Short Stay Visa as a Remote Worker

Panama digital nomad visa (2026)

Panama offers a non-resident short stay visa for people employed by a foreign company or working for themselves remotely for clients abroad. It lasts nine months and can be extended once, and holders may not take work from people or companies in Panama.

Minimum income: US$36,000 per year (B/.36,000)
Length of stay: 9 months
Renewal: Can be extended once for another 9 months
Fee: US$250 paid to the National Migration Service (lawyer fees extra)
Processing time: Not stated on official sources

Do you earn enough?

Compare your income with this and 41 other remote-work visas.

Open the finder →

Who can apply

Nationals of countries on Panama's restricted list must first obtain an authorized visa.

Employed by a foreign company or self-employed with foreign clients
Income from foreign sources of at least B/.36,000 a year
International health insurance covering the stay
Clean criminal record
Already in Panama when the application is filed through a lawyer

Income requirement

You need to show at least US$36,000 per year (B/.36,000). Self-employed or contracted applicants need at least B/.36,000 a year from foreign sources; employees of a private foreign company need over US$3,000 a month paid from abroad.

Documents you need

Notarized power of attorney and lawyer's application
Certified passport copy and three passport photos
Apostilled or legalized criminal record certificate and a health certificate
International health insurance policy
Bank income certificate and recent bank statement showing transfers
Employer letter, or proof of the applicant's foreign company plus a sworn statement on clients and income

How to apply, step by step

Enter Panama (with an authorized visa if your nationality requires one)
Hire a Panamanian lawyer and gather apostilled documents
Lawyer files at the Special Procedures window of the National Migration Service
Pay the US$250 fee and wait for the decision

Cost and processing time

The fee is uS$250 paid to the National Migration Service (lawyer fees extra). Processing takes not stated on official sources. Budget extra for translations, certified copies and health insurance.

Tax

Official pages do not address tax. Tax residency usually starts after 183 days in the country, so check with a tax adviser.

Good to know

Applications must be filed by a lawyer, not by the applicant directly
Holders sign a sworn declaration not to accept local work

Visiting first?

116 passports can enter Panama visa-free for a short stay, a common way to try the country before applying. Check Panama visa requirements for your passport.

Official source

PROPANAMA – Visa para Nómadas Digitales

Not yet confirmed on an official source: processing time, tax. Check these with the consulate before you apply.

Panama digital nomad visa FAQ

What is the minimum income for the Panama digital nomad visa?

US$36,000 per year (B/.36,000). Self-employed or contracted applicants need at least B/.36,000 a year from foreign sources; employees of a private foreign company need over US$3,000 a month paid from abroad.

How long can I stay in Panama on a digital nomad visa?

9 months. Can be extended once for another 9 months.

How much does the Panama digital nomad visa cost?

US$250 paid to the National Migration Service (lawyer fees extra).

How long does the Panama digital nomad visa take?

Not stated on official sources.

Do I pay tax in Panama on a digital nomad visa?

Official pages do not address tax. Tax residency usually starts after 183 days in the country, so check with a tax adviser.

Who can apply for the Panama digital nomad visa?

Nationals of countries on Panama's restricted list must first obtain an authorized visa.