Remote worker visa
Reviewed by Hassim Patel Bhana, Managing Partner · Updated
The remote worker visa is for employees of foreign companies and self-employed professionals who work remotely for clients abroad. It requires foreign-source income of at least $36,000 a year. It is a visa for nine months, extendable once for nine more, and it needs no separate work permit.
Key points
- For employees of foreign companies and self-employed professionals working for clients abroad.
- Foreign-source income of at least $36,000 a year.
- The income must come from outside Panama.
- The visa runs for nine months and can be extended once for nine more.
- No work permit is needed for this route.
- It is a short-stay visa, not a path to permanent residency.
- Documents issued abroad are valid for six months from their issue date, not from the date of the apostille.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work for a Panamanian company on this visa?
No. The route is for income earned from clients or employers outside Panama.
How long can I stay?
Nine months, extendable once for nine more.
Does it lead to permanent residency?
No. It is a short-stay visa. If you want to settle, another route is the right conversation.
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.