Foreign professional
Reviewed by Hassim Patel Bhana, Managing Partner · Updated
This route is for university graduates whose profession is not reserved for Panamanians by the Constitution or by law. It requires a university degree — bachelor, master or doctorate — apostilled and recognised in Panama. It grants provisional residency for two years, then permanent residency.
Key points
- For university graduates whose profession is not reserved for Panamanians.
- A bachelor, master or doctorate all qualify.
- The degree must be apostilled and recognised in Panama.
- Some professions are reserved for Panamanians by the Constitution or by law and cannot use this route.
- It grants provisional residency for two years, then permanent residency.
- Each one must be apostilled, or legalised, in the country that issued it.
- Each one must be translated into Spanish by an authorised public translator in Panama, which the firm coordinates.
Frequently asked questions
Which professions are closed to foreigners?
Several are reserved for Panamanians by the Constitution or by law. Which ones apply to your degree is the first thing to check, and it is a question for the call.
Does my degree need to be recognised in Panama?
Yes, apostilled and recognised in Panama.
Does this include a work permit?
Residency and permission to work are separate applications. The checklist sets out what each one needs.
How long are my documents valid?
Six months from the date each document was issued, not from the date it was apostilled. That is why we ask you to request them close to filing rather than at the start of your planning.