Jurisconsultas provides full Panama immigration services in English — residency visas, work permits, investor visas and tourist visas. We handle your entire case with Panama's National Immigration Service, from document preparation to approval. No travel required until your appointment.
Panama consistently ranks among the world's top destinations for expats, retirees and international investors. Its combination of political stability, a dollarized economy, modern infrastructure, low cost of living relative to North America and Europe, and one of the most accessible residency visa programs in Latin America makes it uniquely attractive.
Panama offers multiple pathways to legal residency — from the internationally recognized Friendly Nations Visa for citizens of over 50 countries, to the generous Pensionado Program for retirees, to investment-based residency options. Most applicants can qualify for at least one program.
Jurisconsultas has handled immigration cases for clients from the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America and beyond. Our attorneys are fully qualified before Panama's Supreme Court and work directly with the National Immigration Service to manage your case from start to finish — in English.
Residency gives you the legal right to reside in Panama and, with a work permit, to be employed by Panamanian companies.
Residents can open personal and business bank accounts at Panama's robust network of local and international banks.
Panama has excellent private healthcare and a Social Security system (CSS) that residents can access through employment.
Most residency categories lead to permanent residency and, eventually, Panamanian citizenship after the required periods.
Panama's territorial tax system means foreign-source income is not taxed in Panama — a major benefit for retirees and international earners.
Panama City is a 3-hour flight from Miami and a regional hub for Latin America — ideal for business travel and connectivity.
Panama offers multiple residency pathways. We evaluate your profile and recommend the best option based on your nationality, income, investment capacity and goals.
Available to citizens of over 50 countries with which Panama maintains friendly relations, including the USA, Canada, UK, Germany, France, Spain, Australia and most of Europe and Latin America. Requirements include economic ties to Panama — typically demonstrated through employment, a Panama Corporation or real estate ownership.
One of the world's most attractive retirement visas. Requires proof of a lifetime pension or retirement income of at least $1,000 USD per month from a government or private pension. Comes with exceptional discounts on healthcare, entertainment, travel and services across Panama.
For individuals who demonstrate economic solvency through a fixed-term deposit of at least $300,000 USD at a Panamanian bank, or through real estate investment of equivalent value. Leads to permanent residency with the option to combine investment types to reach the threshold.
For entrepreneurs who own and operate a Panamanian business. Requires demonstrating that the business has sufficient economic activity to support the applicant. Often combined with a Panama Corporation setup. One of the most flexible pathways for business owners and self-employed professionals.
For nationals of countries that require a stamped tourist visa to enter Panama for tourism purposes. We manage the complete application process including document preparation, consular appointment coordination and follow-up with Panama's consulate or immigration authority.
Required for foreigners employed by Panamanian companies. Panama's labor law requires that at least 90% of employees be Panamanian nationals — foreign workers fill the remaining positions. We manage the MITRADEL filing for work permits for qualified foreign professionals.
From initial consultation to visa approval, Jurisconsultas manages every step of your Panama immigration process — in English, with WhatsApp updates throughout.
We assess your profile, nationality and goals to recommend the best visa pathway for your situation.
We provide a complete, personalized list of required documents and guide you through obtaining and apostilling each one.
We prepare and review your complete application package, ensuring every document meets current immigration requirements.
We file your application with Panama's National Immigration Service and monitor its progress, responding to any requests promptly.
Upon approval you receive your residency card (cédula de identidad) — your official Panamanian ID as a permanent resident.
Important: You will typically need to be physically present in Panama for your biometrics appointment and card collection. We coordinate the timing so your visit to Panama is as brief and efficient as possible — most clients complete this in a single trip of a few days.
Panama's labor law establishes that a minimum of 90% of a company's workforce must be Panamanian nationals. Foreign workers can fill the remaining positions, but they must obtain a valid work permit (permiso de trabajo) issued by the Ministry of Labor (MITRADEL) before beginning employment.
Work permits are typically tied to a specific employer and must be renewed annually. Changing employers requires a new work permit application. For business owners and self-employed professionals, alternative residency pathways (Self-Economic Solvency or Friendly Nations Visa) may be more appropriate than a traditional work permit.
For employees of Panamanian companies within the 10% foreign worker quota. Filed by the employer with MITRADEL.
For specialized foreign professionals engaged for specific short-term projects where no qualified Panamanian worker is available.
Business owners can obtain work authorization through the Self-Economic Solvency visa, which allows operating their own Panama business.
Citizens of Friendly Nations countries can obtain residency that authorizes self-employment and business operations in Panama.
Common questions from our international clients about Panama residency and immigration.
Panama immigration services encompass a broad range of legal processes handled by qualified attorneys before Panama's National Immigration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración). From tourist visas to permanent residency to citizenship applications, each process has specific requirements, timelines and costs that vary by nationality and circumstance.
Working with an experienced Panama immigration attorney ensures that your application is complete, properly documented and filed correctly the first time — avoiding the delays and rejections that come from improperly prepared applications.
The Friendly Nations Visa is Panama's most popular residency program for foreigners. Available to citizens of countries with which Panama maintains friendly relations, it provides permanent residency without a minimum income requirement — making it accessible to working professionals, entrepreneurs and investors from the US, Canada, EU and beyond.
The Panama Pensionado Visa is widely regarded as one of the world's best retirement visas. With a minimum monthly pension of $1,000 USD, retirees receive permanent residency plus substantial discounts on healthcare, entertainment and services across Panama.
Panama offers multiple pathways to permanent residency designed for different profiles: retirees can use the Pensionado program, professionals and entrepreneurs the Friendly Nations Visa, investors the Economic Solvency program, and employees the work permit combined with a residency application. Our attorneys evaluate your specific profile to identify the fastest and most straightforward path.
Unlike many countries, Panama's residency programs are generally accessible without lengthy waiting periods or annual income requirements. The Friendly Nations Visa can lead to permanent residency in as little as 3–6 months — one of the fastest residency programs in Latin America.
Most Panama immigration attorneys operate exclusively in Spanish. Jurisconsultas provides full immigration legal services in English — case evaluation, document checklists, application preparation, filing and follow-up — all communicated directly in English via WhatsApp, email or video call.
Investors seeking Panama residency through investment can qualify through the Economic Solvency program ($300,000 USD in bank deposits or real estate), the Friendly Nations Visa through corporate ownership, or the Qualified Investor Visa for larger investment thresholds. We structure the investment alongside the immigration process for efficiency.
Contact us via WhatsApp. A Panama immigration attorney evaluates your case and tells you exactly which visa you qualify for.
Start My Immigration Case — WhatsAppFill out the form or write to us directly via WhatsApp. A qualified Panama immigration attorney will evaluate your case and respond immediately.
Tell us what you need and we will identify the best visa pathway for your profile.