Panama has successfully established itself as a leading nation in Latin America for numerous reasons, with its expanding economy and prime geographical location being particularly noteworthy. These factors have captured the interest of many foreigners looking for employment prospects. Nonetheless, if you are a citizen of United States and aspire to work legally in Panama, it is crucial to acquire a work permit.
The most advisable thing to do is to be up to date with all your legal documents, as this will facilitate any job search and save all kinds of inconveniences to the interested parties. Besides, contacting a trusted expert advisor for this type of cases is a wise decision, since lawyers, such as the professionals at Legal Solutions Panama, are more knowledgeable about the procedures to be carried out inside and outside the country.
For those interested in learning about the requirements for obtaining a work permit in Panama and all related processes, continue reading for detailed information.
Why is obtaining a work permit in Panama essential?
For any United States resident aiming to engage in paid work in Panama, whether as an employee or independently, it is crucial to possess a work permit. Being in legal compliance with the host country will enable you to advance professionally with this authorization, opening up new job opportunities.
Similarly, acquiring a work permit in Panama involves meeting specific criteria and adhering to the steps outlined by the relevant authorities.
What are the typical requirements for applying for a work permit in Panama?
To secure your permit to work legally in Panama, you must meet the following common requirements:
- Submission to the relevant authority
- Notarized power of attorney
- Application submitted via a lawyer
- Certification from the National Immigration Service indicating the applicant’s immigration status
- Copies of the passport pages showing the holder’s general information
- Copy of the processing card, whether provisional or permanent residence card issued by the National Immigration Service, or a copy of the permanent resident card authenticated by the Electoral Tribunal
What are the available work permit types for United States citizens in Panama?
Once you have decided to obtain your work authorization and want to start the process as soon as possible, we advise you to research the different types of permits that exist in Panama. Although there are many, as it depends on the needs of the applicant, here is a brief list that can serve as a guide:
- Qualified Investor Work Permit: This permit is available to foreigners who have applied for an Investor Visa, provided they meet the specified requirements. For an extension request, an income tax affidavit along with clearance from the DGI or evidence of payment for the 9 installments to the Social Security Fund is needed.
- Work Permit for Friendly Countries: This applies to foreigners with a residence permit under the Friendly Countries category or those in the process of obtaining it. Applicants must submit a sworn income tax statement with DGI clearance or proof of payment of the 9 installments to the Social Security Fund.
- Work Permit for Own Economic Solvency: This category is for foreigners who have applied for a visa based on their own economic solvency, allowing them to apply for a work permit given they meet the outlined conditions. For an extension request, the applicant is required to provide an income tax affidavit with DGI clearance or proof of payment for the 9 installments to the Caja de Seguro Social (Social Security).
- Work Permit for a Foreigner Married to a Panamanian: This is applicable for foreigners married to a Panamanian citizen. By applying for family reunification, they can seek a work permit. The applicant must fulfill the previously mentioned criteria, including obtaining a Marriage Certificate from the Electoral Tribunal issued no more than 3 months before applying and a copy of the Panamanian spouse’s ID card. Additionally, a matrimonial interview will be conducted by the Ministry of Labor and Labor Development and, in some cases, a home inspection may be carried out for necessary verification.
Legal Solutions Panama: Your Partner in Processing Your Work Permit
While it’s crucial to keep your legal documents updated and initiate the appropriate application for acquiring a work permit in Panama, seeking expert guidance on Panamanian laws can ensure the process remains straightforward, swift, and dependable throughout.
In all these scenarios, having the backing of professionals like the attorneys at Legal Solutions Panama is crucial, as their experience and expertise are well-recognized. To explore more about their services, feel free to visit here, where you can arrange a complimentary thirty-minute consultation with one of their experts.
