Articles on: Americas

Panama — Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa: Everything you need to live and work remotely in Panama

Knowledge Base – QUESTRAVEL

By Víctor Pizarro, Co-founder of QUESTRAVEL

Why Panama?

Beyond the Canal and its skyline, Panama offers beaches on two oceans, a cosmopolitan capital with strong air connectivity, and a strategic position between North and South America. Since 2021, the country has welcomed remote professionals through a dedicated visa that lets you live legally in Panama while working for foreign employers or clients. (Icaza, González-Ruiz & Alemán)

What is Panama’s Digital Nomad visa?

Officially the Short-Stay Visa for Remote Workers (Visa de Corta Estancia como Trabajador Remoto). It authorizes foreigners to live in Panama while working online for non-Panamanian companies/clients. It does not permit local employment.

Initial stay: 9 months • Renewal: one time for an additional 9 months (max 18 months). (gacetaoficial.gob.pa)

Who manages and processes it

Applications are handled by the Servicio Nacional de Migración (SNM). Start on the SNM site and the specific “Remote Worker” requirements page:

Created by Executive Decree No. 198 of May 7, 2021, published in the Gaceta Oficial.

  • Decree 198/2021 (Official Gazette PDF): Que crea la Visa de Corta Estancia como Trabajador Remoto…. (gacetaoficial.gob.pa)
  • SNM – Decrees & Resolutions (2021 listing): shows Decree 198. (migracion.gob.pa)

Duration & renewals

  • Validity: 9 months from approval.
  • Renewal: one additional 9-month term (total 18 months). (gacetaoficial.gob.pa)

Main requirements (summary)

  • Remote work proof: employee of a foreign (transnational) company or self-employed (telework), performing functions whose effects occur abroad. (migracion.gob.pa)
  • Foreign-source income: ≥ US$36,000/year (US$3,000/month). (migracion.gob.pa)
  • Health insurance valid in Panama. (migracion.gob.pa)
  • Valid passport and clean police record (apostilled/legalized as applicable). (migracion.gob.pa)
  • Proof of accommodation and supporting bank statements/tax proofs (see SNM PDF). (migracion.gob.pa)

Step-by-step application

  1. Prepare documents (translate to Spanish if required; apostille/legalize). (migracion.gob.pa)
  2. Complete the official form and compile the dossier per SNM’s checklist. (See SNM “Permisos migratorios” → Remote Worker requirements.) (migracion.gob.pa)
  3. Pay the application fee: commonly US$250 (government fees per SNM guidance/industry summaries). Confirm at submission. (Dentons)
  4. File in Panama (can be submitted by a legal representative). (migracion.gob.pa)
  5. Processing time: typically 30–45 business days, then collect your temporary migration card. (Timelines vary; verify current SLAs.) (Citizen Remote)

Key advantages

  • Legal residence without relying on tourist visa runs (up to 18 months). (Dentons)
  • No Panamanian tax on foreign-source income under this status (confirm your personal tax situation with an adviser). (Inferred from decree intent and foreign-source requirement; check with a tax professional.) (gacetaoficial.gob.pa)
  • Family inclusion possible (dependents via the same route). (migracion.gob.pa)
  • Hub of the Americas: direct flights across the region and to Europe.
  • Flexible lifestyle—from Panama City to Bocas del Toro and Guna Yala (San Blas).


QUESTRAVEL experience

Our clients choose Panama for its connectivity and the balance between urban living and nature. The most common sticking point is documenting income clearly—SNM checks bank statements and contracts closely. We help you:

  • Validate eligibility and assemble a compliant dossier.
  • Coordinate translations/apostilles and local filings.
  • Keep your timeline tight so you can arrive with everything in order.

💡 Plan it with QUESTRAVEL: book a consult at fromquestravel.com and get a tailored checklist, document templates, and hands-on support for every step.

Updated on: 03/11/2025