Remote-Worker Short-Stay Visa in Panama in 2026

Panama's Visa de Corta Estancia como Trabajador Remoto, created by Executive Decree 198 of 7 May 2021, is a non-resident short-stay visa. It is for employees of a foreign transnational company or independent teleworkers providing services that take effect outside Panama. It is not general permission to work for a Panamanian employer or serve local clients.

Income and duration

The official PROPANAMA guidance requires foreign-source income of at least B/.36,000 per year. The visa is valid for a maximum of 9 months, with one further 9-month extension. Government guidance says the application is made after entry into Panama through a legal representative at the National Migration Service; applicants with restricted nationalities should check entry-visa rules before travelling.

Evidence and work authorization

The application calls for passport, police clearance, medical certificate, health insurance, foreign income evidence, and an employer letter or evidence of the applicant's foreign business and client relationships. Once granted, it authorizes the specified foreign-facing remote work without a separate work permit for that remote activity. It does not create authorization for local professional services.

Settlement is a separate decision

A non-resident remote-work visa is not a direct permanent-residence pathway. Compare Friendly Nations residence if you have the required nationality and economic connection, or employer-sponsored residence if the work will be performed for a Panama-based employer. Immigration permission and tax residence are separate legal issues.

Verify before filing

Check the latest official requirements, exact visa category, documents, authorized economic activity and whether a separate MITRADEL permit is necessary. The editorial team has not obtained a licensed legal review of your individual case. See Panama immigration routes, our methodology, and the legal disclaimer.

Official source: Panama government — Remote-Worker Short-Stay Visa.

Official and supporting sources

Related routes in Panama