Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in the Panama. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Panama may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Attend conferences and trade shows
• Tour a company facility
• Develop business contacts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for the Panama?

EU, Canadian, US, and many other select nationals do not require a visa to enter Panama to conduct business activities for up to 180 days. If your nationality is not on the list of visa-waivered nationals, you must obtain a Tourist Visa prior to travel from a Panamanian Consulate or Embassy.

Business visitors that have a valid visa from the US, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, or an EU member state may also be visa-waivered for Panama to conduct business activities.

Working in Panama

What sorts of activities require a work visa?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Panamanian law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Panama, even if conducted for a short duration.

• Hands-on technical work
• Repairs and maintenance
• Project planning or implementation
• Marketing
• Auditing

If I am traveling to Panama for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The type of work visa required depends on your qualifications, salary, whether your employer has an entity in Panama, and the nature and duration of your work. The most common Panamanian work authorizations are the:

• Eventual Worker Visa (short-term work visa)
• Work & Temporary Residence Permit (long-term work permit)
• Friendly Nations Residency Permit (Permanent Residence and Work Permit for nationals on the Friendly-Nations List)
• Foreign Professionals Permit (highly-qualified work permit)

Engineering, architecture, law, medicine and accounting may only be performed by citizens of Panama.

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work visa requirements in Panama.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.