.
Find a licensed adviser
For advice on your own case, use a licensed immigration lawyer or adviser. Always check they are registered before you pay anyone. Imiatlas does not refer or review cases.
Look for a lawyer registered with the national bar association or law society in Panama. The official immigration website explains any rules on who may represent applicants.
Servicio Nacional de Migración Panamá (SNM)General information to help you research, not legal advice. Rules change often: always confirm with Servicio Nacional de Migración Panamá (SNM) on the official website before applying.