Central America
Panama Visa Guide
Dollarized economy, easy banking
Quick answer
Panama offers 12 visa categories spanning digital nomad, work, entrepreneur, retirement, and other routes. Digital nomads can choose between the Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa (9 months, renewable) [1] or the Digital Nomad Visa (9 months) [2]. Work routes include Domestic Workers [3], Foreign Personnel Hired by National Government [4], Foreign Press Correspondents [5], Itinerant/Eventual Workers — Artists [7], Marrakech Agreement Personnel [8], and Panama-Pacific Area Specialized Worker [10]. Entrepreneurs can apply for the Friendly Nations Visa, which leads to permanent residency after 2 years [6]. Retirees have the Pensionado Visa [11]. A Multiple-Entry Visa allows 90-day stays [9].
At a glance
Panama combines a dollarized economy, territorial taxation and the famously accessible Friendly Nations program, making it a favorite for entrepreneurs building a LatAm base.
Visa options in Panama (29)
Digital nomad / remote work
Tourist / short-stay
Work
Domestic Workers Visa
work
Foreign Personnel Hired by National Government / Autonomous Entities
work
Foreign Press Correspondents (int'l radio/TV/print, paid from abroad)
work
Itinerant/Eventual Workers — Artists Visa
work
Marrakech Agreement Personnel
work
Panama-Pacific Area Specialized Worker
work
Professional Employment Visa
work
Short Stay Business Visa
work
V-TET — Temporary/Technical Workers Visa
work
Retirement
Investor / entrepreneur
Friendly Nations Visa
2 years → permanent residency
Real Estate Economic Solvency Residency
entrepreneur
Reforestation Investor Visa
entrepreneur
Reforestation Visa
entrepreneur
Self-Economic Solvency Visa
up to 9 months
Short Stay Merchants/Investors Visa (special laws)
entrepreneur
Other visa types
Multiple-Entry Visa
90 days
Permanent Resident — Religious Leaders (Catholic/Orthodox and other denominations)
other
Short Stay Humanitarian Assistance Visa
other
Short Stay Medical Treatment Visa
other
Short Stay Researchers/Scientists Visa
9 months, renewable for another 9
Tourist Visa Extension / Change of Immigration Category
other
Am I eligible for anything here?
Panama's visa eligibility depends heavily on:
- Your nationality — some visas apply nationality-based exclusions or bilateral agreements
- Your income and financial situation
- How long you want to stay
- Whether you're bringing dependents
Embassies & consulates
Frequently asked questions
What are the digital nomad visa options in Panama?
Panama offers two digital nomad visas: the Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa, valid for 9 months and renewable [1], and the Digital Nomad Visa, also valid for 9 months [2]. Both are designed for remote workers.
Is there a visa for entrepreneurs or investors in Panama?
Yes, the Friendly Nations Visa is an entrepreneur route that grants a 2-year stay and can lead to permanent residency [6].
What visa options are available for retirees?
Panama offers the Pensionado (Retiree) Visa, which is a retirement route [11]. This visa is popular among retirees due to Panama's affordability and climate [12].
Can I visit Panama for a short stay without a long-term visa?
Yes, the Multiple-Entry Visa allows a stay of up to 90 days [9]. This is suitable for tourists or short-term visitors.
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Sources
One numbered entry per specific claim — several entries may point to the same underlying document, each with its own locator.
- [1]
Short-Stay Remote Worker Visa — Digital nomad route, 9 months, renewable
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [2]
Digital Nomad Visa — Digital nomad route, 9 months
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [3]
Domestic Workers Visa — Work route
Migracion Panama — Permisos Migratorios index [Verified (deep-linked)] · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [4]
Foreign Personnel Hired by National Government / Autonomous Entities — Work route
Migracion Panama — Permisos Migratorios index [Verified (deep-linked)] · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [5]
Foreign Press Correspondents (int'l radio/TV/print, paid from abroad) — Work route
Migracion Panama — Permisos Migratorios index [Verified (deep-linked)] · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [6]
Friendly Nations Visa — Entrepreneur route, 2 years → permanent residency
Migracion Panama [Verified (from earlier)] · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — official source - [7]
Itinerant/Eventual Workers — Artists Visa — Work route
Migracion Panama — Permisos Migratorios index [Verified (deep-linked)] · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [8]
Marrakech Agreement Personnel — Work route
Migracion Panama — Permisos Migratorios index [Verified (deep-linked)] · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [9]
Multiple-Entry Visa — Other route, 90 days
Primary source · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Cross-referenced - [10]
Panama-Pacific Area Specialized Worker — Work route
Migracion Panama — Permisos Migratorios index [Verified (deep-linked)] · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linked - [11]
Effective tax-rate estimate for foreign residents (~0%)
VisaBook internal estimate (soft-preference data) · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linkedVisaBook internal soft-preference estimate used by Search filters — not an official statistic.
- [12]
Affordability index and climate tags
VisaBook internal estimate (soft-preference data) · Last verified: Aug 15, 2026Verified — deep-linkedVisaBook internal soft-preference estimate used by Search filters — not an official statistic.
This page reflects Panama's officially published visa categories as of the dates above. It is not legal advice. For detailed, case-specific requirements for any visa listed here, see that visa's own page.