Panama Digital Nomad Visa

Last updated: July 2026

Quick Facts

Duration: 9 months, extendable once for 9 more (18 months total)
Income Requirement: USD 36,000/year from foreign sources (employer letter must show at least USD 3,000/month)
Processing Time: ~30–45 business days (no official processing time published)
Apply From: Inside Panama, filed with the Servicio Nacional de Migración — a notarized power of attorney is required, so in practice a licensed Panamanian lawyer files for you
Application Fee: USD 250 (application) + USD 50 (immigration card/carné)

Requirements

1Employment contract with a foreign company (remote) OR self-employed/freelance work for foreign clients
2Work must take effect abroad; income foreign-source of at least USD 36,000/year
3Notarized power of attorney (lawyer files the application)
4Authenticated passport copy, 3 photos, criminal record certificate, health certificate
5Health insurance covering Panama for the whole stay
6Employees: letter from the foreign company (position, at least USD 3,000/month, remote modality, repatriation commitment)
7Self-employed: proof of your foreign company + notarized sworn declaration of client relationships and income
8Bank certification proving income comes from abroad
9Sworn declaration not to accept work in Panama

How to Apply

1Engage a Panamanian immigration lawyer and sign a notarized power of attorney
2Gather and apostille your foreign documents
3Enter Panama (tourist entry is standard practice)
4Lawyer files the application with the Servicio Nacional de Migración (USD 250)
5Receive the carné (USD 50); apply for the 9-month extension around month 8 if staying

Official Panama visa application site

Cost Breakdown

Item	Cost
Government filing fee	USD 250
Immigration card (carné)	USD 50
Attorney fee	~USD 800–2,000 (market estimate)
Apostilles/notarization	Varies
Health insurance	Varies

Living Costs

Panama City is Latin America's most developed capital with US-dollar pricing — expect USD 1,800–2,800/month. El Cangrejo and San Francisco are the expat/nomad hubs.

Panama City

Rent $700–$1,200/month for a 1-bed (El Cangrejo, San Francisco); coworking $150–$380/month; meals out $8–$15

Boquete

Rent $500–$900/month for a 1-bed in the highland expat town; limited coworking; meals out $6–$12

Bocas del Toro

Rent $500–$1,000/month; beach-town internet varies; meals out $7–$14

Tax Implications

Panama taxes territorially — foreign-source income is not taxed in Panama. The visa itself grants the right to work remotely from Panama with no additional permit.

Tax rules change frequently. Consult a qualified tax professional before making decisions based on this information.